Citizens warned to avoid water in Salt Marsh, Trelawny after shark observed feeding on whale carcass

September 19, 2026

Members of the public are being urged to avoid entering the water in the Salt Marsh area of Trelawny, after sharks were observed feeding on the carcass of a whale in the shallow waters.

The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) said persons should avoid fishing, swimming or other recreational activities in the immediate area, until advised that it is safe to do so.

Citizens are also strongly advised to keep children and pets away from the shoreline, as well as avoid touching, disturbing or attempting to remove the carcass.

Nepa says the carcass may continue to attract sharks and other scavengers even after feeding activity is no longer visible.

Persons should also avoid feeding, capturing, provoking or attempting to drive away the shark.

They should observe only from a safe distance and avoid approaching or surrounding the animal with boats.

Nepa says the presence of the sharks and marine mammals is a natural occurrence, as both species are known to occur in Jamaican waters.

The feeding activity is also part of a natural ecological process and does not, in itself, indicate an unusual environmental event.

It noted that sharks play an important role in healthy marine ecosystems as predators and scavengers.

By consuming dead or weakened animals, they help remove decaying organic matter, recycle nutrients and contribute to the natural balance of marine ecosystems.

Nepa says the reddish discolouration observed in the water is likely associated with blood and tissue released during feeding and should not automatically be interpreted as pollution.