Last week, a Chinese fishing vessel ran aground on the Tubbataha Reef, and hundreds of protected pangolins were found on the boat. The vessel contained at least 400 boxes of dead pangolins, also known as scaly anteaters, which are highly prized in China for their medical properties, meat, and scales. They can be sold for hundreds of dollars per kilogram in China, and are protected in many Asian countries, such as in the Philippines.
The 12 Chinese fishermen could be fined or jailed if found guilting of poaching, and more charges may follow. The fishermen crashed their vessel into the Tubbataha Reefs in the Philippines. This is the seventh Chinese fishing boat caught in this area since 2002. The Tubbataha Reefs National Park is home to many marine animals, including whales, dolphins, sharks, and turtles.
I'm glad these fishermen were caught and could be fined or jailed. Killing protected or endangered animals for money is sad and inhumane. Hopefully this will act as a warning to others intending to do the same thing. In addition, the Tubbataha Reefs should be better protected so vessels do not accidentally run aground and harm the marine life/ecosystem.
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22151886
I agree that killing endangered animals is inhumane. It's obvious that the fishermen did it for the money, but they should've had enough common sense to not hunt the fish since they knew what the punishment would be.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why people can't just play by the rules and not poach. I hope justice is brought to these men.
ReplyDelete-Kennedi Mayes