Greenpeace Asks Cebu Officials to Help Protect Sharks

Officials of Greenpeace Southeast Asia have urged local government officials in Cebu to help protect sharks and stop the hunting of the marine predator.

Vince Cinches, Greenpeace oceans campaigner for Southeast Asia, said sharks are being hunted for Cebuano specialty dishes like “larang,” a hot stew uses, among others, shark and sea turtle meat.

Greenpeace reported that aside from the fish market in Pasil, shark meat is also sold in Dalaguete.

Cinches said these indicate weak or no enforcement of local and international laws.

He said a Cebu provincial ordinance prohibits the hunting of sharks and rays and the selling and distribution of their meat.

He also reminded local officials that the Philippines is a signatory to the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which protect sharks and rays, among others.

As of March 2013, eight species of sharks and all manta rays are listed in CITES.

Sharks play an important role in the ecosystem, preying on weak and unhealthy fish and helping prevent the spread of disease among fish populations.

Cinches said sharks are also important to the economy, especially in tourism.

Rep. Benhur Salimbangon (Cebu, fourth district), said the amended Fisheries Code carries heavy penalties against shark hunters.

“I appeal to the fisherfolk and commercial fishers to refrain from catching thresher sharks, which is now a tourist attraction for divers,” said Salimbangon, also chairman of the House committee on fisheries and aquatic resources. (PNA) CTB/EB/SSC