1. are seen by supporters as
   1. responsible adults who know what they do
      1. Very few accidents compared to road accidents
      2. The state has no right to limit their freedom; it's their own choice to brave sharks
   2. A source of local economic development
      1. Devoted business
         1. surf classes
         2. Surf shops
         3. Potential source of new business and new technology
            1. sharkshockers
            2. shark suits
            3. camouflage wetsuits
            4. chemical shark deterrents
      2. boost to other branches
         1. Hotels
         2. bars and restaurants
   3. A positive emblem of La Réunion
      1. Surf boosts the tourist industry from abroad
      2. Local championship gave the island worldwide visibility
   4. citizens and taxpayers who expect
      1. to be able to surf where and when they want to
      2. the authorities to guarantee their safety
   5. Voters with the power to vote local representatives out of office
2. are seen by opponents as
   1. Spoiled brats refusing to share the environment with other species
      1. they have no place in the marine ecosystem
      2. some advocate exterminating or culling sharks
      3. For one surfer killed, dozens of sharks are killed in revenge
   2. wimps and an "embarrassment for the international surfing community"
   3. Rich white kids unaware of the real problems of the island
      1. They have colonized the beaches and behave arrogantly to the natives
      2. To make them happy authorities ar wasting huge amounts pf taxpayer's money
      3. The shark controversy eclipses other issues
   4. arrogant fools
      1. who think they know better and disregard safety instructions
      2. who demand immediate solutions to their problems
3. opponents
   1. activists for the defense of sharks
      1. Sharks are the real victims
      2. sharks are a vital part of marine eco-system
      3. Sharks were there long before man
   2. representatives of the state (préfet)
      1. Some flaunt rules
      2. they only consider their own point of view
   3. scientists
      1. they cling to myths
      2. they won't give research time
      3. they force emotional decisions on the authorities
      4. their priorities are wrong
   4. part of public opinion
      1. surfers exaggerate the danger Driving is more dangerous and you don't ban cars
      2. They either knew the risk and they got their deserts Or they did not and they are stupid
4. supporters
   1. surfing community
   2. Local business
   3. tourist industry
   4. fishermen
   5. local authorities
      1. Thierry Robert
   6. part of public opinion
5. opportunists
   1. fearmongers
   2. groups with an agenda
   3. the media
6. controversy handlers
   1. The government
   2. Europe
      1. provides guidelines for protection
      2. provides funds for research (FEDER, CHARC project)
   3. Courts of law