1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Monitoring and surveillance plans will be developed for strategic areas.
8. An emergency protocol will be developed and personnel of key agencies will be trained in using them.
9. The South African experts will develop a list of best practices that will be shared with all concerned.
10. 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.

The meeting expressed their sympathy to the families of the two visitors who had lost their lives following the freak shark attack off Anse Lazio beach at Praslin. The beach, considered as one of the best beaches in the world, had the unfortunate mishap of being visited by a shark which has resulted in two accidents virtually unheard of previously in Seychelles.

“With immediate effect the Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration has issued a temporary ban on swimming or entering the water in certain bays of the island of Praslin and islands off the coast of Praslin following two fatal shark attacks this month in the north west area of the island.

People should not swim or enter the water in the following areas;

1.    Anse Lazio- (patrolled by the Police and National Parks Authority)

2.    Anse Georgette, Petite Anse Kerlan and Grand Anse Kerlan (patrolled by Lemuria Resort)

3.    St Pierre island (patrolled by National Parks Authority)

4.    Curieuse island (patrolled by National Parks Authority)

This measure will be enforced for a certain period in order to search for the shark and remove it from the water.

For all other areas of Praslin and La Digue, people should swim close to the beach, within a short distance, and not in deep water.

The Seychelles National Parks Authority in collaboration with the Praslin Development Fund, Seychelles Coat Guard, the Police, the Department of Environment, and the Seychelles Fishing Authority as well as several private boat owners and Seychellois fishermen will be undertaking continuous patrols, research and fishing activities in order to capture the shark.

The Maritime Safety Administration will also reinforce the ban of dumping of waste from yachts and other boats, which have been reported in some of these areas.

The last recorded fatal shark attack in Seychelles waters was in 1963, and therefore the two attacks are considered as extremely unusual events”.

CONTACT NUMBERS

For shark sightings on Praslin please contact the Seychelles National Parks Authority Research Manager Mr. Rodney Quatre- on 2726104

For Media information- contact Police Press Officer- Mr. Jean Toussaint- 2722352  – END OF PRESS RELEASE

she sells Seychelles

The latest Seychelles article by Fiona McIntosh speaks a thousand words. Download the issue now http://www.thedivesite.co.za/pages/40/online-mag. Check out our reader’s offer for keen divers

http://www.unusualdestinations.com/fileadmin/pdf/UD_readers_offer_Seychelles_diving.pdf

or just give Helen Mann a call on +27 11 706 1991.

Some of the exhibitors at AtholPlace

Following our spectacular workshops in Pretoria, Namibia and Johannesburg we are delighted to announce the winner………..And she is Vlasta Golubovich from Johannesburg!

A huge thanks to our sponsors for your incredible generosity and not forgetting to thank Irene Lodge and Athol Place for their attention to detail in hosting our guests.

Fregate Island Private
http://www.fregate.com/

2 nights in a One-bed room villa on a full board basis with your own butler

Constance Hotels
http://www.constancehotels.com/

A very happy Vlasta

2 nights at Constance Lémuria on Praslin Island
2 nights at the brand new Constance Ephélia Resort

Seychelles Tourism Board
www.seychelles.travel

2 return flights including airport taxes Johannesburg-Mahé

Banyan Tree Seychelles
http://www.banyantree.com/en/seychelles/overview

Lunch for two at Le Jardin d’Epice Restaurant

Unusual Destinations
www.unusualdestinations.com

2 return flights Mahé-Praslin
All transfers on Mahé and Praslin Island

See you in the Seychelles!

Link to our Seychelles specials.

Gastronomy at Maia

Food and diet play a huge role in how we feel, both mentally and physically. And new this year is a tailor-made Health & Wellbeing Programme that combines relaxation therapies and treatments, fitness, yoga and a tailor-made diet created to suit you. The programme is supervised by Spanish Executive Chef Oscar Torres and Thai Executive Sous Chef Bansani Nawisamphan. The Health & Wellbeing Programme, priced at €150 per day, per person, in addition to the inclusive rate, includes:

• Personal nutrition advice
• Daily health breakfast, lunch and dinner
• 1 cooking class in the privacy of your villa or on the beach
• A 45 minute yoga session in Maia Spa or on the beach
• Daily access to Maia fitness centre equipped with the latest Technogym ‘Excite’ © range
• A daily 90 minute spa treatment (massage or La Prairie treatment of your choice)
• One relaxing scented bath of your choice, per couple

Gastronomy at Maia

A private fitness coach can also be arranged upon request (with supplement)

Have you seen the new Maia video ?  It’s on the website, or you can go to  www.myownmaia.tv

http://www.unusualdestinations.com/seychelles/itineraries/article/1441/seychelles-10.html