SSPA rolls out key strategies for shark and ray conservation

SANDAKAN: Advocacy group Sabah Shark Protection Association (SSPA) has recently launched an initiative to focus on law and policy reform, research and awareness as it works towards strengthening the conservation of sharks and rays in Malaysia, and specifically in Sabah.
Noting that most sharks and rays in Sabah's waters are not legally protected and that landings had increased significantly in the last three decades, SSPA members are pooling their expertise to implement the three key strategic activities.
Its chairman Aderick Chong said the overall goal of SSPA's advocacy over the next year was to strengthen the conservation of sharks and rays in Malaysia, with a focus on Sabah - which is the country's most important state for these species.
As such, he said, the SSPA would work with relevant government departments to increase the level of legal protection for sharks and rays at various levels, promoting their long term protection at the national level.
"Law and policy reform will be supported by research, which will include new studies on the market value of these species and whether these landings are from targeted fisheries or bycatch. Research will also look at the market value for shark and ray related eco-tourism.

"Our focus on awareness will see us rolling out impactful campaigns that support law and policy reform by engaging audiences, ranging from policy makers to students and fisher communities, about the biological and financial importance for sharks and rays," he said in a statement today.
He said SSPA planned to hold a gathering of decision makers in March next year to agree to a "Vision 2030" and establish a roadmap to ensure the sustainability of sharks and rays in Sabah's waters and beyond.
SSPA comprises the Land Empowerment Animals People (LEAP), Malaysian Nature Society Sabah branch, Marine Conservation Society, Scuba Junkie SEAS, Shark Stewards, Scubazoo, Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) and WWF-Malaysia. — Bernama