The Ministry of Agriculture
released 99 small sharks into the wild in hopes of rebuilding at least one
of Thailand’s many endangered species.
Patcharapol Panrak
The Ministry of Agriculture released 99 small sharks into the wild
in hopes of rebuilding at least one of Thailand’s many endangered species.
Deputy Minister Siriwat Khajornprasan presided over the July 24 ceremony at
Samae San Beach with sponsors from the Fisheries Department, Navy SEAL unit,
Burapha University and the Love Wildlife Foundation.
About 200 in all participated in the event, which saw 99 bamboo sharks set
free in waters protected by the Royal Thai Navy. Bamboo sharks measure less
than a meter long when full grown, although project sponsors noted few
sharks in Thai waters ever reach maturity due to overfishing.
Fisheries Department Director Wimol Janthrarothai said Thailand’s waters are
home to 19 families and 63 species of sharks, all of which are endangered.
Some are harvested for the much-maligned sharkfin soup, while others are
taken as juveniles by Thais ranging from tourist boat crews to local
fishermen.
He said the project organizers “have confidence that when they sharks are
released they will be able to grow to breeding size” because they are being
set free in Navy-patrolled waters. He noted bamboo sharks are small and pose
no threat to humans. Most sleep during the day.
