Egypt arrests fishermen over capturing rare whale shark
Egypt has arrested a group of fishermen for capturing a rare whale shark and treating it brutally, the environment ministry said on Sunday, after videos of the incident sparked outrage on social media.
Acting Environment Minister Manal Awad said officers from the ministry's coastal protection and nature conservation sector made the arrests following an investigation.
The fishermen will face legal proceedings once their involvement is verified, Awad said in a statement released on Sunday, adding that the action was part of efforts to protect biodiversity and marine life.
The ministry called on the public to report practices threatening rare marine species via WhatsApp at (01222693333) to help protect biodiversity and ensure sustainable use of natural resources.
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