Nature Trust has praised the authorities for having investigated the landing of two sharks at the fish market this week, even though it later resulted that the species was not yet protected.

The NGO said the authorities acted quickly when two sharks that were cleaned from their heads, tails and fins, were landed at the fish market in Valletta.

The authorities removed the carcasses for further analysis. It was determined that the sharks were Isurus oxyrhincus, a shortfin mako shark. The shortfin mako is not yet a protected species and it is therefore not illegal to catch them.

Nature Trust (Malta) said the through investigation by the Fisheries Department showed commitment and determination to protect sharks.

Furthermore, both fishermen had been made aware of which species were protected and illegal to catch.

Nature Trust (Malta) is presently involved in a project with Italian partners and Fisheries on Shark protection between the two countries.