"When you have sharks of exceptional size approaching the coast, the question of regulation has to be asked. The danger is there. This statement from Noumea's mayor Sonia Lagarde reflects authorities' position that culling is necessary to protect residents and tourists using the heavily trafficked coastal waters for swimming, boating, and water sports."
"No new independent scientific studies demonstrate that shark culls reduce the risk of attacks. The organisation said, adding that the targeted species are legally protected in the waters off Noumea. Marine conservationists argue the culling lacks scientific justification and violates legal protections for tiger and bull sharks in the territory's waters."
Following a fatal tiger shark attack on a wing foil rider in Noumea, New Caledonian authorities launched a shark culling operation targeting tiger and bull sharks off the capital's coastline. Swimming and water-based activities were banned along a 300-metre coastal strip until the culling campaign's end. Authorities justified the operation as necessary for public safety amid increasing shark threats. However, marine conservation organization Ensemble Pour La Planete challenged the cull in court, arguing no independent scientific evidence demonstrates culls reduce attack risks and that targeted species are legally protected. The organization previously succeeded in stopping a similar 2023 cull. The issue has become politically sensitive ahead of local elections.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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