Shark attack fatality reignites safety v environment debate in New Caledonia

Excerpt from rnz.co.nz

The latest shark attack related fatality in New Caledonia has reignited debate between environmental organisations and those who place public human safety first.

On Sunday, a 55-year-old surfer was found dead near the popular beach of Anse-Vata, with a post mortem revealing deep wounds on the body, especially on the arm and leg, the result of a likely shark attack.

The same area was also the scene of a spate of three similar shark attacks early 2023, causing the death of a 59-year-old Australian tourist.

In the wake of the latest tragedy, local authorities (Southern province and Nouméa municipality) are now re-launching a culling campaign targeting the same species as in 2023 - when 127 tiger and bull sharks were killed between January and August 2023

The announcement came via a joint statement on Monday for an immediate resumption of the culling.

"In view of the gravity of the situation, the Southern Province (where Nouméa is located) and the Town of Nouméa have jointly decided to take their responsibility and to re-launch a targeted campaign of tiger and bull sharks", they said in a joint statement.

It said the move was motivated by the need to "protect human lives".

Swimming in certain areas is also prohibited until 4 March. However, just like in 2003, a fresh legal battle looms.