Sabah govt must urgently address accidental shark, ray catches, says conservationist

A group of baby sharks were sold in Sandakan Fish Market. -Photo: Brittany Chang

KOTA KINABALU: Addressing "accidental" shark and ray catches by fishermen should be a priority in the conservation management, says Marine Research Foundation executive director Dr Nicolas Pilcher.

"Given that sharks and rays play a crucial role in our ecosystems and economies, addressing accidental catch should be prioritised in a way that continues to ensure the livelihoods of fishermen are maintained, but also that these endangered species are protected," said Pilcher.