In recent years, the Shark fishing in Reunion Island The shark crisis in La Réunion has been the subject of intense debate at the scientific, political and social levels. The problem of shark attacks in the region, especially those perpetrated by tiger and bull sharks, has generated great concern, both in the local community and among tourists visiting the island. This article delves into the shark crisis in La Réunion, the measures implemented by local authorities and the environmental impact of the solutions adopted.
The shark crisis in Reunion Island
The shark crisis in Reunion is not a new phenomenon. Since 2011, a series of fatal attacks have been documented, resulting in much of the island's coastline being closed to swimmers and surfers. Sharks, mainly of the tiger species (cuvier galeopig) and bull (Carcharias leucas), have been identified as the main perpetrators of these attacks. According to some reports, Réunion has experienced more fatal shark attacks than any other region in the world in the last decade.
Growing concerns about the safety of residents and tourists have led to an increase in shark fishing in the area. In response to these attacks, the French government authorized fishing within the island's protected areas in 2015, a measure that was initially reserved only for professionals, excluding traditional fishermen. However, this measure was extended to areas of enhanced protection, which generated controversy between those who defended the preservation of marine life and those who prioritized human safety.
Causes of Increased Attacks
Sharks have been present in the waters around Reunion Island for centuries, but recent attacks have sparked numerous theories about the causes of their increase. One of the most widely accepted theories is that overfishing has reduced fish populations in the region, forcing sharks to come closer to the coasts in search of food. In addition, the creation of the Marine Nature Reserve In 2007, a protected area of approximately 3500 hectares was identified as one of the factors contributing to the increase in attacks.
The marine reserve prohibits fishing in much of its waters, which has encouraged the proliferation of small fish and, therefore, sharks. However, recent studies have shown that although sharks frequent these areas, they spend more time outside the reserve than inside it, suggesting that the problem may be related to a greater overlap between humans and sharks in surf zones and beaches.
There has also been talk of the geographical and topological differences between Réunion and nearby Mauritius. While Mauritius, with its ring of reefs, offers greater natural protection from sharks, Réunion faces directly into the depths of the ocean, making it easier for sharks to reach the coast. Indeed, the presence of tiger and bull sharks in nearby waters could be linked to the slope of the island's shores, which allows these predators to access the surfing and swimming areas from the depths.
Environmental Impact and Controversies
The intensification of shark fishing has been heavily criticised by environmentalists and scientists who fear for the balance of the marine ecosystem on the island. Tiger sharks and bull sharks, both species at the top of the food chain, play an essential role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems.
Numerous experts have warned that large-scale fishing of these species could upset the balance of the marine ecosystem. In the words of Hugues Vitry, a renowned shark expert, “sharks do not have a passport,” referring to the predator’s ability to move freely between Réunion Island and other places with similar geographical characteristics. In his opinion, the presence of sharks cannot be eradicated permanently, and solutions should focus on safe coexistence with these animals, rather than their elimination.
The bathing ban The attack on many beaches has also generated strong discontent among residents and tourists, directly affecting the local economy, which depends heavily on tourism. Authorities have resorted to additional measures, such as the installation of state-of-the-art nets, the use of shark watchers and surveillance with drones, but these measures, although they have reduced the number of attacks, have not been sufficiently effective.
Control and Prevention Measures
Over the years, the island of Reunion has implemented various control measures to mitigate the risk of shark attacks. Among the most notable is the installation of "anti-shark nets", although these are expensive and have limited effectiveness, as in some cases attacks have still been recorded in protected areas.
Another of the measures adopted has been the use of water watchers, known on the island as vigirequins, who patrol the beaches and warn of the presence of sharks near the coast. These lifeguards are a crucial part of the security measures for surfers and bathers who venture into the waters.
The sonar and electronic detection systems have also gained popularity as preventative mechanisms. These devices alert lifeguards and local authorities in case a shark gets too close to surfing or bathing areas. In addition, electromagnetic barriers are beginning to be used experimentally to keep sharks away from areas frequented by humans.
Selective and Preventive Fishing
In addition to the prevention measures mentioned above, the selective fishing has been a key tool in reducing the risk of shark attacks. This technique is practiced with horizontal longlines in specific areas where sharks tend to frequent and has been used mainly to capture bull and tiger sharks, the most dangerous species for humans in the region.
The objective of selective fishing is to reduce the presence of sharks in areas frequented by surfers and bathers without causing a negative impact on other non-dangerous species that inhabit the region. Techniques such as SMART drumlines, devices that allow the controlled capture of sharks and the rapid release of those that do not pose a threat.
In some cases, captured sharks are tagged and monitored over time to study their behaviour patterns. Since 2014, this practice has made it possible to contribute to the scientific study of these marine predators.
The problem of shark attacks on the island of Reunion is complex and multifactorial. Although intensified fishing and various control measures have slightly reduced the number of incidents, the threat remains latent. The combination of factors such as overfishing, geographical change in ecosystems and the coincidence of humans and sharks on the coasts have worsened the situation in recent years.
the scientific community Research is continuing to be carried out to better understand the habits of these sharks and to find solutions that allow peaceful coexistence between humans and marine predators. In addition, the implementation of advanced detection technologies and preventive fishing continue to be useful in reducing risks.
The situation in Reunion reflects the delicate balance between preserving marine biodiversity and human safety. Despite the measures taken, much remains to be done to ensure a safe environment for locals and tourists without compromising marine ecosystems that play a vital role in the balance of the Indian Ocean.