Shark fins taken into Police custody, investigation begins

An investigation has begun into an illegal shark fin business.

People of Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhuffushi brought the shark fin business and sun drying the fin on the island to the attention of the public through social media. And it has been reported to the Environment Ministry and the Environment Protection Agency (EPA).

Maldives Police Service said that a group of people have been catching a large number of sharks and salting it. Police said that they found shark meat and fins salted at the fish salting area in the northern part of the island.

A total of 92 shark fins and 42 pieces of suspected shark meat were taken into Police custody.

So far no arrests have been made in relation to the case.

Even though sharks and turtles are protected animals in the Maldives, it is common for people to hunt them.