New Caledonia's Shark Culling Operation Sparks Controversy

Following a fatal shark attack on February 23, 2026, authorities in New Caledonia initiated a shark culling operation off the coast of Nouméa, targeting tiger and bull sharks. The victim, a local man riding a wing foil, was reportedly attacked by a tiger shark measuring at least three meters. In response to the incident, local officials closed several beaches to swimming and imposed restrictions on water-based activities within a 300-meter coastal strip, which are set to remain in place until the culling campaign concludes.

The Guardian

Mayor Sonia Lagarde defended the culling operation, asserting that it was necessary to protect public safety due to a perceived increase in shark sightings near popular swimming and surfing areas. Lagarde described the situation as urgent, stating, “When you have sharks of exceptional size approaching the coast, the question of regulation has to be asked. The danger is there.” She dismissed the term "cull," opting for "regulation," and argued that alternative safety measures, such as drone surveillance or exclusion nets, were financially unfeasible for New Caledonia.

The Guardian

The culling operation has faced legal scrutiny from the marine conservation organization Ensemble Pour La Planète (EPLP), which filed a court application to halt the cull. EPLP argues that there is no scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of shark culls in reducing attack risks and emphasized that the targeted species are legally protected in the region. The organization previously succeeded in stopping a similar culling operation in 2023, which had been deemed “disproportionate” by the court after capturing 127 sharks.

The Guardian

The culling has sparked significant public opposition, particularly from Indigenous groups. The pro-independence coalition has condemned the operation, advocating for non-lethal measures such as enhanced surveillance and public education. Aile Tikoure, a representative from the civil society group Nyiimié kââ, highlighted the cultural significance of sharks to the Indigenous Kanak people, stating, “Our origins bind us to sharks. They are considered ancestral species.” Protests have been organized to call for an end to the culling, with demonstrators expressing their commitment to preserving the marine environment.

The Guardian

As of now, authorities have captured eight sharks during the current culling operation, including seven tiger sharks and one bull shark, while releasing those measuring under 2.1 meters. The ongoing legal challenges and public protests indicate that the debate over shark management and marine conservation in New Caledonia is far from resolved. The outcome of these developments could have lasting implications for both public safety and environmental stewardship in the region.

The Guardian