South Africa: Shark mitigation measures sought for Port St Johns

South African
Government News Agency

26. September 2014

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Public invited to comment on measures to mitigate shark attacks

Pretoria – Minister of Environmental Affairs, Edna Molewa, has invited the public to give their inputs on ways to mitigate shark attacks in Port St Johns, in the Eastern Cape.

Department of Environmental Affairs spokesperson Zolile Nqayi said government was concerned about the attacks.

“While the Department of Environmental Affairs has invested a lot of resources in marine conservation and research, bathers continue to fall prey to sharks, particularly at Second Beach, Port St Johns,” Nqayi said.

He said South Africa was investigating several measures in a bid to protect swimmers and surfers.

“Shark exclusion nets have had success; however, their application is limited to less energetic coastlines and sheltered bays, such as Fish Hoek, in the Western Cape.

“Electrical repellents in the form of the shark shield and now shark pod have been developed, and other agencies are working on developing a shark repellent cable,” Nqayi said.

The application involved the creation of an electric field barrier around bathing areas. The technology was still in the testing phase.

Members of the public and affected parties can submit their comments or inputs within 45 days from the date of publication of Gazette no 37999.

Comments can be sent by post to:

The Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts

Department of Environmental Affairs

Attention: Chumani Mangcu

PO Box 52126

V&A Waterfront

Cape Town

8002

Or comments can be delivered by hand to:

02 East Pier Road,

V&A Waterfront,

Cape Town,

8002

Source: South African Government News Agency