Forensic-Based and Environmentally Responsible Protocol to Manage Shark Fatal Bites on Humans Can Better Contribute to Conservation Needs

Abstract

Although sharks are important for marine ecosystems, they still suffer culling campaigns after human fatalities. A case study from the Caribbean shows how the rapid use of several complementary and reproducible forensic techniques not only allowed the confirmation of the species implicated in the bite but also the accurate assessment of the size of the animal. Six non-lethal fishing sessions led to the capture of several shark individuals that were released after either being eliminated due to their unsuitable size or the absence of human remains in their stomach. Such an ecologically responsible risk management can contribute to shark conservation.