Teen surfer’s death prompts shark fishing boost

France has approved increased fishing of tiger and bull sharks in the marine reserve of its African island territory of Reunion after a teenage surf star was killed.

Youths display a surfboard bearing a slogan which translates as "Whose turn next?" and a placard which translates as "It could be you!" as they join a demonstration in Saint-Leu de la Réunion on April 19, 2015 calling for action in the wake of a rise in shark attacks and a day after a 13 year old surfer was killed by a bull shark. Reunion, once a haven for surfers from around the world, has become a deadly black spot for the sport now plunged into even deeper mourning after a shark mauled Elio Canestri to death. The 13-year-old, one of the Indian Ocean island's most promising young surfers, was killed after he ignored an official ban and hit the waves with friends. AFP PHOTO / RICHARD BOUHET

France has approved increased fishing of tiger and bull sharks in the marine reserve of its African island territory of Reunion after a teenage surf star was killed.

Visiting the Indian Ocean island, the minister for overseas territories, George Pau-Langevin, said the Government was launching eight initiatives to reduce shark attacks following the death of 13-year-old Elio Canestri on April 12.

The plans include increased surveillance and protection nets, as well as a 50 per cent boost in authorised shark-fishing trips.

“In no way does this mean eradication – that is unrealistic and would be contrary to France’s commitments to biodiversity,” said Mr Pau-Langevin.

The Government said it would also boost funding to scientific projects aimed at monitoring shark movements and populations around Reunion, which lies off the coast of Madagascar.

Elio, one of the island’s most promising young surfers, ignored an official ban on swimming in the east coast area of Cap Homard and went surfing with friends.

He left a note for his mother saying “don’t worry”, but was dragged off his surfboard by a 2.5m bull shark.

He was the seventh person to be killed by a shark following a resurgence in attacks since 2011.

Once a mecca for the sport, Reunion has seen the number of licensed surfers fall from 1600 to 400 since bodyboard champion Mathieu Schiller was killed in 2011, and the number of surf schools drop from 14 to one.

Two hundred mourners went to the government office following Elio’s funeral last week and tipped red paint on the road to protest against the lack of official action.