The increasing demand for shark fins in south Asian countries has led fishermen in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh to hunt for sharks, making them an endangered species along India's eastern coast.

Sharks are being hunted for their fins, which are in great demand in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and China.

Hundreds of sharks are killed and their fins are exported to these countries to make fin soups.

Andhra University officials say that they are in demand because of its high nutritional value.

"The fishermen population mainly depends upon shark fishing nowadays because of the high value of sharks. The shark fins are dried and exported to other Asian countries," said D.E.Babu, Professor, Zoology Department.ishermen on the other hand say the sharks get trapped in the nets when they hunt for other fish.

The traders who come at the shores strike deals with the fishermen for thousands of rupees.

Shark fishing was banned under the Wildlife Act and the Marine Fishing Act of 1986. By K. Basi Reddy (ANI)