Island resident finds more than 50 severed heads and fins on shore
Shark flesh can be passed off as popular fish species by some dealers
A government agency has now issued guidance to Britain's chip shops
Conservationists also concerned about vulnerable and harmless species
PUBLISHED: 12:47, 15 July 2014 | UPDATED: 15:39, 15 July 2014
Fish and chip shops have been told to check their stock for shark meat after the gruesome discovery of scores of carcasses on the Isle of Wight.
A resident of the island was left horrified after stumbling across a mound of severed heads and fins of smooth-hound sharks, which are completely harmless to humans.
After a picture of his shocking find appeared on Facebook, government officials have urged chip shops to ensure they know what they are selling.
Conservationists have called for catch limits on the amount of small-hound sharks that can be landed
Shark meat is often used in pet food and fish meal but can also be passed off as huss or rock salmon, which are sold in takeaways around Britain.
It is thought an unlicensed trawler may have landed the sharks, before their valueless heads and fins were cut off, leaving only the meat.
Shark meat is often used in pet food and fish meal but can also be passed off as huss or rock salmon, which are sold in takeaways around Britain.
It is thought an unlicensed trawler may have landed the sharks, before their valueless heads and fins were cut off, leaving only the meat.
Kevin Parker, who found the remains of what he estimates at more than 50 of the animals, said local residents had been shocked by what had been found.
He told MailOnline: 'I'm a fisherman myself but everyone I know throws them back alive when they catch them because they are of no real value and are falling in numbers. I think it must have been someone doing it illegally.
Read more:
He told MailOnline: 'I'm a fisherman myself but everyone I know throws them back alive when they catch them because they are of no real value and are falling in numbers. I think it must have been someone doing it illegally.
Read more:
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
You only need to enter your comment once! Comments will appear once they have been moderated. This is so as to stop the would-be comedian who has been spamming the comments here with inane and often offensive remarks. You know who you are!