News
Tourist posing with protected sea turtle causes uproar on social media
A photo of a Chinese tourist posing with a protected sea turtle he caught in Malaysian waters has created an uproar on social media sites as Sabah authorities step up investigations into the case.
Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks investigators have turned up at the Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort to question the management over the incident, after one of the resort’s boats was spotted in the photo.
They are now trying to ascertain how the tourist could have been allowed to catch a protected turtle and other marine life in waters close to the diving haven of Pulau Sipadan. The tourist is believed to be part of a group of eight tourists who visited Semporna on the 27th and 28th March this year.
According to investigating sources, the picture has been making its rounds on Chinese networking site Weibo over the last few months after the tourist uploaded the picture, but only surfaced in Facebook on the 5th July.
“Since it was a snorkelling trip, there was no dive master accompanying them except for the boatman,’’ the sources explained, adding that the company management itself was surprised by the incident.
However, the investigation will continue as investigators try to locate the boatman and also trace the tourist through travel agents.
When contacted, Singamata Adventures and Reef Resort manager Vicky Shim apologised for the action of the tourist and the failure of their boatman to stop such acts.
“We strictly adhere to the conservation of marine resources and have put up reminders and advisories to inform tourists not to catch marine creatures. We sincerely apologise for what has happened,’’ she said.
Sea Shepherd Conservation Society founder Captain Paul Watson, who highlighted the issue, said he had written to the company asking it to issue a policy statement to instructors and boat operators to refrain from allowing customers to harass and abuse marine wildlife.
He said illegally handling marine life for the amusement of guests was “irresponsible and extremely unprofessional’’ of Singamata, which is an authorised PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre.
He said he would bring up the matter with PADI and also Project Aware.
Source: www.thestar.com.my
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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