Shark spotting instead of killing.

There are many other options to the archaic practice of killing sharks thru the installation of shark gill nets and drumlines, many of which have been implemented successfully in other locations. Ultimately more effort needs to be invested into determining what is the right solution for KwaZulu-Natal, given its unique characteristics (types of sharks and their behaviors, topography, ocean conditions, water users, etc.) If we can put a man on the moon and go the depths of the ocean floor, we certainly can determine a method to ensure sharks and humans can peacefully coexist in the same waters.

In Tokyo, shark nets have been installed that are permanent, with mesh so fine that there is literally no bycatch. And, it was KZNSB itself who originally worked on the “Shark Shield” which emits an electrical pulse that supposedly wards off sharks, and surfers have used the technology with some mixed results. Finally, in Australia, nets are simply removed for four months a year. Others are experimenting with scents in the water, sonar, electrical current and magnets to repel sharks.

On the other coast of South Africa, the Western Cape, another ingenious program has been rolled out in an area with a high number of water users and a healthy white shark population. Instead of drumlines and nets, a unique program called Shark Spotters allows the white sharks and the water users to live in peaceful coexistence – without harm to anyone, including the sharks. Shark Spotters sit high atop the hills flanking the beaches armed with binoculars and radios. All day long, the Shark Spotters watch the shoreline looking for white sharks – who are known to frequent the inshore waters especially in the summer time. When a shark is spotted, the Shark Spotter sounds an alarm announcing the shark’s presence and also hoists a black flag with a white shark on it.

It is astounding to see the surfers and swimmers, quite accustomed to the alarms and the sharks, nonchalantly exit the water and await the “all clear” sign. No panic or pandemonium. Just a patient acknowledgement it is we human beings that the sharks are generously sharing their environment with, not the other way around. And in its four years of operation, there has not been a single incident.

Whether a program like Shark Spotters, or some of the other options described above, would work in KwaZulu-Natal with different types of sharks and topography, remains to be seen. But it does prove that there are viable alternatives to shark nets and also, that education and awareness go far to battle the perceived need of protection.

Sadly, the public’s, the media’s, and government’s responses to shark attack are usually emotional. As a result, there has been no rational public debate or discussion on how to end this environmentally disastrous and archaic process. While all accidental deaths are tragedies for those involved, and the fear of attacks runs high, it should not eliminate the need for a dialogue.

An independent symposium must be organized and attended by representatives from various sectors: conservation, science, travel & tourism, sea rescue, marine behavioralists, etc to outline potential options and a targeted plan for the net and drumline removals, complete with an education and awareness campaign.

Per the 2008 KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Act which states the KZNSB will “promote biodiversity by striving to reduce any negative environmental impact”, a serious re-evaluation that results in the elimination of the nets is long overdue. Destroying the very animals that keep our oceans – and our population – healthy is no longer an option.