|
|
|
|
News from the Caribbean as of
|
Sharks not significant threat to Cayman, says government
Thursday, August 24, 2006
GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands: The Cayman Islands Department of the Environment (DoE) has reassured the public that shark sightings in shallow water are not unusual for this time of year and pose no significant threat given the nature of the species in question and of local marine conditions.
According to the DoE, during the summer months several species of sharks in Cayman waters come closer to shore than normal to give birth to their young. This sometimes brings them in close proximity to swimmers and other persons in the water; this is a completely normal part of the ocean environment and has always happened locally.
“We reassure the public that there is nothing to be concerned about,” said DoE Research Officer John Bothwell. “Because of the nature of these sharks and the clarity of our water, the chance of an attack is very low.” The department assures that while there are always chances of animal attacks in any wild area – and the sea is such an area -- the real chance of it happening is very slight.
Persons spotting sharks in these conditions are advised to avoid panic reactions or taking hasty action, however, as by doing so they may create danger for themselves or bystanders.
As a reminder, however, the DoE notes that these are wild animals and strongly discourages any sort of human or animal interactions in the water. This warning includes attempts to feed them, as there is always potential for danger.
“It would be especially unfortunate if anyone attempted to remove any of these sharks in the misguided notion that this would be in the interest of public safety,” said Bothwell. Sharks are top predators in the marine environment and thus play a very important role in maintaining the balance of the ocean’s natural systems.
“Although appropriate caution and situational awareness is always warranted, the chance of an attack by a shark or other dangerous animal should not keep people from enjoying Cayman’s wonderful marine environment,” Bothwell concluded.
Back...
Most popular articles: viewed, printed and e-mailed
 Printable version
|
|
