(TH) Thailand dugongs hunted and smuggled to Singapore

March 23, 2009

** Mon, Mar 23, 2009

The Nation/Asia News Network

* Thailand dugongs hunted and smuggled to Singapore

*

l

Trang's fishermen have asked the government to strictly control the illegal

dugong trade after they found many foreign mariners hunting the animals and

smuggling them out to Singapore for Bt50,000 (S$2130) each, villager leader

IsmaAnn Ben SaArd said.

The illegal hunt is being carried out by foreign fishermen especially from

Satun province. They throw bombs into cairns or near coral reefs, with the

resulting explosion towing up many fish, he added.

IsmaAnn explained that some wayward local fishermen have pointed out the

area to foreign fishermen.

*25 killed in a month*

Moreover, they also use seine and large fishing nets to hunt stingray and

other kinds of fish two kilometers from the coast. They use a local fishhook

called " Rawai " to hunt dugong, killing more than 25 of the creatures during

the past month alone.

Trang authorities have announced that Rawai is an illegal piece of fishing

equipment for it endangers dugong and sea turtles.

He said each dugong commands a price of Bt50,000 (S$2130) on the black

market, with its bones and teeth going for Bt30,000 (S$1278). Singapore is

the biggest market for this trade. The country uses the dead dugong to

produce medicine and amulets. --The Nation/ Asia News Network

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" Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man

will not himself find peace. " -Albert Schweitzer

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