The Council of Presidents of the Environment believes the recent call for the capture or removal of sharks is ill-advised and can have subsequent detrimental effects.

Following an incident in which a 64-year-old British man was bitten, the THA Chief Secretary issued a statement offering a $10,000 reward for the successful capture of the shark involved.

In a letter to the Chief Secretary, COPE’s Chairman Kristopher Rattansingh says shark incidents such as this are extremely rare both in Trinidad and Tobago and globally.

He adds that as apex predators, sharks play a key role in the ecosystem by maintaining the species
below them in the food chain and serving as an indicator for ocean health.

Regarding the incident, Mr Rattansingh says the exact species of shark is yet to be confirmed and is calling for a measured, informed approach in dealing with the situation.

He fears there may be the indiscriminate killing of many individuals from different species of sharks in the hope of obtaining this reward.

He is also advising that guidance be sought from the IMA and other relevant experts to ensure that this
situation is handled with the interest of both the safety of beachgoers and the health of the
marine environment in mind.

COPE consists of: Aquaculture Association of Trinidad and Tobago • Asa Wright Nature Centre • Caribbean Youth Environmental Network Trinidad and Tobago • Central Pathfinders Environmental Foundation • Environmental Research Institute Charlottesville • Environment Tobago • Fishermen and Friends of the Sea • Fondes Amandes Community Reforestation Project • Friends of Botanic Gardens of Trinidad and Tobago • Pointe-a-Pierre Wild Fowl Trust • SpeSeas • Tobago Alliance for Resilient Communities • Trinidad & Tobago Field Naturalists’ Club • Trinidad & Tobago Orchid Society • UWI Biological Society • Wildlife Orphanage and Rescue Centre • Wildlife and Environmental Protection of Trinidad and Tobago.