Tawny nurse sharks caught, not bull sharks |08 March 2021
The Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment has condemned the recent incident that occurred in Amitié, Praslin whereby fishermen caught three sharks.
Contrary to what was stated in the news item on Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) TV, the sharks caught were not bull sharks but rather Tawny nurse sharks (Nebrius ferrugineus) locally known as Landormi. The species which may reach a maximum length of 3.2 metres, is currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red list and fished through much of its range. Tawny nurse sharks are known to be docile and are generally harmless to humans. They are known to aggregate for breeding off Praslin during this time.
The ministry believes that linking this incident to shark attacks in general is a serious misconception which may raise unnecessary fears and possibly lead to uncontrolled and irresponsible culling of sharks. In addition such actions undermine the country’s well respected conservation efforts. Shark attacks are relatively rare in Seychelles and it is a shame that some people are using this as an excuse to cull sharks.
The environment department’s mandate, through its biodiversity conservation and management division, is to implement and promote the conservation of species, and is currently exploring opportunities for further measures and protection for Elasmobranch (sharks, rays and skates), especially those currently listed as threatened.
To date only the endangered whale shark (Rhincodon typus) Sagren is protected under the Wild Animals and Birds Protection Act. Sharks are important apex predators and the ministry reassures the public that work started by the previous government will be continued by the present government to increase conservation of Elasmobranch and promote sustainable fisheries.
Members of the public as well as tourists are advised accordingly during shark breeding/pupping seasons but sadly these advisories are not always respected with people putting themselves at risk.
As of late, there has been campaigns to educate the public on sharks by different groups/organisations and the ministry applauds them for their hard work. On our side, we will continue to educate the public about the importance of marine species/ecosystem conservation and show the world that Seychelles is not just a conservation champion on paper but through its conservation efforts on the ground.
Press release from Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment