(CNS): As reported on CNS earlier this week, the Department of Environment is raising concerns that the recent incidents of people being bitten by fish in the waters of Seven Mile Beach were very likely tied to an increase in fish feeding, the shade provided by the growing number of floating mats, and other guest amenities that attract bait fish.
These smaller fish group together under the mats to avoid the heat of the sun, which in turn attracts predators such as barracuda. The DoE noted that fish feeding is not allowed in the area.
The DoE is continuing the investigation into the most recent bite just south of Governor’s Beach one week ago. Based on witness statements, the culprit is once again suspected to be a barracuda. However, images of the injuries have been sent to bite experts for analysis.
During the investigation, DoE officers have conducted drone flights, beach walks and in-water monitoring, where they have seen the concentrations of baitfish and some barracuda in the area, and are now investigating the factors that may have contributed to this and the increase in bites in general.
“These include fish feeding, floating mats and buoys that attract smaller baitfish, and boat activity that stirs up the seabed and also attracts fish,” DoE officials have said. “To reduce the risk of bites, the public is reminded that it is illegal to feed marine wildlife along beaches and elsewhere in Cayman waters outside areas designated as Wildlife Interaction Zones.
“As a precaution, swimmers are also advised to avoid water clouded by boats stirring up the seabed, and to avoid wearing jewellery, watches or other shiny objects, which barracuda can mistake for the flash of a fish.”
Members of the public who have witnessed fish feeding along the shoreline, or fish behaving unusually, should report it to doe@gov.ky with the location, date, circumstances, and any photographs or video evidence.