Protected sharks and rays — many facing extinction — are allegedly being openly sold on ice slabs at Maharashtra’s busiest fish markets, in blatant violation of wildlife laws. A formal complaint by Honorary Wildlife Warden Rohan Bhate to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) has flagged widespread illegal hunting, landing, sale and suspected export of protected marine species across Mumbai and the Konkan coast. Bhate said, “protected sharks, stingrays, wedge fishes, guitar fishes and electric rays continue to be sold despite protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, CITES listings and IUCN threat status”. 

Protected marine species allegedly being sold at a Mumbai fish market. Pics/By Special Arrangement