SHARKS AT THE REUNION ... THE COUNCIL OF STATE GIVES US RIGHT

For those who regularly follow the news of Longitude 181 Nature, you have noted that LONGITUDE 181 is fully committed to stopping shark harvesting in Réunion.

The Council of State proves us right!

Here is the press release issued jointly by Sea Shepherd, ASPAS and Longitude 181:

Shark hunting:

New victory for Sea Shepherd, ASPAS and Longitude 181

Following his calamitous management of the “shark crisis” in Reunion Island, Thierry Robert has just suffered a new setback in the dispute between him and associations for the protection of nature. The Council of State has indeed confirmed the suspension of its decree authorizing shark fishing in a protected area.

Following the accident that killed an 36 tourist in May 2013, Thierry Robert, mayor of Saint-Leu, issued a decree calling for the fishing of sharks in the waters of his commune, yet classified National Marine Reserve .

Last June Sea Shepherd, ASPAS and Longitude 181 obtained the urgent suspension of this decree before the Administrative Court of Reunion. The elected then decided to challenge in cassation this order before the Council of State, which, the 30 December, gave him wrong again.

The State Council reaffirms on the one hand that the measure, aimed at authorizing and encouraging the destruction of a large number of sharks within the zones of reinforced and integral protection of the reserve, undermined the integrity of these areas. and that the suspension of this mass slaughter would not expose sea users to an increased risk of shark attacks. It also confirms the incompetence of the deputy mayor of Saint-Leu to derogate from the regime of protection of the Reserve.

Instead of taking municipal decrees which he knows to be perfectly illegal, Mr. T. Robert should take into consideration the measures which would fall fully within his competence. Namely, in particular, improving the treatment of wastewater in its town, which is one of the stimuli known to attract bulldog sharks near surf spots.

Our associations, meanwhile, will never stop calling to reason, to demonstrate that there is room for all sea users alongside sharks and to assert the right to protect the National Marine Reserve . Current popular protests in Australia against shark killings should set an example.