Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The first action of the newly formed Plett Shark Action Group (PSAG) is to roll out a public awareness campaign about shark safety measures and other safety tips about being ocean-smart, with new signage to be placed at key beach locations along the Plett coastline.

In addition, shark watchers will be trained and literature will be released to the public by the end of October. 

The campaign comes in the wake of recent shark attacks at Plett beaches and follows a three-day working session involving all stakeholders. 

The focus of signage to be erected in the coming week will be on two topics - shark safety information and the hazards of rip tides.

Short-term goals

PSAG chairman and head of Plett NSRI Jaco Kruger said short-term goals also include exploring the use of shark watchers during peak season, a Plett Ocean Smart pamphlet/booklet that will be distributed to the tourism sector, a permanent camera that is connected to a central monitoring system at a designated location, and beach protocols with regard to shark/bather safety, to be in place on 1 November.

"The objective is to establish awareness throughout the hospitality industry and to the public using key visual communication, as well as creating immediate bather protection through key shark safety interventions," said Kruger in a PSAG statement.

Mid-term goals

Mid-term goals and objectives, which should be in place by mid- to late-November, include the purchase of a new dedicated Plett Ocean Smart jet-ski that will be used according to shark/bather safety protocols.

"We will also be exploring the use of an exclusion barrier for the Central Beach area, the appointment of ocean smart official aerial shark watchers - microlight or glider - to be connected via communications to the central monitoring system," said Kruger.

New visual shark alarm system tools will be implemented at main beaches. The objective is to also implement "on-the-ground staff

and additional tools... to help establish awareness and safety".

Long-term goals

The long-term goals and objectives for 2023 and beyond include continuing scientific research on sharks in our environment, investigating new technologies such as ecological shark barriers or deterrents, continued environmental awareness and education campaigns and the development and implementation of a Bitou shark safety strategy. 

Additional details about the goals and objectives will be released soon, according to Kruger.

"We request the public to adhere to the instructions from the Bitou lifeguards, the Plett NSRI and Bitou beach control officials at all times, and to only swim in designated areas while lifeguards are on duty," he said. 

Kruger said several projects were identified that require funding, including shark spotters, camera maintenance, jet-ski patrolling expenses and funding to maintain the programme.

"Conservation and preservation of our greatest assets, the ocean, waterways, forests, landmarks and wildlife in Plettenberg Bay, makes an ecologically and economically significant contribution to the town. We encourage our residents and visitors to be aware of ocean safety at all times and respect our safety tools and the wildlife that also visit our shores," he said.

Anyone who wishes to donate to this initiative to make our beaches and waters safer can do so by mailing their contact information and correspondence to PSAG at plettoceansmart@gmail.com.

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