ANALYSIS: The shark which was sighted at the Wainitoa river mouth is said to be a bull shark.

Ministry of Fisheries have revealed that effects of climate change would have forced bull sharks – dangerous because of their volatile nature – to extend their stay at the river.

Fisheries Minister Semi Koroilavesau revealed that due to soil erosion water in the river would have become murky which prevented the shark from going back into the sea.

“It’s the murky waters that made it go up. If a lot of erosion, reforestation and coastal erosion dirties the water this can happen. Those can come from climate change effects.”

Bull shark is also found in Fiji within the Rewa River, Sigatoka River, Navua River to name a few.  This is one of the few shark species that live both in salt water and freshwater. These sharks can travel far up rivers.

Their breeding season is from September-October and they travel up the rivers as the species breeds only in freshwater and goes back to the sea after breeding.  It can also be dangerous during its breeding season.

Due to the murky waters, it could possibly not have found its way back to sea.  It can take six to seven days for the shark to find its way back to the sea.

This is how climate change is also affecting our ecosystem. And, such incidents can be expected in the future as well. This is why Fiji’s presidency of COP23 is so important. We have to speak out in one voice about the effects of climate change. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s presidency has woken the world to how small island nations are suffering and how climate change is impacting one and all.

Edited by Paula Tuvuki

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj