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Fins cut, live sharks tossed back PDF Print E-mail
Sharks are being caught in the Nelson region and illegally thrown back alive with their fins removed.

By SALLY KIDSON - The Nelson Mail | Friday, 30 November 2007

GRISLY PRACTICE: Sharks which were thrown back in the water with their fins removed.
GRISLY PRACTICE: Sharks which were thrown back in the water with their fins removed.
Department of Conservation Abel Tasman ranger Stu Houston said he came across a fishing boat in park waters on Tuesday, which had caught about 29 1m sand sharks and cut off their fins, throwing the mutilated sharks over the side. Some of the sharks were still alive.

"It's such a waste," Mr Houston said. "I've been a ranger down here for 14 years; that's one of the worst things I've seen, to be honest."

It is legal to catch sharks for their fins in New Zealand, although under the Animal Welfare Act the sharks must be dead when thrown back.

Sharks in New Zealand are caught under the quota system, and mainly sold to Asia. Landing only the fin gives fishermen room to store more valuable fish.

Mr Houston said if people knew the practice was legal they would be appalled. "Is that what we do in New Zealand?"

Read entire article at stuff.co.nz
 
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