Please note that the ban on swimming at Anse Lazio, Grand Anse Kerlan, Petite Anse Kerlan, Anse Georgette, Curieuse and St. Pierre is still in force. In other areas swimmers and divers are being asked to take all necessary precautions. For quick reference on the latest release, please see below decisions taken based on the information and recommendations provided by the experts:
- The tooth of the shark will be sent to South Africa for further research to determine the identity of the shark. DNA tests are to be conducted on it.
- Erect two exclusion nets at Anse Lazio as soon as possible to facilitate swimming in the area and another one at Petite Anse Kerlan. These will be set up as trials and as temporary measures. Praslin Development Fund has been given the responsibility to lead this particular activity.
- In an effort to provide greater safety for swimmers the Seychelles Fisheries Authority has been given the responsibility to coordinate and manage the use of drumlines just outside these swimming areas.
- Seychelles Fisheries Authority will intensify their research on bull and tiger sharks in Seychelles coastal waters. The study exists already but now will be given higher priority.
- Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration is to intensify its work in enforcing against pleasure boats that dispose of their waste at sea especially in coastal waters.
- Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration will import emergency shark attack first aid packs and place them at strategic points on popular beaches. The Administration will employ and train life guards in using them.
- Monitoring and surveillance plans will be developed for strategic areas.
- An emergency protocol will be developed and personnel of key agencies will be trained in using them.
- The South African experts will develop a list of best practices that will be shared with all concerned.
- The Seychelles government will make a formal request to the Kwazulu Natal Shark Board with the aim of establishing long term cooperation between the Board and the Seychelles government. The aim is to obtain the assistance of the South African experts to assist government in building a robust institutional framework to address the local shark problem.
