Releasing 14 Bamboo sharks
Due to the Covid-19 situation we have to close the shop for a while. (check our Facebook page for updates)
Before closure we were able to accomplish another shark release.
This time we bought and released 14 bamboo sharks.
They were 14 males and females, including 6 juveniles. We released them into local coral reefs with help of our customers.
Wish everyone to be safe and take good care of yourself and your loved ones, hope to see you soon.
What is a Bamboo shark (or Grey Carpetshark)?
‘The Grey Carpetshark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) is a widely distributed (Indo-West Pacific region) and potentially fecund (oviparous) tropical species occurring in a variety of habitats throughout its range.
This species is fished and retained throughout Southeast Asia. In particular, it is one of the most common species found in fish markets across Thailand, where overall catch landings of sharks have declined by >90% from 10,000 tons to 1,000 tons in less than a decade (2004–2011)…
… Based on the ongoing threats to this species from fishing pressure, habitat destruction and suspected population declines based on declines in aggregate Thai shark landings, the Grey Carpetshark is assessed globally as Near Threatened… (Source: UCN Red List of Threatened Species)
Buying them on the market in Thailand
Often we visit fishing markets around Pattaya to see ‘what’s for sale’ and still alive. When we see endangered marine life species (IUCN status) we often buy them to release them back in the sea.
There is no governmental funding for this, we rely on donations from our customers and self-fund these purchases we find necessary for keeping our oceans healthy.
You can help us by contacting our marine conservation specialist and PADI dive instructor Rob for more information. There are also special PADI courses available to learn all about marine conservation and the release of marine life.
The PADI Reef Rewilder specialty is perfect for learning all about this subject!