The dissemination of photographs showing the capture and display of a broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus) on the coasts of Chubut generated a wave of criticism and concern.
The foundation Sin Azul No Hay Verde warned about the seriousness of the incident, reminding that these animals enjoy the highest legal protection and that their killing constitutes a crime against the environmental heritage of the province.
The incident spread on social media, where the specimen was seen being handled out of the water as a fishing trophy. Far from being a sporting feat, the practice exposed the ignorance and lack of compliance with regulations aimed at preserving the great predators of the Argentine Sea.
An Unprotected Natural Monument
Chubut is a pioneer in marine conservation and, through Law XI N° 72, granted several species of sharks the category of Provincial Natural Monument, prohibiting their capture and killing.
From the foundation, Juan Coustet emphasized:
- “The broadnose sevengill shark is a species protected by law, declared a monument and symbol of our province.”
- “Sharks are the guardians of the sea, and their existence is essential to maintain the balance of species.”
- “Killing and displaying a shark is similar to killing and displaying a jaguar.”
Irreparable Damage to the Ecosystem
Beyond the legal issue, the biology of sharks places them in a situation of extreme fragility:
- They reach sexual maturity late.
- They have few offspring.
- Their life cycles are very slow.
The elimination of an adult specimen compromises the reproductive capacity of the population and affects the balance of the food chain, where the sevengill acts as a natural regulator.
The disseminated images also showed improper handling, affecting vital areas such as the gills, which often causes lethal damage even if an attempt is made to return the animal to the sea.
Education and Necessary Sanctions
Coustet emphasized the need to educate and raise awareness in the community:
- Posing with a vulnerable or endangered shark should not be a source of pride.
- It is essential to advance in management plans and effective sanctions for those who violate the protection of monument species.
Social Commitment to Biodiversity
The organization stressed that the defense of marine biodiversity requires active commitment from the entire society. Reporting illegal fishing and rejecting the consumption or display of protected species are essential steps to prevent these animals from disappearing from our coasts.
The case of the broadnose sevengill shark in Chubut exposes the fragility of marine species and the urgency of strengthening legal and social protection. The conservation of sharks, guardians of the sea, is key to maintaining ecological balance and preserving the natural heritage of the province.
