A conservation group promised to investigate reports that fishermen have been cutting up dolphins trapped in their nets and selling the meat. “This is alarming. What will happen if dolphin meat becomes popular among consumers? This may lead to dolphin hunting,” said Prapassorn Rangsiroj, chairwoman of the Rak Samroi Yod Club.
She said she would work with relevant agencies to learn the truth.
Prapassorn was speaking after dolphin intestines were found on a local beach yesterday morning and reports emerged that dolphin meat was sold at a local market at more than Bt200 a kilogram. The meat reportedly came from dolphin carcasses found in fishing nets.
Samrerng Baramee, who works at a local marine and coastal-resource conservation centre, said some fishermen admitted that they shared meat from dolphin carcass found in their nets.
“They said it would be a shame just to throw the carcasses away,” he said. Samrerng said it was illegal to butcher dolphin carcasses, with offenders facing the possibility of both jail time and a fine.
“Our laws protect dolphins, whether dead or alive,” he said, adding his centre is now attempting to stop people eating dolphins.
Anan Paengnoy, Wimon Tapkhong
Souce: The Nation
