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The Citizen
3 days ago
- Science
- The Citizen
Marine experts present shark net alternatives at uShaka exhibition
A current exhibition at uShaka Marine World is challenging long-held views on shark safety with innovative, non-lethal solutions aimed at protecting both people and marine life. Launched last month, 'Shark Smart: How Do We Keep Sharks & People Safe?' marked the first phase of a national awareness campaign hosted by conservation NGO Wildtrust, in partnership with Shark Conservation Fund, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research, SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws, the Sharks & People Working Group and others. The exhibition brought together government officials, scientists and ocean advocates to explore alternatives to traditional shark nets and drumlines, which have long been used along KZN's coastline. Wildtrust's director of campaigns and communications Lauren van Nijkerk emphasised the importance of innovation to reduce harm to marine life. 'We focused on presenting both existing shark risk mitigation methods and potential non-lethal alternatives in engaging, educational and interactive ways.' Among the showcased technologies are sonar systems, artificial intelligence software, drones and the SharkSafe Barrier, which mimics kelp forests and uses ceramic magnets to deter sharks. The exhibition signals a shift towards co-existence, urging South Africa to lead in marine conservation while ensuring beachgoer safety. As the country grapples with balancing ecological responsibility and public protection, 'Shark Smart' offers a hopeful blueprint for the future. Currently, 13km of nets and 177 drumlines span 37 beaches, but their environmental toll is steep. More than 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays and turtles, are killed annually as bycatch. Ballito's Specialised Rescue Unit commander Quentin Power acknowledged the controversy surrounding the shark nets noting the environmental toll they take on marine life. Also read: KZN shark net replacement claims identified as hoax 'Due to their effectiveness in limiting sharks to bathing areas, nets don't discriminate. They trap anything and everything,' said Power. Wildtrust's senior scientist Dr Jennifer Olbers called for legislative reform and leadership in conservation. 'Our laws are outdated. Shark populations globally are under pressure, and two species – the largetooth and green sawfish – have already been categorised as locally extinct,' she said. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below.
The Citizen
02-08-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
Keeping sharks and people safe: Rethinking bather safety in KZN
KZN currently uses 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines across 37 beaches to enhance bather safety. These measures are designed to catch specific shark species involved in attacks. However, they also result in the unfortunate death of around 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins and turtles, each year. This significant bycatch highlights the urgent need for more sustainable solutions. An innovative exhibition, Shark Smart: How Do We Keep Sharks & People Safe?, recently launched at uShaka Marine World in Durban. This exhibition, the first phase of a larger awareness campaign, focuses on non-lethal alternatives for shark risk mitigation. It aims to educate the public and encourage a new approach to shark and bather safety. Exploring non-lethal shark deterrent technologies Guests at the exhibition launch were immersed in the history and ecological impact of traditional shark nets and drumlines in KZN. Crucially, the exhibition showcases cutting-edge shark deterrent technologies and solutions being developed globally and locally. These include: Sonar systems Artificial intelligence (AI) software for shark detection Shark Shield personal deterrents Multispectral drones for ocean surveillance SharkSafe Barrier technology The exhibition also emphasises personal bather responsibility when entering the ocean, recognising it as the sharks' natural habitat. Collaborative efforts for shark conservation and education Lauren van Nijkerk, Wildtrust's Director of Campaigns, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the exhibition, ensuring all stakeholders were involved in shaping its message. The exhibition presents both existing and alternative shark risk mitigation methods in engaging and interactive ways, with materials available in both English and isiZulu to ensure broad accessibility. Maryke Musson, executive manager: conservation education and communications at the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), emphasised the aquarium's unique opportunity to educate visitors about the wonders of the ocean and the importance of marine conservation. The ecological cost of traditional shark control methods Despite common misconceptions, the 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines in KZN are not physical barriers preventing sharks from reaching swimmers. These nets, set 300-500m offshore with gaps, are designed to catch and kill specific shark species deemed a risk. Sharks can and do swim under, around and between them. Only three shark species are primarily associated with unprovoked incidents in South Africa: The Zambezi (bull) shark, white shark and tiger shark. These are the main targets of the current 'bather safety gear'. However, the environmental cost is substantial, with over 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays, turtles and critically endangered sharks, killed as bycatch in these nets annually. Drumlines, introduced in 2005, aim to be a more targeted form of fishing to reduce bycatch, using baited hooks to specifically target large sharks. South Africa's legacy and future in shark and ray conservation South Africa holds a significant place in shark conservation, being the first country to legally protect the white shark in 1991. Chondrichthyans, which include over 1 250 species of sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, are ancient and vital to marine ecosystem health. However, over one-third of all shark and ray species globally are threatened with extinction due to overfishing and habitat loss. These species are particularly vulnerable due to their slow growth, late maturation and low reproductive rates. Dr Jennifer Olbers, Wildtrust's senior scientist, emphasised South Africa's continued opportunity and responsibility to lead in shark and ray conservation, especially given that some species, like the largetooth and green sawfish, are already locally extinct. Paving the way for coexistence: The future of ocean safety This exhibition marks the beginning of an awareness campaign dedicated to redefining bather safety through education, innovation and coexistence with marine life, rather than lethal methods. The future of ocean safety must consider both people and the planet. The Shark Smart exhibition is open to the public at the uShaka Marine World Aquarium, a collaborative effort by Wildtrust, Shark Conservation Fund, SAAMBR, Oceanographic Research Institute), SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws and the Sharks & People Working Group. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
