New Caledonia Implements Shark Cull Following Fatal Windsurfer Attack
Authorities in New Caledonia have ordered a targeted shark cull after a man was killed in a shark attack at the popular holiday destination. The 55-year-old man, a visiting doctor, was windsurfing at Anse Vata beach in Noumea when he was attacked and killed by a shark on Sunday. This marks the first fatal shark attack in the French territory since an Australian tourist died in 2023.
Emergency Measures and Culling Operations
In response to the tragic incident, authorities have implemented a temporary swimming ban and initiated a shark control operation. Swimming and water activities are temporarily suspended within 300 meters of the shoreline in Noumea, as well as around Duck Island and Ilot Maitre, until March 4, with exceptions only for shark net-protected areas. Shark culling operations focusing on tiger and bull shark populations commenced on Tuesday.
South Province president Sonia Backes described the attack as a "tragedy" and expressed devastation over the loss. She confirmed that the victim was a doctor visiting the area. Backes noted that the Noumea City Council and the South Province had previously worked to reduce the bull shark population between 2019 and 2023, leading to several years without attacks. However, a court ruling in 2023, following an appeal by the environmental group "Together for the Planet," halted these operations.
Backes stated that she had received reports from divers about a resurgence of sharks in the area for weeks, but legal constraints prevented action. She emphasized that the current culling operation is necessary to prevent future tragedies and called for the justice system to consider the situation if appeals arise.
Environmental Groups Criticize the Decision
Environmental groups have strongly condemned the shark cull, labeling it as "scientifically questionable, legally indefensible, and politically irresponsible." The group Ensemble Pour La Planete (EPLP), which spearheaded the 2023 legal challenge that stopped culling, denounced the decision as a "repeat offence" and a "knee-jerk reaction."
EPLP argued that no new scientific studies or evidence of culling effectiveness were provided before the decision, calling it a contempt for court rulings. The group announced plans to file an emergency injunction and a substantive appeal with the Administrative Court. They referenced a 2019 Australia Federal Court ruling that found shark culling ineffective in reducing unprovoked attacks.
Historical Context and Global Ranking
New Caledonia has a history of shark attacks, with 13 fatal incidents recorded between 1958 and 2020. The territory ranks 13th in the world for shark attacks, highlighting ongoing risks in its waters. The current measures aim to address public safety concerns, but they have sparked significant debate between authorities and environmental advocates over the best approach to shark management.
