New Caledonia Divided Over Shark Culls After Fatal Attack

Tragic events have unfolded in New Caledonia after a fatal shark attack claimed the life of a local man. In the wake of this devastating incident, authorities have taken swift action, implementing a controversial shark culling program in an effort to protect public safety. However, this move has sparked intense debate and drawn the ire of environmental advocates who have launched an urgent legal challenge to halt the operations.

The culling operation began on 23 February, just days after a man from New Caledonia was attacked and killed while riding a wing foil in a popular recreational area. Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was attacked by a tiger shark measuring at least three meters in length. In response, the authorities have closed some beaches and initiated a shark capture and removal program in the waters off the capital, Nouméa.

The decision to cull sharks has deeply divided the community, with environmentalists expressing outrage and concern over the potential impact on the delicate marine ecosystem. They argue that the culling strategy is an ineffective and short-sighted approach to addressing the issue, and that it fails to address the root causes of shark-human interactions.