“They take the fins to black markets”…a viral video showing the illegal capture of a whale shark in the Red Sea has ignited online fury

A shocking video showing the illegal capture and finning of a whale shark in the Red Sea has sparked outrage online.

What Happened?

A fisherman on a boat was filmed hunting a whale shark, locally known as “Bahlool,” in the Red Sea. The video showed the massive shark being butchered alive as its fins were removed, a cruel practice driven by the high black market value of shark fins.

Authorities confirmed that the incident violated two major regulations:

1.The 2024 law banning the use of commercial fishing boats like “Shanshoola” and “Gerr” south of Mount El-Zeit.

2.Protections for endangered species, as whale sharks are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.

Despite their enormous size, often exceeding 13 meters in length, whale sharks are among the most peaceful marine creatures and pose no threat to humans.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Lovin Cairo | لوڤن القاهرة (@lovincairo)

People’s Reactions…

People on social media reacted with anger and disbelief. Many expressed shock that such a gentle and endangered animal could be hunted for profit. Calls for stricter enforcement and accountability flooded platforms, with hashtags demanding protection for the Red Sea’s marine life.

Legal Actions Taken

The Red Sea Protected Areas confirmed the violation was identified immediately. Authorities are coordinating efforts to track down the boat involved and take legal action against those responsible for this environmental crime. Conservationists are emphasizing the need for stronger monitoring and public vigilance to prevent further violations.

Read Next: Confusion, Frustration & Question Marks: The Phone Exemption Is Over — Here’s What Changed and What Didn’t

 

Shopping

See more

More like this

Support Lovin

Loyal Lovin readers can support Lovin so we can continue to share the stories of all amazing cities

Minimum custom amount to enter is AED 2

By donating, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service