The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) condemned the killing of a pregnant blue shark spotted in Barangay Cabayawa in Tubay, Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, 18 March.

According to reports, a group of teenagers killed the shark after they mistook it for a blue marlin or a tuna. They allegedly dragged it by its tail towards the beach.

A wound was also reportedly found on the shark’s gills after a resident was seen also hitting the shark with a branch.

In a statement released Wednesday night, BFAR reminded the public of the important role that sharks play in maintaining the health of the ocean ecosystems.

“Sharks serve as apex predators, regulating the balance of marine life by keeping populations of prey species in check. Their presence ensures the stability of marine biodiversity, which in turn supports the productivity of our local fisheries and the overall health of our coastal waters,” BFAR said.

“The loss of these key species, especially a pregnant female, disrupts the ecological balance and may negatively impact our marine resources and affect the livelihoods of the coastal communities,” it added.

According to BFAR, the shark measured 2.76 meters in length and 0.53 meters in width.

“Due to fear and misunderstanding, beachgoers attacked and captured the weakened shark, which was found with a hook in its mouth and injuries on its head and tail,” it explained.

The shark, which had already begun giving birth, released a total of 30 pups, of which 29 were successfully returned to the sea.

While further investigations on the alleged perpetrators are ongoing, the BFAR Caraga reiterated to the public that under the Philippine Fisheries Code, Republic Act 8550, as amended by RA 10654, it is illegal to fish, harm, or trade protected shark species and other marine wildlife such as manta rays, dolphins, whales, dugongs and sea turtles.

Anyone found responsible for harming or killing protected shark species and other marine wildlife may face an administrative fine equivalent to as high as five times the value of the species or P500,000 or even up to P5 million.