Shark Danger Increases as Spring Arrives

The City of Cape Town wishes to remind those who use the sea for recreation or income that we are again approaching the time of year when we expect to see a seasonal increase in the presence of white sharks in the in-shore area.

Scientific evidence suggests, however, that sharks change their habitat use from predominantly using the seal colony in the winter to predominantly using the coastal inshore areas during the summer.

This seasonal change is not unique to False Bay or recent in its occurrence: similar behavior is recorded in Gansbaai, Mossel Bay and even California.

Shark sightings recorded by the shark spotters has consistently shown a seasonal peak in shark sightings during the period from August - March, peaking in mid-summer. Typically shark sightings start in late August. However, shark spotters and water users have recorded early sightings in the last two weeks in Muizenberg, St. James and Clovelly.

White shark research trips over the weekend recorded a significant drop in shark activity at Seal Island which may be indicative of an early move of sharks away from the island to the in-shore areas. The City is therefore appealing to all beach and ocean users to be aware of these recent sightings and the expected increase in shark presence in-shore.

In total, shark spotters have documented 530 shark sightings at beaches around Cape Town since the programme started in November 2004. Each shark sighting is recorded and entered into a dedicated scientific database.

Information collected includes the location and time of the sighting and duration and swimming pattern of the shark. Alison Kock from the Save Our Seas Shark Centre and the research director for the Shark Spotters, said: "This information is important because it can be used to identify trends in shark presence and behavior at popular beaches. It can provide new information to increase safety for water users by minimizing interactions between sharks and people".

Analysis of the shark spotter's data from the two beaches with the highest number of shark sightings - Muizenberg and Fish Hoek - reveals that most (over 65 % of sightings) sharks are observed swimming behind the breakers traveling in a directional pattern from one side of the beach to another, parallel to the shore. Kock says: "This suggests that in most cases sharks are simply swimming past these beaches on their way to another location and we recommend that water users in areas of high shark activity limit the amount of time they spend behind the breakers far away from shore".

The data has also shown that when a whale is stranded, the shark sightings increase significantly at adjacent beaches may persist for up to a week after the stranding. It is therefore imperative that water users do not swim, surf or kayak in areas where there has been a recent whale stranding.

Kayakers and surf skiers are specifically asked to be cautious of the area between Sunny cove and Glencairn Beach while surfers and swimmers are asked to be especially vigilant in the areas between Sunrise Beach and Strandfontein and also in the Macassar Beach area.

Swimmers are encouraged to use areas where shark spotters are on duty. Take the time to speak to the shark spotters on the day you visit the beach to find out about recent sightings and shark activity as well as the current conditions which determine the effectiveness for shark spotting. Please read the shark spotting signs to acquaint yourself with the four flag warning system used and the fact that when the siren sounds, you must immediately leave the water as the beach is being closed for recreational use.

Regular shark sightings have become part of the beach experience for many local swimmers and surfers in Cape Town. "This change in attitude from one of fear and panic just a few years ago to an attitude adopted by many of acceptance and understanding, has been brought about through a combination of research, education and growing public awareness", says Sarah Titley, project manager of Shark Spotters.

Shark Spotters is at the frontline of educating the public on shark issues due to their daily interaction with waters users. Titley says: "It is important that the spotters are knowledgeable and keep abreast of contemporary shark and ocean related issues". Shark spotters recently attended a training workshop held at the Save Our Seas Shark Centre in Kalk Bay and received a training manual specially designed for them by Wally Petersen of the Kommetjie Environmental Awareness Group(KEAG). It contains information on white shark behaviour and ecology, other shark species found in Cape waters and shark bites.

This year all the spotters were also afforded an opportunity by Africa Shark Eco-Charters to go cage diving and observe sharks at close range.

The shark spotters rely on the support of the Cape Town community. This year a number of sponsors have aided the programme through financial and logistical assistance. William Simpson Tokai sponsored a brand new Nissan NP 200 bakkie, O'Neil sponsored new clothing and provided financial assistance, new binoculars and training were provided by Mphoto and Wavescapes Film Festival provided financial assistance through the Wavescapes auction of surfboards decorated by artists.

A surfer, Steve Pike, said: "The shark spotters are a vital part of our life, and, through Wavescapes, we are happy to spread the word to other surfers about their crucial role". The Shark Spotting team would like to say a huge thank-you to all their supporters. They would also like to thank all the shark spotters for their dedication and perseverance throughout the year.

Shark Spotting Programmes are operational at the following areas:

Summer:

Muizenberg corner: 7 days a week from 8 am to 7 pm

St James: 7 days a week from 8 am to 7 pm

Fish Hoek: 7 days a week from 8 am to 6:45 pm

Noordhoek (The Hoek): 7 days a week from 8 am to 7 pm

Clovelly: Weekends, public & school holidays 8 am to 4 pm

Glencairn: Weekends, public & school holidays 8 am to 7 pm

Winter:

Muizenberg corner: 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm

St James: 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm

Fish Hoek: 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm

Noordhoek (The Hoek): 7 days a week from 8 am to 6 pm

Over the summer holidays Shark Spotting will also be present at Mnandi, Blue Waters, Monwabisi and Strandfontein.

Background information:

The Shark Spotting Programme in Cape Town is a unique project that has attracted both international and local attention because of the novel way it seeks to prevent potential conflicts between sharks and people.

The programme recognizes the importance of implementing environmentally friendly solutions to potential wildlife conflicts. Minimizing contact between sharks and water users is fundamental in preventing an erosion of social confidence in the coastline as a safe recreational asset. It is also critical to the long-term conservation of white sharks in the waters of Cape Town.

The Kommetjie Environmental Awareness group (KEAG) manages the programme on behalf of this non-profit organization. The programme, in partnership with the Save Our Seas Shark Centre, is actively engaged in research on white shark movement patterns, residency and behavior in False Bay.

White sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have been protected in South Africa since 1991 and are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and on Appendix II of the CITES convention.

Scientific evidence has shown that white sharks are present in Cape waters all year round and one should be aware of the small possibility of encountering one of these animals at anytime and should always remain vigilant when using the ocean.

Shark safety tips:

No safety measure is 100 % effective and although the Shark Spotting programme has been successful, it is not 100% effective and is subject to human error, weather conditions and water conditions. Observing the following precautions can further reduce the risk of attack:

• Do not swim, surf or surfski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby.
• Do not swim, surf or surfski when trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is occurring.
• Do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
• Do not swim if you are bleeding.
• Do not swim near river mouths.
• Do not swim, surf or surfski at night.
• Do not swim, surf or surfski if there has been a whale stranding nearby.

If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no shark spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day.

First time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement official, life guards or locals about the area.

Obey beach officials if told to leave the water.

If kayaking or surf skiing far out to the sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond shape).

Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking.

Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.

For more information on the latest shark sightings and research visit: www.sharkspotters.org.za and www.saveourseas.com

The public are encouraged to report any sightings of White Sharks to the Shark Spotting Programme through their website.

Contacts:
Alison Kock
Director of Research:
Shark Spotting Programme
Marine Biologist:
Save Our Seas Shark Centre
Cell: 072 661 9516
Email: Alison@saveourseas.com

Sakhile Tsotsobe
Coastal Coordinator
City of Cape Town
Cell: 074 185 0123

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Issued by:
The Communication Department, City of Cape Town