Shark attacks in La Reunion Island (southwestern Indian Ocean).

Shark attacks are rare yet extremely mediatized events. Nevertheless, in some countries like the South Africa, Australia and USA, these phenomena occur regularly, representing a real danger for sea user and the tourist industry in general. To cope with this threat, the governments have considerably invested in research and prevention programs. In the French Isles in the Southwest Indian Ocean, particularly in Reunion Island, such accidents have occurred since the development of water and underwater sports. The study of the 22 cases reported from the Reunion Island between 1980 and 1999, allowed to determine the main factors related to the victims and to the environment, and to suggest some measures of protection.