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Shark Bytes
October 2007
Shark Bytes is a new monthly column presented by the South African Shark Conservancy (SASC). Shark Bytes is designed to provide you, the reader, with interesting titbits about the shark, skate and ray species that inhabit the waters of the Overstrand region and South Africa. This column will keep you updated on conservation issues, fisheries facts and new scientific findings from right here in South Africa.
What is the South African Shark Conservancy?
SASC is a registered Section 21 company formed in June 2007. Based in the old abalone hatchery in the Old Harbour Museum, SASC will be a working laboratory and education centre that uses sharks as an icon to promote the conservation and sustainable use of our marine resources. Shark Bytes forms part of our education programme - a programme designed to raise awareness about sharks in South Africa. For more information, visit our website: www.sharkconservancy.org.
Sharks, South Africa and the Overstrand
South Africa is home to one of the most diverse array of shark, skate and ray species in the world. Collectively known as elasmobranchs, many of these species are regionally endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else on Earth. The Overstrand also boasts unique elasmobranch fauna - some scientists estimate up to 20 endemic elasmobranch species exist within our marine environment. Although this provides exceptional opportunities for scientists studying sharks, this may spell disaster for the sharks themselves. Since the population sizes and distributions of endemic species are naturally limited, many of South Africa's sharks are becoming increasingly rare due to over-fishing and environmental change.
Home to the "Great White Shark Capital of the World" and Southern Right whale calving grounds, the Overstrand region has been particularly blessed. In the face of growing environmental uncertainty, however, we are faced with the challenge of managing these resources in a sustainable manner. As stewards of our marine environment, we are responsible for guaranteeing the conservation of our resources. This includes the promotion of sharks as living resources, as they have significant ecotourism value in several industries including diving, recreational fishing and education.
So join Shark Bytes every month to learn more about these incredible animals and see how you too can become an active stakeholder in promoting the conservation and sustainable use of our valuable shark species.
Marine resources are yours. Use responsibly!
November 2007
This month Shark Bytes will introduce you to some of the general characteristics of elasmobranchs and tell you about some of their interesting features.
What is an elasmobranch?
Elasmobranchs (sharks, skates and rays) are a class of fish distinguishable from bony fishes (teleosts) by their cartilaginous skeleton, and the presence of five or more gill slits. In contrast, teleosts have bony skeletons and a single gill cover. Elasmobranchs lack the typical scales of bony fish, instead having skin covered by dermal denticles. Dermal denticles are made of keratin (like human fingernails) and serve to reduce drag as the animal moves through their watery environment.
Terminology
Although considered to be taxonomically incorrect, the term "shark" is often used to describe sharks, skates and rays. In this column, the terms elasmobranch and shark will be used interchangeably but, when necessary, distinctions will be made between sharks, skates and rays.
Is it possible to distinguish between the sexes?
Yes. Males have paired external organs known as claspers. Claspers are modified pelvic fins located at the base of the pelvic fin. Females do not have claspers.
Reproduction
Unlike the majority of teleost species, all elasmobranchs reproduce via internal fertilization. Female sharks, skates and rays have three reproductive modes: oviparity (egg-laying), aplacental viviparity (eggs develop inside the mother and are born live) and placental viviparity (pups develop via a placental connection and are born live - this is the same as most mammals!!!). The eggs laid by elasmobranchs are commonly known as mermaid's purses. Elasmobranchs do not provide parental care to their young after birth and the correct term for a baby shark is a pup.
Are elasmobranchs warm or cold-blooded?
Most sharks are cold-blooded. However, 5 species of sharks have warm-blooded capabilities. These are: white, shortfin mako, longfin mako, porbeagle, and salmon sharks. Unlike other sharks, these species have a unique ability to keep their internal body temperatures higher than the temperature of their environment, enhancing their performance abilities in cold water.
Elasmobranch senses
Elasmobranchs have 7 highly developed senses. The senses and the approximate distances to which they can be used are illustrated below.
December 2007
During this holiday season thousands of people will swim in our coastal waters, but how many of us will actually encounter a shark? Have you ever wondered what the truth is behind shark attacks? If so, read on…
The International Shark Attack File (ISAF) - the global authority on shark attacks - states that there are about 70-100 shark attacks each year, 5-15 of which result in death. No-one knows the actual number of shark attacks though because many attacks go unreported, particularly in developing countries where attack statistics are difficult to obtain. We do know, however, that the number of shark attacks is quite low especially given the increasing number of shark-human interactions worldwide.
