Why has Sabah declared its marine parks as shark sanctuaries?

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Sabah Declares Marine Parks as Shark Sanctuaries to Combat Shark Finning

Sabah has designated three of its major marine parks – Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Tun Mustapha Park (TMP) – as shark sanctuaries, outlawing shark hunting within these protected areas. This significant conservation measure has been implemented in direct response to the prevalent and uncontrolled practice of shark finning occurring within the state. The fins are primarily harvested for use in shark's fin soup, a dish commonly served at Chinese weddings.
Outlawing Shark Hunting in Key Marine Parks

The declaration of Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Tun Mustapha Park as shark sanctuaries signifies a decisive step by the Sabah state government to protect shark populations. Shark hunting is now prohibited within the boundaries of these ecologically significant areas, aiming to curb the unsustainable exploitation of these marine predators. This policy directly addresses concerns surrounding the lucrative trade in shark fins that has been taking place in the region.
Addressing Lucrative and Uncontrolled Shark Finning

The move to establish shark sanctuaries comes in the wake of ongoing issues with shark finning in Sabah. Despite previous conservation efforts, the practice remains lucrative and largely uncontrolled, leading to concerns about the long-term health of marine ecosystems. The demand for shark fins, particularly for the preparation of shark's fin soup, a popular delicacy at celebratory events such as Chinese weddings, fuels this trade.
Conservation Efforts Amidst Broader Environmental Policies

This initiative to protect sharks is part of a broader trend of progressive environmental policies being adopted by the Sabah state government. Recent months have seen several landmark decisions aimed at safeguarding natural resources. For instance, the establishment of the Tun Mustapha Park last year, covering nearly 900,000 hectares, made it Malaysia's largest marine park, with a unique co-management structure involving state, local communities, and non-governmental actors. Furthermore, Sabah has introduced a 15-year state environmental policy, the first of its kind in Malaysia, seeking to balance economic development with environmental preservation.

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Why has Sabah declared its marine parks as shark sanctuaries?

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