2 Hammerheads, A Bamboo And White Tips! All In Kata!

[MisterMan]

This was taken at the Kata Market today

and this is how it is at the stall on most days:

By at 2012-05-05

Edited May 5, 2012 by MisterMan

[MisterMan]

do you have the contact for Niphon at PMBC? Also I think should be circulated to Shark NGO. There are 2 fish venders and I buy sardines for my cat and the one lady does not have shark but sometimes does not have small fish but I wont buy from the shark lady and she asked me why but I just could not explain. One day my regular fish lady had shark.. I just told her today no.. She knows I wont buy but I can not explain in Thai why I wont buy! I am happy to pay myself to have some info translated as i have a good cheap translator I use for some things. Someone please help me help the enviromnet.

EVERY time I have gone the lady has baby white tips and more. Daily decimation. WHO THE FCK eats BABY SHARKS?

Do get those rays of course this is from trawling.. urg. I can only take so much. StevenNL Ideas? Please forward onwards! full permission to use my photos.. PM If you want copies.. etc.

[MisterMan]

Normally just a hand full of baby white tips that will never grow up and reproduce..

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Edited May 5, 2012 by MisterMan

[limbos]

Happens in most if not all seaport town markets around Thailand. I have similar pictures from markets on Koh Samui, where I live.

[NomadJoe]

I have never seen hammerheads in Thai waters or at a market here before. Has anyone else? These are scalloped hammerheads and they are endangered. http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/39385/0 This is outrageous and unacceptable. I will definitely be passing this info on to a few places.

I remember 10 years ago how diving around Phi Phi one would encounter numerous nurse sharks and bamboo sharks sleeping under rocks and outcroppings. Now it is very rare. One place you could always find them is on ice in front of the restaurants on Phi Phi. The blue spotted stingrays (Kuhls rays) I used to see in great numbers off Kata Beach are also gone. Quite often I would see them caught on a line and being collected later by fisherman. So sad.

.

Edited May 8, 2012 by NomadJoe

[limbos]

How about this, Laem Din market, Koh Samui, September 2005.

My wife is from Samui and she claims that she has seen hammerheads on a regular base over the years on Samui markets.

[NomadJoe]

That's pretty horrible.Those have been finned and the rest thrown out. A evil tradition that shark fin soup. I still see it for sale around Thailand, including Phuket.

[limbos]

Nomad Joe, they were finned alright, but actually sitting next to a lady who was about to turn them into a shark curry.

[MisterMan]

So how are they getting these babies that are usually under rocks and who the fck eats baby sharks? I grant full permission to use my photos!

[NomadJoe]

So how are they getting these babies that are usually under rocks and who the fck eats baby sharks? I grant full permission to use my photos!

As for the hammerheads they are likely killed though the practice of drag netting, a practice that is extremely destructive to our oceans. (We often see these nets entangling our favorite local dive sites.) Some sharks, like hammerheads, are obligate ram breathers i.e. they must remain swimming or they will "drown". Pups are born live 12-40 to a litter and huddle together after birth for some time. This means that if you see one or two pups for sale at market, their siblings likely met the same demise.

Other sharks, like the bamboo and nurse along with most others, can breath via baccal pumping, i.e. they have the ability to force water through their gills without swimming. Thus during the day we see these sharks resting under rocks and outcroppings as they are nocturnal hunters. When they come out to hunt at night it can make them susceptible to fishing activities. I have a different theory. After the bamboo and nurses disappeared from Phi Phi, I surmised that an enterprising Thai divemaster, once learning the regular spots which the sharks could be found, sometimes 2 or 3 to a hole, decided to cash in. They are so docile you could literally swim up to them and grab them.

This thread, IMO, belongs in the Phuket forum. It is not related to diving other than divers probably having a greater interest than most.

Edited May 9, 2012 by NomadJoe

[limbos]

Can you explain why this would have to be in the Phuket forum, these practices and caught sharks can be found all over Thai markets that are located near oceans and I contributed pictures from Koh Samui and can produce a few more if needed.

If it would be moved at all, I would suggest the general forum rather than a specific 'location' forum.

[NomadJoe]

Can you explain why this would have to be in the Phuket forum, these practices and caught sharks can be found all over Thai markets that are located near oceans and I contributed pictures from Koh Samui and can produce a few more if needed.

If it would be moved at all, I would suggest the general forum rather than a specific 'location' forum.

General is fine too. My point really was that it didn't really deserve to be in teh diving section which gets very few visitors. If the goal is to get people involved locally that live in proximity to where this very recent picture was taken then the local forum is more likely to do that IMHO. I rarely visit the general forum. You could always start another thread in the Samui forum.