Shark attacks are divided into two categories: provoked and unprovoked attacks. Provoked attacks occur when a human initiates contact with a shark, for example: a diver is bitten when touching a shark, someone is bitten while feeding a shark, or a spearfisher is bitten while spearing fish. Unprovoked attacks are incidents that occur in a shark's natural habitat where humans do not initiate contact.
In 2006, ISAF recorded 62 unprovoked shark attacks and 16 provoked attacks on humans worldwide; of the unprovoked shark attacks, only 4 were fatal. An average of 4.3 people died from shark attacks between the years 2001-2006, and the majority of both fatal and non-fatal attacks occurred in North America. Florida has more shark attacks than any other region in the world.
In 2006, shark attack victims were as follows: 42% were on surfers/windsurfers, 34% on swimmers/waders, 8% on divers and snorkellers, and 2% occurred upon entry into the water. In the remaining 14% of attacks, no activity was reported.
Despite the growing human population and our growing pursuit of marine activities, ISAF says the number of shark attacks has generally levelled of since 2000. Reasons attributed to this decline include:
1) declining numbers of sharks in the oceans due to overfishing;
2) decreased usage of traditional high shark-human interaction areas, such as the Florida coast, due to economic slow-downs following 9/11 and increased storm activity in these areas;
3) increased awareness of "high-risk" areas means that humans have become better at reducing the chance of interaction with sharks.
So what should you do if you come into contact with a shark this summer? Well, if you are diving or snorkelling, take a moment to watch the shark. They are perfectly designed for their aquatic environment and watching them is like watching moving art. However, if you happen to be approached aggressively or attacked, ISAF recommends taking a proactive response by doing one (or all) of the following:
1. Shark's noses are the most sensitive part of their body, so they are likely to postpone an attack if you hit it on the nose with a hard and/or heavy object. Get out of the water as soon as you can.
2. If the shark comes close enough, or initiates an attack, claw its eyes and gills; these are the second most sensitive parts of a shark.
Perhaps the most important thing to know is that, like all apex predators, sharks are the kings of their watery jungle. Like all jungle kings, sharks respect power and size, so never act passively when a shark swims over to check you out.
Did you know more fatalities in the US are caused by deer than by sharks, and that you are 100 times more likely to be injured by paint products than you are to be attacked by a shark? Listed below are some interesting facts on the likelihood of being fatally attacked by a shark. If you are interested in finding out more fascinating facts about shark attacks, check out the ISAF website.
In South Africa we are blessed with a long coastline, beautiful beaches and some of the most diverse shark species in the world. Every year, thousands of tourists and holiday-makers congregate on these beaches and swim in the waters. But it is the truly rare and exceptional occasion that one actually encounters a shark, and it is even rarer to be attacked by one. For all the negative media hype and portrayal of South African sharks, only 4 people were attacked by sharks in 2006. This pales in comparison to the millions of sharks that are killed by us each year for food and medicinal purposes. Rethink the shark? Yes, we think so.
January 2008
The South African Shark Conservancy has developed a new series designed to provide you with more information about the shark and ray species commonly found in our waters. In our first installment, Shark Bytes, the Shark Series will focus on a shark species you are likely to see if you dive or snorkel in the waters of the Cape: the sevengill Shark or Notorynchus cepedianus (Latin name).
Distinguishing features
Known as a sevengill shark because of the conspicuous 7 gill slits on each side of its pectoral fins (most other sharks have only 5 gill slits). It also has dark spots covering its body, which may be absent in juveniles.
Evolution
First described by scientists in 1807, sevengill sharks evolved around the Permian Period (about 299 million years before present). They survived the largest extinction known to paleontologists: the Permian-Triassic extinction event. This extinction event wiped out 90% of marine organisms and 70% of terrestrial organisms, leaving only a few behind. Because it survived this massive extinction, scientists regard sevengill sharks as primitive, living dinosaurs.
Common names
This shark has many English language names: cowshark, sevengill shark, bluntnose sevengill shark, broad snouted sevengill, broadnose sevengill shark, Pacific seven-gill shark, seven-gill cowshark, spotted cow shark, and Tasmanian tiger shark. In Afrikaans it is most commonly known as a Platneus-sewekiefhaai or Koeihaai.
