Eric Clua Shark specialist

We (scientists) have failed in our task of elucidating the mechanisms leading to shark bites on humans by making the mistake of trying to model bites using a spatio-temporal approach that focuses on environmental factors (extrinsic to sharks). My team and I propose a disruptive hypothesis that refocuses the issue on the individual behavior of sharks, which may have distinct personalities that shape their behavior towards humans. This hypothesis was scientifically validated in 2018 (see Clua and Linnell 2018), and we are on the verge of proving that the same shark can bite a human more than once (Clua et al. in prep.). The existence of "problem individuals" suggests that risk management should be approached differently, targeting these specific animals rather than conducting blind shark culling campaigns after a fatal bite (see opposite). To learn more:
THESHARKPROFILER

Once we proved the existence of "problem individuals" within large shark populations capable of attacking humans (see opposite), the goal is to identify the biting shark. We propose enhanced forensic protocols, including systematically swabbing victims' wounds to collect residual shark DNA. Genetic analyses (PROGENIR) can then determine not only the species but also the shark’s individual genetic profile. Additionally, we suggest conducting non-lethal fishing campaigns to build a comprehensive genetic database of potentially dangerous individuals. This would allow us to recognize them instantly, either visually (photo identification) or through tags and electronic chips (after recapture). In case of a bite, the biting shark's DNA would be compared to the database for selective neutralization. This approach is scientifically validated (Clua et al. 2020) and would not be more expensive than current, often ineffective, methods. To learn more:
ONE SHARK