After the tragic death of Elio and many others, Reunion has a few new ideas on controlling shark populations.
The death of 13 year-old surfing champion Elio Canestri left both Reunion Island and the world heart broken. In an effort to prevent future fatal shark attacks, the French territory has worked to develop eight new measures to reduce the island’s shark-risk in addition to the existing surf ban. French Minister for Overseas Region, Mr. Geory Pau-Langevin, has spearheaded the initiative, and he has involved the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Energy, the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research, the Department of the City, Youth and Sports, and the Ministry for Overseas Regions. These ministries have worked closely with local authorities and marine experts to develop eight key initiatives to reduce the risk of shark attacks on Reunion. The state will significantly increase the budget for the shark-risk reduction plan from euro 650,000 to 1 million or 6 million euro over the next five years. The eight-part plan includes the following initiatives.
1. Secure beaches designated for swimming and water sports
The region will plan to invest in reinforced shark lookouts, safety nets, and other techniques in order to keep ocean-goers as safe as possible. Reunion will prioritize securing St. Paul as well as Saint-Pierre, Saint-Leu, and Three-Bassins.
2. Increase the fishing of tiger sharks in a controlled manner
The state does not intend to eradicate sharks, but rather control the population. To achieve this, the state is allowing an increase of 50% for targeted sea trips of fishing professionals.
3. Search for solutions to market caught sharks
The state hopes that the increase in caught sharks will allow for more samples to be analyzed by ANSES (National Health Security Agency for Food, Environment, and Labor). This analysis will be used to determine whether the ban on the human consumption of sharks will be lifted.
4. Preserve the balance within the Marine Reserve
Plans to control the shark population will not interfere with the Marine Nature Reserve. Reunion Island is working hard to protect its coral reef from degradation. The state plans to uphold existing conditions for exercising recreational fishing.
5. Increase Scientific Knowledge
The state will attempt to extend the listening station network and improve monitoring of shark movements. Additionally, the state plans to better assess the knowledge of shark populations on the outskirts of Reunion Island.
6. Increase support to prevention associations
The state plans to increase financial support to organizations aimed at prevention and risk reduction.
7. Accelerate the development of resources and a support center
This resource center will coordinate the policy of reducing shark risk, communicating risk to the public, and managing crises. This center is set to become operational this year.
8. Revive Reunion Island Tourism
Minister of Overseas, George Pau-Langevin is set to co-chair a meeting in June to develop measures to enhance the promotion of Reunion Island as a tourism destination. Tourism is essential to the island economy, and it must thrive to continue funding shark safety measures.
While many of these initiatives are controversial, particularly the management of shark populations through fishing, there is no doubt that the Reunion Island government has been under intense scrutiny for shark management. The island has seen 16 shark attacks since 2011, seven of which have been fatal. Despite all their previous attempts at mitigating attacks, ocean-goers still remain vulnerable, and several swimmers have been attacked near shore.
Reasons for the increase in attacks remain unclear, but many cite the creation of a marine reserve as an influential factor. The preserve has allowed a robust ecosystem to emerge, and as a result, many feel that sharks have moved into the area to feed. Yet others cite the growing amount of wastewater for attracting sharks. Regardless of cause, the government of Reunion Island will need to find a way to allow sharks and humans to coexist safely.