Distribution
The sevengill shark is found in every ocean except the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and lives in shallow coastal waters down to depths of 570m. Preferring rocky bottom habitats and sheltered kelp beds, the sevengill can also be found swimming over muddy or sandy substrates. If you spend any time diving for crayfish or snorkeling through our coastal kelp beds, it is likely you will come upon one of these beautiful, ancient animals.
Biology
Sevengill sharks can grow up to 3m and weigh up to 107 kg. Thought to live up to 50 years, males reach sexual maturity around 1.5m and females become sexually mature around 2.2m. The female sevengill shark gives birth to up to 82 live pups (ovoviviparity) after a 12-month gestation period. Young sharks will live in shallow coastal bays for the first few years of life before moving on to deeper, less protected waters.
Food habits and predators
Sevengill sharks are opportunistic predators, feeding on almost anything including other sharks, skates, rays, dolphins, and seals. They have been known to eat mammalian carrion and a wide variety of fishes. Their predators are large sharks such as great white sharks.
Importance to humans
Sevengill sharks are fished for their liver oil, leather and human consumption. They are commercially and recreationally fished throughout most of their range, and are often taken as bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries. Great white sharks are attracted to the oils emitted by sevengill shark livers, and some "eco-friendly" cage diving operations continue to use these livers as a quick way to attract great white's to the cages, thereby improving the diving experience.
Danger to humans
The International Shark Attack File has recorded only 5 unprovoked sevengill shark attacks since the 16th century. This shark can be aggressive if provoked and is considered dangerous to humans. However, if you do not attempt to harass this shark in the wild, an attack is unlikely.
Conservation status
The World Conservation Union (IUCN) lists the sevengill shark as data deficient, meaning insufficient data exists to assess the status of this species on a global scale. In the eastern Pacific Ocean sevengill sharks are listed as Near Threatened, and fisheries for these sharks in California have collapsed. Sevengill sharks are increasingly rare throughout their distribution and their continued survival depends heavily on their conservation. As caretakers of our environment, it is our responsibility to ensure that this species - which has outlived the dinosaurs and existed for almost 300 million years - can survive the age of man.
If you would like to learn more about these sharks or any others, contact us at 083 757 8920 or 083 362 7632. The Guide to the sharks and rays of southern Africa is also an excellent guidebook on the sharks and rays of our region.
Remember… Marine resources are yours. Use them responsibly!
February 2008
The Zambezi, or bull, shark is one of the most feared shark species in the world. To utter the words 'Zambezi shark' is to invoke fear and apprehension in many of the most intrepid fishermen and underwater adventurers. Known as one of the most dangerous shark species, Zambezi sharks have been implicated in many shark attacks and are responsible for 69 unprovoked attacks on humans, 17 of which were fatal. Interestingly, the Zambezi shark has nine times the testosterone levels - the hormone thought to be responsible for aggressive behaviour - of any other animal known to science.
Zambi's, as they are commonly known in SA, are often depicted as the monster of b-grade horror films - a creature which lurks in the murky shallows of estuaries waiting to hunt down its human prey like a smaller, stockier version of Peter Benchley's great white shark in Jaws. But is this really an accurate portrayal of the shark behind the teeth? Despite its fearsome reputation, Zambi's have historically been the victim of much maligned misunderstanding and like all sharks they are extraordinary animals with an extraordinary story.
Zambezi sharks commonly occur in the turbid waters of lagoons, river mouths and shallow coastal waters. Spending much of their time in estuaries, it is the only shark species that readily occurs in both salt- and freshwater. They have been found 3700km up the Amazon River and 3000km up the Mississippi River. It is even rumored that populations live in the landlocked waters between Cabora Bassa and Kariba and an inland lake in Mozambique which has been isolated from the sea for some 10,000 years. And unlike other sharks evidence suggests that Zambezi's can breed in freshwater although breeding most often occurs in the safety of the high reaches of warm water estuaries.
Estuaries are generally areas that are heavily affected by human activities such as farming, land drainage, and the building of dams. This means much of the Zambi's critical habitat is deteriorating and those vital areas which ultimately ensure the sustainability of their populations may soon cease to exist. Pollution and habitat alteration will undoubtedly have grave impacts on Zambezi shark populations throughout the world as more and more pupping and nursery grounds become unfavorable.