Edited May 10, 2012 by NomadJoe

[phomsanuk]

Nothing like fresh fish

[stevenl]

I have a different theory. After the bamboo and nurses disappeared from Phi Phi, I surmised that an enterprising Thai divemaster, once learning the regular spots which the sharks could be found, sometimes 2 or 3 to a hole, decided to cash in. They are so docile you could literally swim up to them and grab them.

I am convinced the same thing is happening on occasion to e.g. seahorses, except that they go to aquariums.

[NomadJoe]

I have a different theory. After the bamboo and nurses disappeared from Phi Phi, I surmised that an enterprising Thai divemaster, once learning the regular spots which the sharks could be found, sometimes 2 or 3 to a hole, decided to cash in. They are so docile you could literally swim up to them and grab them.

I am convinced the same thing is happening on occasion to e.g. seahorses, except that they go to aquariums.

Yes I have thought the same, but instead of aquariums, sold on the black market. (perhaps that is what you meant) There has been more than one incident of this kind of smuggling of tropical reef fish which originated from the waters around Phuket. Remember last year the poacher that crashed into and killed a motorcyclist? He had 30 seahorses! No way to collect that many without inside help. (Story at PW, couldn't find it at PG)

2010: http://www.phuketgaz...=fish smuggling

2009: http://www.phuketgaz...marine species.

1999:http://www.phuketgaz...marine species.

"Mr Paitoon (of PMBC) said there are still 28 fishing boats operating illegally in the waters off Phuket collecting aquarium fish and transporting them to Bangkok, where there is still high demand for them by aquarium supply stores."

I sent out a few emails but have nothing back yet. Will probably try to make some calls. I would like to know what the official position is on these hammerheads. Just because they are seen at markets all around Thailand doesn't make it right or mean it's legal.

Edited May 10, 2012 by NomadJoe

[khun_j]

outrageous

i would have loved to see one of them alive under water

thanks for reporting this!

[MisterMan]

I posted in diving where people have a passion for the environment. Hopefully will make it into one of the local rags too.

Yesterday was a baby blue spotted sting ray. So obvious from trolling. If you have some info in English I will happy pay out of pocket to have it translated and distribute it. I have a great cheap educated translator in BKK but again the issue is not the lady at the market selling.. (but who the frick buys baby sharks?) but the fisherman.... urg.

and the fishing practice. how to stop this rape? Nomad nice to see you .on the forum and appreciate the support .

[limbos]

Baby black tips at the Plai Laem market on Koh Samui, near the Seatran pier in Bang Rak, April 2011. This market has some unusual species for sale at times.

[MisterMan]

Good news as I have just received word from the local press that the story and photos are generating some interest with a large ORG. And the Phuket News did run a story on it too. have just sent the ORG the Samui photo too.

Edited May 29, 2012 by MisterMan

[NomadJoe]

Where to report the illegal sale of baby hammerhead sharks

Baby scalloped hammerhead sharks were recently discovered at the Kata fish market. These sharks are an endangered species.

Are there laws protecting these sharks in Thailand? If so, to whom can we report it?

Nomad Joe , Kata Beach

Thursday, June 28, 2012 10:47:12 AM

“According to Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment notification in 2010 scalloped hammerhead sharks are on a protected species list. It clearly states that fishing for, or possessing a protected species of fish is illegal. Next week, I will send the officers to inspect fish markets around the Kata area and will report the results back to the Gazette.

If you happen to see anyone who catches, keeps or tries to sell any protected marine animals, please report it to our office or the nearest police station. We can be contacted Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm at any of the following numbers: 081-537 0047, 081-173 1146, 076-39 3566.”

Paitoon Panchaiyaphum, Director of the Marine and Coastal Resources Conservation Center (DMRC) office in Phuket

“I have investigated the jetty in Phuket and I found only a few baby scalloped hammerhead sharks that were accidentally caught in the fishermen’s nets. The fishermen will either take them back to sea or send them to the Fisheries Department. I haven’t seen or received any reports that they are being sold in the market. Thank you for informing me of the situation. I will report this information to the Chief of Fisheries Department and we will send officers from Phuket Coastal Fisheries Research and Department Bureau to inspect the area. You contact us by phone Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm on either 089-724 2159 or 076-212 460.”

Narin Meewong, Officer of Phuket Fisheries Department.

http://www.phuketgaz...rticle1314.html

Edited July 26, 2012 by cdnvic

[stevenl]

Although it appears correct unfortunately the link is still to the wrong webpage, even a PM to the mod that adjusted the link in the first place has not had any effect.

The correct link is http://www.phuketgazette.net/archives/issuesanswers/2012/article1314.html

[NomadJoe]

I'm really bummed. Found these tonight at an Indian restaurant in Kata. Look about a week old. These were illegal to catch and sell even before the new protections agreed upon in last months CITES meeting in Bangkok.

[NomadJoe]

I checked the Kata fish market suspecting they might have bought them there. Sure enough, two more. Will be making some calls now. Will update the outcome.

