Department of Environment Investigates Recent Fish Bite Incident

The Department of Environment (DoE) is continuing its investigation into the fish bite incident south of Governor’s Beach on Friday, 16 October. Based on witness statements, a barracuda is the suspected cause. Images of the injuries have been sent to bite experts for analysis.

Since the incident, DoE officers have conducted drone flights, beach walks and in-water monitoring, where they have observed concentrations of baitfish and some barracuda in the area. The Department is investigating whether several factors may have contributed to the bite incident. These include fish feeding, floating mats and buoys that attract smaller baitfish, and boat activity that stirs up the seabed and also attracts fish.

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.