Quels sont les types de requins présents à La Réunion ?

Il existe plusieurs espèces de requins qui peuvent être présentes à La Réunion, notamment le requin bouledogue, le requin tigre, le requin blanc et le requin-marteau. Ces espèces ont des tailles et des comportements différents et peuvent représenter un risque différent selon leur espèce.

Quelles sont les mesures de prévention contre les attaques de requins à La Réunion ?

Pour prévenir les attaques de requins à La Réunion, il est recommandé de respecter les consignes de sécurité mises en place par les autorités et de respecter les interdictions de baignade dans certaines zones. Il est également conseillé de ne pas nager seul, de ne pas porter de vêtements sombres ou de couleurs vives et de ne pas nager près de bancs de poissons.

Que faire en cas d'attaque de requin à La Réunion ?

En cas d'attaque de requin, il est important de rester calme et de suivre les consignes des autorités et des professionnels de la plage. Si vous êtes témoin d'une attaque, il est recommandé de signaler l'incident aux autorités et de demander de l'aide immédiatement.

Shark attack risk on Reunion Island

For several years, Reunion Island has been severely affected by a crisis, directly impacting its tourism, as well as the Réunionnais themselves. The resurgence of shark attacks is a real problem on the island, which has forced authorities to regulate water activities and swimming areas. So, what is the reality? And what is the risk associated with sharks when visiting Reunion Island?

What sharks are present in Reunion Island?

In the world, there are about 450 species of sharks. The majority of them are completely harmless. However, of the five species considered dangerous to humans, all are present in the waters of Reunion Island. Reunion Islanders particularly fear the presence of the bull shark and the tiger shark. Indeed, these sharks tend to swim in close proximity to the coast.

Shark attacks: what are the facts?

Between 2010 and 2020, Reunion Island experienced 30 shark attacks. However, not all of them were fatal. 11 deaths were recorded, representing one fatal attack out of three worldwide. It is a fact that since 2011, Reunion Island is the territory in the world with the highest number of shark attacks relative to the population and the number of linear coastal kilometers.

What are the causes of these shark accidents?

Several factors are responsible for shark attacks in Reunion Island. Firstly, it should be noted that most of these attacks involve surfers, scuba divers, and bodyboarders. They are also often linked to uninformed or careless tourists who do not hesitate to swim outside lagoons or designated swimming areas, risking encountering a bull shark!

While the presence of sharks in Reunion Island has always been reported, there are now more swimmers in the Indian Ocean near the Reunion coastline. Potential accidents are therefore also on the rise.

In addition to this, there is the degradation of the sharks' natural environment. Water pollution and overfishing prevent them from feeding properly. In their food distress, they come closer to the coast than before.

Similarly, sharks are now a protected species. The sale of shark meat has been banned since 1999. Thus, while they were once fished in Reunion Island, they are no longer caught today and therefore come closer to the coast.

The consequences of sharks in Reunion Island

Faced with numerous shark attacks, Reunion Island authorities have taken measures to secure the coastline. The most dangerous beaches are no longer accessible, and swimming there is criminally punishable. Lifeguards are present to deter unaware swimmers and display the red flag when necessary.

Geographically, most shark attacks occur on the west and southwest coasts of Reunion Island. Unfortunately, these are also the main beach and tourist areas of the island.

To sustainably address this threat, various measures are currently being tested on the island. Sharks are geolocated and monitored. Protective nets are also installed near the beaches. In 2020, an acoustic tagging program was implemented, providing important data on the movement and occupancy of waters by sharks.

What is the risk for your trip to Reunion Island?

Rest assured, despite these somewhat alarming data, it is entirely possible to swim in Reunion Island without risk, provided you respect the rules in place and use common sense. To swim, stick to the calm waters of lagoons or temporarily protected artificial pools with nets. Follow the indications displayed on signs and never defy swimming prohibitions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of sharks are present in Reunion Island?

There are several species of sharks that can be found in Reunion Island, including the bull shark, tiger shark, great white shark, and hammerhead shark. These species vary in size and behavior and may pose different risks depending on their species.

What are the prevention measures against shark attacks in Reunion Island?

To prevent shark attacks in Reunion Island, it is recommended to follow the safety instructions put in place by the authorities and to respect swimming bans in certain areas. It is also advised not to swim alone, not to wear dark or brightly colored clothing, and not to swim near schools of fish.

What to do in case of a shark attack in Reunion Island?

In case of a shark attack, it is important to remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities and beach professionals. If you witness an attack, it is recommended to report the incident to the authorities and seek help immediately.