Bhadrak: A rare whale shark which was caught by fishermen in Odisha was allegedly sold illegally for Rs 7.49 lakh. The fish weighing over 1 quintal was caught on Tuesday near Dhamra jetty and it was reportedly sold to a Chennai-based businessman for a whopping Rs 7.49 lakh.
As per reports, the fishing and sale of the fish belonging to such rare species is completely banned in India.
Wildlife experts have said that like lions and tigers, this species of fish is protected under schedule -1 of the Wildlife Protection Act and demanded strict action against the people involved in the sale of the whale shark.
"The killing and sale of this type of fish is completely banned. The forest department should immediately look into the matter and take action. There is a trading racket which is operating and should be stopped immediately," said Anil Mohapatra, scientist at Zoological Survey of India.
No comments could be obtained from the Wildlife Department.
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