Despite the alarming decline in shark populations in the Saya de Malha Bank, there is hope on the horizon. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these vulnerable species and preserve the delicate ecosystem of the seagrass meadow. Organizations like Monaco Explorations are working to raise awareness about the impact of overfishing and illegal practices on marine life in the Indian Ocean.
Education and enforcement of regulations are key to preventing further damage to the seafloor and the species that inhabit it. By cracking down on illegal fishing practices and promoting sustainable fishing methods, we can ensure the long-term health and biodiversity of the Saya de Malha Bank.
As consumers, we also play a role in protecting sharks and other marine species. By choosing sustainable seafood options and supporting responsible fishing practices, we can help reduce the demand for products that contribute to the decline of shark populations.
The future of the Saya de Malha Bank and its inhabitants depends on our collective efforts to preserve this unique ecosystem. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at the beauty and diversity of the Indian Ocean’s underwater world.
The Impact of Illegal Shark Finning in the Saya de Malha Bank
Sri Lankan vessels can have up to a dozen fishing buoys, each with its own unique identification signal, according to Sri Lankan fishing records. However, recent incidents have shed light on the illegal practices taking place in the Saya de Malha Bank, a rich marine ecosystem in the Indian Ocean.
One such incident involved the detention of the IMUL-A-0064 KMN, a Sri Lankan vessel, in August 2024. Authorities discovered over half a ton of oceanic white-tip shark carcasses aboard the vessel, all with their fins removed. Catching oceanic white-tip sharks is prohibited under Sri Lankan law, as is the removal of shark fins at sea. This was not an isolated case, as Sri Lankan authorities have seized illegally harvested shark fins on multiple occasions since January 2021.
While Taiwanese law prohibits shark finning, the practice still occurs. A study by the Environmental Justice Foundation revealed that half of the Taiwanese vessels surveyed between 2018 and 2020 engaged in shark finning. One of these vessels, the Ho Hsin Hsing No. 601, was penalized in May 2023 for carrying dried shark fins in its hold. The vessel had previously fished in the Saya de Malha Bank, further highlighting the transnational nature of illegal fishing activities.
The consequences of illegal shark finning extend beyond legal violations. The depletion of shark populations can disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems, leading to cascading effects on other species. As Ernest Hemingway once said, the extinction of species is like bankruptcy – gradual, then sudden. If we continue to deplete the Saya de Malha Bank of its shark populations, we may face irreversible consequences.
It is crucial for international cooperation and stricter enforcement of laws to combat illegal fishing practices in the Saya de Malha Bank and other marine ecosystems. The Outlaw Ocean Project, a non-profit journalism organization, continues to shed light on these issues and advocate for sustainable practices in the world’s oceans.
Written by Ian Urbina, Director of The Outlaw Ocean Project, with contributions from Outlaw Ocean Project staff.