Nature Trust (Malta) has said that it has been following the recent reports in the media re the alleged shark attack on a surfer close to the harbor area. While NTM has been carrying out research on sharks for a number of years, the research is based more on the specie populations in the Maltese Waters and the impacts of by catches. No research has ever been made on shark attacks. For this reason NTM said it cannot comment on this particular issue especially since no facts are available. NTM said it feels that if in fact the incident was indeed a shark then the surfer is a very lucky man, since shark sightings are very rare around the Maltese coast.

Nature Trust went on to say that it has over the last weeks been receiving various sightings reports of tuna closer to our shores so the large fish seen by this surfer could also have been a tuna or possibly be a sun fish. They said that the surfer had stated that he was not physically attacked but recalled the shark or a large fish just circling him; so such information cannot really help identify what the fish specie was.

Nature Trust (Malta) concluded by saying it has lately been carrying out a study on sharks. Sharks are on a fast decline rate all over the world and now in danger of extinction. Most of the reasons include fining, by catches and pollution. This can cause a disruption in marine ecosystem. Over these last years, various data from catches have also been compiled by the Ngo. NTM is now working with other NGOs around the world for a conservation plan.

NTM is a partner in the International Network Shark Alliance. For further information contact Nature Trust Marine Conservation on info@naturetrustmalta.org.

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