Shark Attack

[Scylax]

D. Telegraph today reports that a girl has been killed by a shark whilst she was swimming in the sea off La Reunion (Indian Ocean).
In response, local fishermen have been summoned to kill c. 20 sharks. Why?
The sea is the shark's domain, not silly girls who swim in shark-infested waters.
Long live the sharks, I say. What do you think?

[Sqad]

I must say that 20 hostages to die is a bit over the top.

[WELSHYORKIE]

The soundtrack to Jaws springs immediately to mind....

[2sp_]

I agree with you.

Pointless killing even just the "guilty" shark. Sharks are animals doing what comes naturally to them in their own environment. If humans want to swim in seas where sharks live, eat and hunt then they must do so at their own risk.

Do you have a link to the story?

[eariyam]

I agree. They don't come into our world and we shouldn't go into theirs !

[Bazile]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-23320165

[ummmm]

I presume they need to put the tourists minds at rest.

[Bazile]

//The 15-year-old victim, a French holidaymaker, was attacked on Monday while snorkelling a few metres from the shore at Saint-Paul on the west coast, local officials say.//

It's unsual for sharks to venture so close to the shore ( although how many is a 'few metres ' ) - or am i incorrect ?

[rockyracoon]

I couldn't even stock a toe in the water if I knew there were sharks about, let alone snorkel. Gives me the willies just thinking about it.

[rockyracoon]

I think you're right Baz, but wasn't there a couple of shark attacks close to shore in Mauritius not too long ago.

I'll stick to the swimming pool thank you very much ;)

[Sqad]

Bazile....not so (although i am no expert) apparently the majority if shark attacks are in shallow water.

[Prudie]

Can only find one of those links mentioning a cull and that was done last year and not in response to this attack. The sea is the shark's domain but I expect tourism is vital to the economy of the island.

[Bazile]

ok - i stand corrected

[Sqad]

LOL...Hi! Prudie.......I hope that you weren't attacked by a "shark" whilst on holiday..............many "sharks" are on land i gather.......;-)

[Prudie]

No shark attacks sqad although I did have a close encounter with a charmer..kiss kiss

[Sqad]

;-)

[Bazile]

The picture of Robert Shaw in the jaws of that shark is endelibly , imprinted in my conciousness .

I think i grabbed something - possibly the strangers hand in the cinema seat , next to me .

[McMouse]

Shark fin soup is very popular with the Chinese. Personally I prefer Ox Tail.

[Scylax]

Yes, Sqad, 20 hostages to die in reprisal. That's reminiscent of Nazi practices. Will the killing of these sharks render the Indian Ocean shark-free?
To hell with the tourist industry; the wildlife of such places is one of their greatest attractions - bloodlust isn't.

[Bazile]

// To hell with the tourist industry; the wildlife of such places is one of their greatest attractions - bloodlust isn't. //

I'm not saying that they should go on a shark cull - however you cant just dismiss out of hand , the major industry relied upon , by the inhabitants of the island for their livelihood . The sea around the islands is also a major draw for tourists .

How would you feel if your source of income was taken away from you ?

[viv38]

Yes, whilst I naturally feel extremely sorry for that poor girl, I also feel sorry for the sharks.