2Reunion Island – France

Off the coast of Madagascar, this tropical escape used to be a haven for surfers. But since 2011, when there were six reported shark attacks, it has slowly turned into a ghost town. Over the years, the problem has only worsened; just last winter, a surfer was killed by a shark.

The fear of shark attacks has taken a toll on local tourism, helping to preserve the natural beauty of the island but, sadly, stifling the local economy.