In South Africa, the only confirmed pupping ground for Zambezi's is the St. Lucia estuary in KZN. In recent years though, the St. Lucia has been heavily affected by drought and the estuary has been closed for roughly six years. As a result of the closure of the St. Lucia and increased human utilization of other suitable estuaries, it is likely that Zambi's have been forced to extend their range southward in search of new areas in which to give birth. But in the end, scientists remain uncertain of the long-term impact this will have on the South African population of Zambezi sharks.
And it is not just Zambi's that are affected. Many species of skates and rays are affected by estuarine degradation, and are concurrently being forced to search out unaffected, safe estuaries in which their young can grow, feed, and eventually return to when they themselves are ready to breed.
So there remain many unanswered questions. Among these are: which species of elasmobranchs are commonly found in estuaries; how do these elasmobranchs use estuaries, and does this differ depending on their size and age; how does estuarine water quality and heavy metal accumulation affect estuarine-dependent elasmobranchs; and is the deterioration of estuaries in South Africa resulting in range extensions for some elasmobranch species?
To address growing concerns about the conservation status of estuarine-dependent elasmobranchs, SASC embarked on our first scientific expedition last week. In conjunction with scientists from Marine and Coastal Management, local fishers and conservation authorities, this expedition marked the beginning of a long-term study to assess and monitor elasmobranch species in estuaries throughout the southwestern Cape.
Through this study we hope to gain valuable insight into the world of these fascinating animals and ensure that they too have a safe haven for their future generations. If you would like to learn more about our expedition and future research, please contact us at 083 757 8920/083 362 7632 or info@sharkconservancy.org.
SASC would like to thank the following for their generous support and donations that made this expedition possible: Fiona Ayerst (Sharklife), Burt Day, Ryan Johnson (SAMPLA), Dave McCord (Homeconcepts.ca), Kim McLean and Terry McCarthy (Shark Lady Adventures), Wayne Reich, Warren Swanapoel, Cattle Baron, Hennie's Pub and Grill, Lower Breede River Conservancy, Onrus Pharmacy, Overberg Trailers, Van Blommestein Slaghuis.
March 2008
On March 12th, SASC and the Overstrand Conservation Foundation (OCF) jointly launched the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) in the Overstrand Region. SASSI is a programme supported by WWF and is designed to promote awareness of sustainable seafood practices in Africa and abroad.
The March 12th launch was held at the Whale House and included a workshop for restaurateurs aimed at encouraging restaurant owners and chefs to deal solely in seafood species included on SASSI's green (or most sustainable species) list. However, in a disappointing turnout, only 9 of 25 restaurants invited to the workshop actually attended. A list of those restaurants who participated in the workshop can be found on our website (www.sharkconservancy.org).
But what does sustainable seafood and SASSI have to do with sharks? SASSI's consumer pocket guide is divided into easily recognizable color-coded categories: green indicates healthy, well-managed species populations; orange indicates species vulnerable to overexploitation; and red indicates species which are illegal to buy or sell in SA. Of the 32 green, 26 orange and 31 red-listed species or groups of species, only 2 species of shark (spotted gully's and pyjama's) are included on the red list while all other species are on the orange list.
Sharks in South Africa are caught by a multitude of fisheries including handline, demersal and pelagic longline, bather protection nets, and trawls. Of all these sectors, the trawl fishery - which is a non-target fishery - is the most damaging and unsustainable. Recent reports suggest trawlers along the west coast are landing up to 200 tonnes of shark each week, equating to between 700-1000 individual sharks, skates and rays. Projected to include the entire South African coastline, this number would easily reach 5000 animals. And this does not include those sharks caught in the offshore trawl industry, or those animals that are finned and inhumanely tossed back into the ocean to drown. The number of shark species affected by these practices is unknown.
Interestingly, preliminary research shows that present levels of exploitation will likely lead to the collapse of many shark populations throughout South Africa. This is not necessarily due to the directed shark fisheries, most of which are relatively small in scale - it is the bycatch fisheries which have the most significant impact on the majority of our shark species. Given current bycatch limits on these fisheries, much of the shark bycatch is unreported to fisheries authorities. So the problem remains that catch statistics from South African shark directed and bycatch fisheries are largely inaccurate due to underreporting.
