PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett Shark Spotters manager Melissa Nel (34) says to work in a responsible leadership role as a woman - especially in marine conservation and beach safety fields which are traditionally male-dominated - can be challenging.
"Overall I've felt incredibly welcomed and respected," she says.
Nel forms part of a trio of women at the helm of Shark Spotters in Plett. Her colleague, Nicky Namntu, runs the operations, and the CEO is Sarah Waries.
Nel's duties include overseeing bather safety, research, public education, and conservation initiatives.
"My average day can vary greatly - from co-ordinating spotter teams and responding to shark sightings, to conducting research and community education sessions.
Apex predators
She encourages everyone to approach marine conservation with curiosity rather than fear. Sharks play a crucial role in the ocean's ecosystem.
"Our job at Shark Spotters is about building trust - not just between humans and sharks, but also within our community, so we can share and celebrate this incredible environment together."
She emphasises that sharks are not mindless man-eaters. "They're intelligent apex predators critical for healthy oceans.
Encounters are rare, and we can co-exist safely through awareness, respect and proactive management. Understanding sharks better helps protect both humans and wildlife," she says.
Nel rates the launching of the Ocean Awareness Kids Club as one of her proudest achievements.
"Bringing children from different commu-nities to experience marine education first-hand, many for the first time, has deeply impacted both their lives and mine. It demonstrates how conservation and education can create lasting positive change," she says.
"Additionally, through my research, I've identified 31 different elasmobranch species, including sharks, rays, and skates, significantly enhancing our understanding of marine biodiversity in Plettenberg Bay."
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