Nearly extinct sharks are sold in fish markets

Many large sharks, including the once extinct species, are sold in a fish market of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Besides the common fish species, the fish market here also sells many species of sharks.In the picture are small sharks that are on sale at the market.

The intact large sharks are lined up in a long row throughout the market.

After examining the teeth of a big shark being sold, the researchers think this could be a blacktip smoothtooth shark (Carcharhinus leiodon) .This shark was once thought to be extinct more than 10 years ago.

Hammerhead sharks are also caught and sold at markets.According to experts, the number of hammerhead sharks is declining rapidly because of overfishing.

After catching, shark fin is removed.Fins and meat parts are sold separately.Shark fin is used to cook a dish quite popular in traditional Chinese culture is fin soup.

The shape of the shark after being removed from the tail and fin.If this process takes place at sea (including the release of sheared sharks that are still alive in the sea), it will be considered illegal fishing in most developed countries.

Stingray is also traded in this fish market.Although rays are rarely noticed by animal conservationists, they are also facing the same risks as sharks.