Bull sharks sightings around Seychelles waters natural |19 May 2014

The bull sharks seen around the Seychelles waters are natural to the country since time immemorial and they have been returning to their nursery grounds to reproduce – a natural cycle of life adding to the richness of the Seychelles marine environment.

This is what came out of the recent Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration (SMSA) committee meeting chaired by SMSA director general, captain Joachim Valmont. This was the committee’s ninth meeting since being set up in early 2012.

The committee has in place consultancy help from a well-respected and locally based marine environmental consultant whose services were more recently called upon when concerns were raised following increased shark sightings within Port Victoria, that of the bull shark  or the Carcharhinus leucas.  

From reports received and after close monitoring it was determined that there was an increase in the number of bull sharks within the harbour area primarily due to, but not limited to, heavy rainfall which changes the consistency of the near shoreline water, decreasing the salinity near river outflows into the sea, thus providing optimal reproduction areas for older adult bull sharks and as well sanctuaries for younger sharks who naturally have lower tolerance to salinity at the early stage of development, within this species.

The bull sharks therefore seen around Seychelles waters are and from research of the species, natural to the Seychelles since time immemorial, returning to their nursery  grounds to reproduce – a natural cycle of life adding to the richness of the Seychelles marine environment.

“There is a continued need for education in general about sharks of any species in our waters,” said captain Valmont.

He added: “This is more important since they (the sharks) are in their natural environment and understanding the risks when going into the water especially where there are sightings such as those mentioned in the reports received from the harbour area.  Those reports mean, and which are still enforced at this time, control measures on diving operations have been implemented.”

The committee during this meeting as well received updates on demarcation buoys recently installed at Port Launay, this to improve boater and bather safety; the exclusion net at Anse Lazio on the island of Praslin; lifeguard operations in general and as well a beach and water safety manual currently being developed.
 
The committee noted that there was a need to improve upon the general understanding of the basics for safety for bathers, boat operators, snorkeling activities, and on the beach some activities which should not be encouraged, namely people who consume alcoholic beverages in excess and after think that their swimming abilities have improved.  

“Alcohol impairs one’s ability be it a driver behind a wheel of a vehicle on the road, or a motor boat within a bay, or a jet ski zipping by, or for someone who is intoxicated and going for a swim. It’s a bad decision and one which increases the likelihood that someone will be injured or worse yet, get killed,” said captain Valmont.

Another subject the committee was informed about is safety signs which continue to be installed at strategic beach areas around the various islands so as to visibly alert bathers on possibility of strong currents within the waters. The committee noted that safety is everyone’s responsibility and that everyone should enjoy the beaches and the waters in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Members of the committee are from the Seychelles Fishing Authority, Ministry of Home Affairs and Transport, the Seychelles Tourism Board, the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, Seychelles Coast Guard, Seychelles Police, the Seychelles Life Guards, Seychelles National Parks Authority and the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

The committee meets four times a year and when needed following reported incidents. It also acts to advise and support the SMSA. As and when needed other persons or agencies both within the government, the private sector or non-governmental organisations are invited to attend and contribute.

Members of the public can contact the Seychelles Maritime Safety Administration by telephoning 4224866 or by sending an email to dg@smsa.sc. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for July 2014.