SINGAPORE: A police investigation is under way after a woman was seen allegedly fishing for sharks in waters off Sentosa, with video evidence sparking controversy online.
The incident, reported by 8world News, is believed to have occurred on the night of 21 or 22 September 2025.
The video, first shared on social media platform Xiaohongshu and later reposted on Reddit, has since been removed.
Footage reportedly showed the woman using a fishing rod near Sentosa at night.
It then cut to images of small sharks, believed to be juvenile blacktip reef sharks, lying on wooden planks with fishing equipment in their mouths.
The video concluded with the woman walking away carrying a fishing rod.
According to the Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC), a police report has been lodged over the matter.
A spokesperson emphasised that “fishing, poaching, or any act of harming wildlife is strictly prohibited on the island” in order to safeguard biodiversity and ensure visitor safety.
Members of the public are encouraged to report violations through the hotline 1800-RANGERS (1800-726 4377).
Police confirmed on 30 September that investigations are ongoing. It remains unclear what happened to the sharks after the video was taken.
Blacktip reef sharks and conservation concerns
Blacktip reef sharks are native to Singapore and typically inhabit shallow coastal waters. According to government resource SG101, the species grows up to 1.6 metres, with rare individuals reaching almost 3 metres in length. They are generally not considered dangerous to humans.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists blacktip reef sharks as “vulnerable,” citing declining populations due to overfishing, marine pollution and climate change.
This is not the first time sharks have drawn public attention in Sentosa waters.
On 1 September 2024, swimming and water activities off Palawan Beach were temporarily suspended following a shark sighting.
Authorities have stressed that such rules against fishing and wildlife disturbance are essential both for conservation efforts and for ensuring the safety of visitors to the island’s beaches and waters.
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