Shark spotters on the lookout

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Shark spotters will continue to cast their trained eyes on the top beaches of Plettenberg Bay, if a council agenda item was approved yesterday, Thursday, 29 June.

The shark safety programme has been successfully implemented, recording 11 white shark sightings, and has been well integrated into existing beach safety programmes in Plett.

The special council meeting agenda contained a report in which Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani recommended that Bitou Municipality adopts a partial funding model, contributing to local staff costs of Plett Shark Spotters that totals R1 493 597.

If approved by Council it will be good news coming ahead of this weekend's much-lauded Plett Ocean Festival. The report in yesterday's agenda is to provide Council with information to ensure the continuation of a shark safety programme in Bitou.

The Bitou municipal area has experienced an increase in white shark activity and associated human-shark conflict in recent years. "Tragically, the community suffered two fatal shark bite incidents within three months of each other in 2022," the agenda states.

Far-reaching impact

"In spite their sporadic and low-frequency occurrence, shark incidents have far-reaching impacts that have many cumulative social and economic effects," the background item states.

"In Plettenberg Bay, shark bites can have significant negative repercussions on domestic and international tourism, as well as local community trauma and fear around beach use, which is a central part of Plettenberg Bay's identity.

"In response to the increasing conflict between sharks and people in the area, the Plett Shark Action Group (PSAG), a voluntary consortium of local stakeholders including water users, business leaders, research representatives and government, was established in 2022."

The Plett Shark Spotters was established in November 2022 in partnership with Bitou Municipality, Plett Shark Action Group (PSAG) and Cape Town Shark Spotters, creating 15 full-time work opportunities in Bitou - 14 local shark spotters and one local operations manager.

All staff underwent intensive training and were operational on five of Plett's busiest beaches - Lookout, the Wedge, Central, Robberg 1 and the Wreck - in time for the Plett Rage and the busy festive season.

A success

"Operationally the programme was a success as the team worked closely with Beach Control, lifesavers and the NSRI to improve beach safety during the summer months. The implementation of the spotters and their continuous surveillance for potentially dangerous sharks close to shore proved to be extremely effective at reducing conflict and restoring confidence in the use of beaches in the Bitou Municipality," the report in the agenda continues.

Between November 2022 and April 2023, Plett Shark Spotters recorded 11 white shark sightings, over 200 bronze whaler sightings as well as many more marine "megafauna" including endangered humpback dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, short-tailed stingrays and large schools of leervis (garrick), among others.

All marine animal sightings, as well as water user numbers and environmental and sea conditions, are recorded daily for scientific analysis and for improved conservation management of the Bitou area.

Risk higher in winter

An executive summary in the agenda said the risk of shark bites is significantly higher in the winter months, as this is when Bitou experiences higher numbers of white sharks.

"Should the shark safety programme not continue, the perception may arise that tourists are prioritised and that locals who use Bitou's beaches year-round and who are most at risk of encountering a dangerous shark, are being ignored," the executive summary reads.

"Plett Shark Spotters, as a registered non-profit, public-benefit organisation, is to source the remainder of the funding required for scientific and research inputs as well as education and awareness from public, corporate and international donor funding."

The special council meeting was held at the Beacon Island Resort, not its usual venue at the council chambers in Sewell Street, as it is the final council meeting of the 2022/23 financial year.

A shark spotter scanning the ocean from the roof of the Beacon Island Resort in May. Photo: Chris van Gass