After a tourist was bitten by a nurse shark in Fernando de Noronha, the Chico Mendes Institute of Biodiversity (ICMBio) announced that it had intensified inspection in the region, with daily rounds and special operations during periods of greater tourist flow, such as holidays and the summer.
The measure aims to combat illegal practices, such as “cetacean molestation”, direct interaction with spinner dolphins, and irregular feeding of sharks, an activity known as “ceva”, monitored by the institution.
In a note sent to CNNthe municipality explained that feeding wild animals, in addition to being an environmental infraction, represents a risk to the safety of tourists. “It involves the continuous feeding of sharks to attract them to specific areas, a behavior that, although widely reported, has not yet resulted in any incidents. This occurs because the vessels immediately interrupt their action when they notice the approach of ICMBio inspectors”, commented the institute.
Last week, a 46-year-old tourist from Mato Grosso. The woman was rescued, taken to Hospital São Lucas, received treatment and was discharged. The injury was not serious. At the time, the tourist explained that, while swimming in the company of sharks, she believed she had accidentally touched one of them, which may have provoked the animal’s defensive reaction.
In response, ICMBio will increase the presence of authorities in the area to ensure compliance with local fauna protection standards and prevent dangerous interactions with animals.
“Anyone caught feeding wild animals, for example, is subject to fines ranging between R$500.00 and R$10,000.00, depending on the severity of the infraction. The Management Plan for the Fernando de Noronha Environmental Protection Area prohibits this practice throughout the Conservation Unit”, warns ICMBio.
ICMBio, in partnership with the local community and the tourism sector, seeks to raise awareness and prevent new occurrences, protecting both visitors and the natural ecosystem of Fernando de Noronha.
