Shark heads wash up
Shark heads found washed up on the beach at Kanon have had locals puzzled and up in arms this week.
Disturbing images of the heads were posted on social media and circulated. All too soon, the names of demersal longlining vessels such as the White Rose as well as a newcomer called Mary Ann were mentioned.
Although the White Rose's movements along the coastline in environmentally sensitive bays such as Gouritzmond and Vleesbaai have often been reported on in the Mossel Bay Advertiser, the percieved damage done to the marine environment, remains speculation.
An intern at the Fransmanshoek Conservancy, Erich Goold, said members of the community came across the shark heads late last week. The conservancy reported the matter to the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries in Mossel Bay.
The spokesperson for the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (S.M.A.R.T.), Tersia Marais, upon enquiry, said the organisation has volunteers all along the coastline, who are monitoring the movements of vessels such as the White Rose.
This, according to Marais, is an initiative supported by other local marine conservation groups and follows the fatal stranding of two whales this year, where entanglement cannot be ruled out as the cause of death. In April, two Bryde's whales were stranded, one at Glentana and then another at Springer Bay.
"We are building a body of evidence which we hope we can take to the department in order for them to take action."
Almost two years to date, the Mossel Bay Advertiser investigated the movements of vessels doing demersal long-lining, such as the White Rose (Longline fishing under the spotlight again, 20 May 2016).
It was reported that concerned residents spotted the White Rose off Vleesbaai, Fransmanshoek and Cape Vacca, closer than the allowed distance to the shoreline in off limits, ecologically sensitive bays.
Although it came to light that the White Rose, one of the vessels reported on, did indeed have a licence for demersal fishing, issues were raised regarding the monitoring of bycatch.
"We urge the public to assist us. The more eyes, the better," says Erich Goold of the Fransmanshoek Conservancy.
"Footage of suspicious lookings vessels will help a great deal. Try take a photograph or video, clearly showing the name of the vessel. Also record the time sighted and any other details deemed important," says Tersia Marais from S.M.A.R.T.
Report any suspicious activity to S.M.A.R.T. (072 227 4715) or the Fransmanshoek Conservancy (082 084 2791). Photographs and video material can also be sent via WhatsApp to S.M.A.R.T. using the same cellphone number.