Be shark wise, and be careful out there…
December 16 2006 at 11:26AM
White Sharks do not consider people natural prey. If they did people would be bitten daily - this simply does not happen. They are however efficient predators that are potentially dangerous. When we enter the sea we enter their domain and therefore there is a risk of encountering a White Shark.
Over the past five years Cape Town has experienced 14 shark attacks (including on surfskis and surfboards).
Three were fatal.
Globally the number of shark encounters has increased, a phenomenon largely attributed to more water users spending increased amounts of time in the ocean. Despite this, only four people were killed by sharks worldwide in 2005.
Why sharks bite people is mostly unknown but is possibly because of mistaken identity, curiosity, investigation and in some cases, aggression.
Yet there are many other ocean-related dangers that pose far greater risks.
The biggest danger is the water itself - many more people drown every year while swimming in the sea than are bitten by sharks.
Informed decisions and responsible behaviour while using the sea will greatly lower any associated risk.
To address shark safety, a Cape Town Shark Working Group has been established consisting of national, provincial and city officials, lifesavers, medical response personnel, educators and researchers.
It comprises co-ordinated education and awareness initiatives such as the Rethink the Shark campaign; a shark safety policy and strategy, and research projects.
These are being undertaken in Mossel Bay, Gansbaai and Cape Town by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's Marine and Coastal Management branch (DEAT: MCM) with Iziko Shark Research Centre, UCT, the University of Pretoria and the White Shark Trust.
The research teams focus on the ecology, behaviour and movement of sharks. Satellite tagging, acoustic monitoring and photo identification are being used to find answers.
Shark-spotters have been on duty daily for the past two years and have recorded over 250 shark sightings in False Bay. The shark-spotting programme's sightings data is being used by the research teams, thus providing insight on the near-shore movements of White Sharks.
Shark-spotting programmes are currently active at Muizenberg, St James, Mnandi, Monwabisi, Blue Waters, The Hoek, Long Beach, Kommetjie, Fish Hoek, Clovelly, Strand, Glencairn and potentially Koeël Bay.
Where these spotters are in place, note the following: a green flag means visibility for the spotters is good and no sharks are visible to the spotter.
A black flag means visibility for the spotters is poor but no sharks have been seen.
A red flag means a shark has been seen recently but is no longer visible to the spotters.
A white flag with a black shark, along with a loud siren, means a shark has been sighted and you should leave the water calmly but immediately.
No flag visible means spotters are not on duty.
Though the shark spotting programme is very effective, it can never be 100 percent guaranteed.
Using the sea is always therefore done at one's own risk and discretion.
If you follow these guidelines you can reduce the small risk of being bitten:
# Don't swim, surf or surfski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby.
# Don't swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
# Don't swim, surf or surfski on your own or at night.
# Don't swim if you are bleeding.
# Don't swim near river mouths.
# Don't swim, surf or surfski near trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing activities.
# Don't dive for rock lobster using a baiting bag.
# If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no shark spotters are present, use another beach.
# First-time visitors to beaches should ask local law enforcement officials, life guards or locals about the area.
# Obey beach officials if told to leave the water.
# For those kayaking or surfskiing far out to the sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together.
# Consider using a personal shark shield when surfing or kayaking.
# Pay attention to shark signage and flags on beaches.
# To keep on record: Central Emergency number from a cell: 021 480 7700; from a landline: 107; NSRI: 021 449 3500.
Knowing the facts versus the fiction about highly debated issues adds to being shark-wise.
For biological reasons White Shark populations cannot explode; there is no scientific evidence that sharks become rogue animals and hunt people.
Finally, remember there's a higher risk of being killed by your faulty Christmas tree lights this summer than being bitten by a shark - Rethink the Shark!
For more information on awareness and education: www.saveourseas.com and www.aoco.org.za; shark spotters and recent sightings: www.sharkspotters.org.za Research: www.saveourseas.com and www.whitesharktrust.com; City of Cape Town: www.capetown.gov.za; DEAT and cage diving code of conduct: www.deat.gov.za
# Lesley Rochat is executive director of the AfriOceans Conservation Alliance (AOCA). The SOSF Rethink the Shark campaign is driven by AfriOceans Conservation Alliance, in collaboration with Two Oceans Aquarium. It will run during the peak holiday season with the aim of helping us live with White Sharks by shedding some perspective and providing shark safety tips and information about White Sharks.
o This article was originally published on page 15 of Cape Argus on December 16, 2006
