PERCEPTION OF ARTISANAL FISHERS ON SHARK AND RAY RESOURCES

Abstract

Sharks and rays are caught by fishers in Sabah, relatively the amount of the fishes caught form a small proportion of the total fish landing in the country. There is a suggestion by several parties to ban the catching of sharks and rays in Sabah in order to promotethe fishes as tourism attractions. The suggestion is strongly opposed by the sea-food restaurant operators and the fisherman associations. The study is aimed at determining the perception of the small artisanal fishers on issues related to the catching of sharks and rays. Data for the study are obtained using questionnaire which is designed through several steps including key informant surveys, focus group discussions and face to face surveys of the small artisanal fishers. The small fishers admit that they do catch sharks and rays but they assert that the fishes are not targeted but are caught bycatch only. Any sharks or rays caught will supplement their incomes; furthermore they know that the fishes are highly demanded for the fins, skins and meat for daily consumption or for further processing. Most of the small fishers do not really know the specific species nor the endangered species when the fishes are caught. To that extent, although a slightly bigger proportion of the fishers agree to the suggestion of establishing a sanctuary for sharks, many are also sceptical of the suggestion. On the other hand, in general the small fishers are less agreeable to the issues of the protection and conservation of sharks and rays due lack of awareness of the endangered species and their belief that sharks and rays are still in abundance.