New Caledonia court halts shark hunts

A court in New Caledonia has ruled against the systematic culling of sharks, declaring it a disproportionate measure in response to perceived dangers to swimmers.

The French Pacific territory faced heightened concerns over shark attacks earlier this year, prompting controversial actions to safeguard its beaches.

Following two shark attacks, one fatal for an Australian tourist, authorities imposed a temporary ban on sea bathing and erected a contentious net to deter sharks.

In a bid to make the beaches safer, the capital city, Noumea, initiated multiple “preventative” shark hunting campaigns throughout the year.

The court’s decision came in response to a legal challenge filed by the environmental NGO “Ensemble pour la Planete” (United for the Planet).

The court ruled that the culling campaigns lacked scientific justification, with no studies conducted on the targeted shark populations or the potential environmental impact.

A total of 127 sharks, including 83 tiger sharks and 44 bulldog sharks, fell victim to the culling efforts this year, as reported by the ocean-protection NGO Longitude 181.

Critics argued that the southern province of New Caledonia erred in permitting Noumea city hall to conduct shark hunts in maritime reserves, where fishing is inherently prohibited.

The court emphasized the need for “limited” and “proportionate” measures, citing the shark culling program as neither.

“It’s a lovely Christmas present for the planet,” remarked Didier Derand, president of the NGO advocating “for a healthy environment” (Vagues), in response to the court’s decision.

While the exact cause of the increased shark presence in the bays around Noumea remains unknown, a study by La Reunion university revealed a significant rise in shark attacks in the region since 2010.

The decision to halt shark hunts marks a pivotal moment in balancing public safety and environmental conservation in the picturesque New Caledonian waters, located approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) east of Australia.