Edited April 19, 2013 by NomadJoe

[hongkongparker]

There is a new campaign underway in Khao Lak called "Get Sharks Off the Hook". It is a hard fight telling restaurant owners they should not serve shark so instead the campaign focuses on promoting the restaurants that do not serve shark or have recently stopped serving shark. Dive centers, divers and shark lovers can activily promote these restaurants to visitors to Khao Lak, plus the "Shark Friendly" restaurants receive support and promotion from various online sources.

The aim of all this is to highlight the value of live sharks vs dead sharks to local communities reliant on diving tourism.

[ProbuiltPatcha]

How sad! they are for looking at not eating.

Thanks for information , please keep us updated.

[MisterMan]

NomadJoe that is horrible!!! Where do you think they find so many? The Kata Market has them nearly daily!

[IrishIvan]

That really annoys me. Its the chinese that think it makes them more virile. Viagra has probaby saved sharks from extinction. I went to that Chinese restaurant in Phuket. I ordered a beer and looked at the menu. Eentres were shark fin soup. I refused to pay for the sing beer and stormed out of the joint. Spread the word I hope the place goes broke

[stevenl]

That really annoys me. Its the chinese that think it makes them more virile. Viagra has probaby saved sharks from extinction. I went to that Chinese restaurant in Phuket. I ordered a beer and looked at the menu. Eentres were shark fin soup. I refused to pay for the sing beer and stormed out of the joint. Spread the word I hope the place goes broke

If everybody does the same it would certainly contribute to them going broke. Excellent idea, will do the same one of these days.

[NomadJoe]

I am getting word from The Dive Tribe guys that these are Spot Tail Sharks caught as bycatch. According to IUCN's Red List they are near threatened but not protected because they have a relatively fast reproductive rate and thus are not as much in affected by overfishing.

That really annoys me. Its the chinese that think it makes them more virile. Viagra has probaby saved sharks from extinction. I went to that Chinese restaurant in Phuket. I ordered a beer and looked at the menu. Eentres were shark fin soup. I refused to pay for the sing beer and stormed out of the joint. Spread the word I hope the place goes broke

If everybody does the same it would certainly contribute to them going broke. Excellent idea, will do the same one of these days.

The generic "Chinese Restaurant next to Woody's in Chalong has shark fin soup on the menu. I didn't order a beer, but I did walk out explaining why as I did. Not sure they understood. I have spoke to several divers that want to go in there as a group, then walk out. On the positive side, the big yellow sign board advertising "King's Shark Fin" in front of Kawasaki in town is gone. Not sure if the restaurant is still there as I was never really sure where it was as it was set back down the soi. Perhaps in the hotel in the back. Also, the staff at the generic "Indian Restaurant" where the photos of the above hammerhead foetuses were photographed now points out to us "Look, no shark." whenever we walk by. If they prove this to be true and are consistent with it we are going to start taking groups over there, and give them an award. I took the suggestion from hongkongparker and contacted Sea & Sea to see about getting the "Indian Restaurant" one of thier "Get Sharks Off The Hook" awards for being shark free.

[IrishIvan]

I am getting word from The Dive Tribe guys that these are Spot Tail Sharks caught as bycatch. According to IUCN's Red List they are near threatened but not protected because they have a relatively fast reproductive rate and thus are not as much in affected by overfishing.

 

That really annoys me. Its the chinese that think it makes them more virile. Viagra has probaby saved sharks from extinction. I went to that Chinese restaurant in Phuket. I ordered a beer and looked at the menu. Eentres were shark fin soup. I refused to pay for the sing beer and stormed out of the joint. Spread the word I hope the place goes broke

If everybody does the same it would certainly contribute to them going broke. Excellent idea, will do the same one of these days.

 

The generic "Chinese Restaurant  next to Woody's in Chalong has shark fin soup on the menu. I didn't order a beer, but I did walk out explaining why as I did. Not sure they understood. I have spoke to several divers that want to go in there as a group, then walk out. On the positive side, the big yellow sign board advertising "King's Shark Fin" in front of Kawasaki in town is gone. Not sure if the restaurant is still there as I was never really sure where it was as it was set back down the soi. Perhaps in the hotel in the back. Also, the staff at the generic "Indian Restaurant"  where the photos of the above hammerhead foetuses were photographed now points out to us "Look, no shark." whenever we walk by. If they prove this to be true and are consistent with it we are going to start taking groups over there, and give them an award. I took the suggestion from hongkongparker and contacted Sea & Sea to see about getting the "Indian Restaurant" one of thier "Get Sharks Off The Hook" awards for being shark free. 

I will be in that. Why only several people? Lets get every diver and dive company in Phuket to sit in the carpark with placards and get the local media involved. With several people it could spark a fight. With several hundred the Russians that own the joint could be shamed into taking it off the menu