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Co-existing with sharks

Large sharks like bull, tiger and great white sharks live in coastal waters where their daily lives overlap with people that are swimming, surfing and diving. In some countries the fear of sharks and being bitten has meant that governments have introduced methods to catch and kill sharks to prevent shark bites. These deadly methods can have negative impacts on marine wildlife and the environment. Therefore, non-lethal alternatives that consider the environment are being sought to solve the problem.

Cape Town has one of the biggest concentrations of great white sharks in the world
Alison Kock

In Cape Town, South Africa we have introduced a one of a kind programme where a dedicated team of 40 shark spotters provide an early warning system to water users. The shark spotters scan the nearshore waters from elevated lookouts using polarised sunglasses (to cut out the glare) and binoculars. When they see a shark swimming towards the beach, they alert the water users to get out using a shark alarm and flag system. This means that the chance of being bitten by a shark is reduced. Once the shark has swum past, the ‘all clear’ is given and people go back to enjoying their surf or swim.

Cape Town has also introduced an environmentally friendly shark exclusion net (shark barrier) which does not catch and kill sharks, but forms a barrier between people and sharks. Improved technology, such as underwater electric fences and shark sonar, are also paving the way towards more environmentally friendly and effective options to reduce shark bites. Even though Cape Town has one of the biggest concentrations of great white sharks in the world, we have proven that it is possible for people and sharks to co-exist.

5 things you can do to keep you safer in the ocean

  1. Never swim, surf, kayak or dive alone
  2. Don’t go into the ocean when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding
  3. Avoid areas where people fish a lot
  4. Use beaches that have Shark Spotters or life-guards
  5. If you encounter a shark, maintain eye contact and exit the water quickly, but calmly

Shark science