Action against shark attacks

PLETTENBERG BAY -

The Plett Shark Action Group (PSAG), formed in August by a representative group of role players, has been working hard behind the scenes to create a safer environment for ocean activities.

Its shark-spotting efforts paid dividends on Tuesday 4 October, when as many as 12 great white sharks were spotted during an aerial survey off the coast of Plettenberg Bay. Representatives from Bitou Environmental Management and Plett Great White Shark Research conducted the survey of the area between the Robberg peninsula and the Grootbank area past Keurboomsstrand.

“This is more than generally expected during Plett’s spring season,” the municipality said in a social media post.

Bitou Mayor Dave Swart highlighted the activities of the group at last week's council meeting and said that, in the wake of the shark incident on

25 September, the group would meet again this week to thrash out various strategies and options.

“After the shark attack fatality on 28 June [this attack claimed the life of stockbroker Bruce Wolov], a group of concerned business people started discussing measures to create awareness and the need to set up an early warning system of shark activity to inform beachgoers to ensure their in-water safety as far as possible.”

On 13 August, a WhatsApp group for communication was established and so the Plett Shark Action Group was born. This group had their first meeting on 26 August at the NSRI Plettenberg Bay station.

Swart said ocean activities are a large part of Plettenberg Bay life. Since the first meeting of the PSAG, a number of measures have been put into place. Lifeguards started duties on 1 October; signage under the theme “Be Ocean Smart” that informs the public of various risks of the ocean, including shark activity, has improved; there is a shark spotter system using cameras at high points; and drones and a jet-ski are used for shark spotting and to track shark movement. An app for reporting shark activity still has to be activated.

“Instead of re-inventing the wheel, the PSAG will be meeting with shark experts from Cape Town during the week of 3 October to understand what has been done in other areas that can be adapted for Plettenberg Bay.

“The intention is to make use of and train as many local people as possible. Information relating to the progress of plans to make our waters safe for beachgoers have been and will continue to be distributed through Plett Tourism,” added Swart.

The participants in this group currently include:

■ Bitou Municipality - mayor, municipal manager, directory of community services, beach manager, environmental manager

■NSRI

■Plett Toursim

■ Concerned business owners

■ Ocean Outfitters Marine Conservation Trust

■ Plett White Shark Research Project