The Minister of Environmental Affairs, Mrs Edna Molewa, MP, has on Friday 19 September 2014 invited public comments on the mitigation measures to address the spate of shark attacks in Port St Johns, Eastern Cape.
While the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has invested a lot of resources in marine conservation and research, bathers continue to fall prey to sharks, particularly at Second Beach, Port St Johns. The spate at which these attacks are taking place is of concern to the Department and government.
South Africa, like many other countries, is investigating several measures in a bid to protect bathers and surfers. Shark exclusion nets have had success; however, their application is limited to less energetic coastlines and sheltered bays, such as Fish Hoek, in the Western Cape. Electrical repellents in the form of the shark shield and now shark pod have been developed, and other agencies are working on developing a shark repellent cable. The application involves the creation of an electric field barrier around bathing areas. This technology is still in the testing phase. In addition, several academic institutions are investigating the use of electro-magnetic and visual barriers.
Affected and interested parties are invited to submit their comments or inputs within 45 days from the date of publication of Gazette no 37999. Comments can be sent by post to:
The Deputy Director-General: Oceans and Coasts
Department of Environmental Affairs
Attention: Chumani Mangcu
PO Box 52126, V&A Waterfront
Cape Town
8002
By hand to:
02 East Pier Road,
V&A Waterfront,
Cape Town,
8002
For media queries, contact:
Zolile Nqayi
Cell: 082 898 6483