Scientists require accurate catch data to develop accurate stock assessments and predictions regarding the state of our shark populations and the impacts of fisheries. SASSI requires this information to make informed decisions about the listing of species on their consumer guides, and consumers require this information to make smart choices about the seafood they eat. And so how do you make smart seafood decisions in the face of all this inaccuracy? Here is some information to help you on your way…
Did you know that many restaurants in our region serve shark? Chefs and restaurant owners often intentionally mislabel sharks as whitefish, flake, snapper and sometimes even tuna to increase the appeal of the fish. Locally, the practice of mislabeling is applied by many retailers and today the majority of "fish fingers" and "crab sticks" sold in supermarkets are actually shark meat.
Now I do not pretend to discourage the practice of serving or selling shark meat - in fact, shark can be delicious. I only write to encourage restaurateurs, chefs and supermarkets to correctly label their fish and source it from a reputable distributor. This will enable both consumers and retailers to make well-informed, accurate decisions.
And herein lies the key: knowing what we now know about many shark species, we as consumers must begin to make choices in the best interest of the oceans and our environment. It falls upon us to pressure fishers, distributors, retailers and governments to deal in species that are sustainable. In the Overstrand - a region known throughout the world as an eco-tourism destination - this consumer-driven change seems particularly relevant and increasingly necessary.
For more information about SASSI and making informed choices about seafood, contact 083 757 8920 or email info@sharkconservancy.org.
April 2008
Great white sharks targeted by recreational anglers
Reports of targeting and landing of great white sharks by recreational and club anglers have been on the rise recently throughout much of the south-western Cape. The use of slide tackle and large bait which allow anglers to cast further and target larger animals have been implicated as the two most likely factors resulting in this increase. Although the cause of increased landings of white's remains hotly debated by anglers, the fact remains that it is absolutely 100% illegal to target or land great white sharks in South Africa.
Legislation protecting great white sharks
Internationally the great white shark is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Globally listed as a CITES Appendix 1 species it is illegal to trade in or buy products derived from great white's. CITES is currently the sole piece of international legislation governing the exploitation of great white sharks, and provides only limited protection as adherence to CITES regulations by States is voluntary. CITES does not take the place of national laws, but it does provide a framework through which the protection of species can be achieved. South Africa is a Party State of CITES, thus international trade in great white shark products is prohibited.
Nationally, and perhaps more importantly, great white sharks are protected by the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) of 1998. Drafted by MCM, the MLRA succinctly states that it is prohibited to engage in any fishing activities for great white sharks. Irrespective of fishing method or tackle, no person is allowed to target or land a great white. If a fisher is suspected of contravening this legislation, they are punishable with imprisonment and/or a large fine.
If you accidentally hook a great white shark, cut the line immediately! Do not fight the shark and do not attempt to retrieve any line and/or sinkers by reeling the shark in. This will result in some gear loss however this is a much better solution than either jail time or a substantial fine.
Moving toward a solution
On April 23rd, I was invited to attend a meeting between the Western Cape Shore Angling Association (WCSAA) and MCM. The purpose of this meeting was to develop effective solutions to minimize the targeting and landing of great white sharks in our recreational fisheries. MCM proposed the development of new slide techniques which will decrease the chances of catching a great white and enable anglers to release accidentally caught great whites before a "fight". This will limit both physical and physiological damage to the shark, ensuring a high survival rate. MCM is working with club anglers to develop the new slide tackle and it is hoped that this will be accepted by Western Cape club anglers by the end of June.
The issue of handling stress on sharks was also addressed. It is estimated that there is a 10% to 40% mortality rate of sharks caught in catch and release fisheries. This is dependent on the species caught and the angler. Sharks suffer from post-handling stress which affects them in several ways, including: physical injury, elevated energy expenditure, impaired breathing, compromised systemic circulation, hypoglycemia, blood acidosis, and the accumulation of metabolic toxins. All these physical and physiological responses result in the death of an animal that is improperly handled.
Currently there is no handling protocol for recreational anglers targeting sharks throughout South Africa - a problem that is becoming increasingly recognised by both conservation groups and the anglers themselves. As a sport which prides itself as being conservation-oriented, it is distressing to consider that recreational angling is a sport which unnecessarily causes the death of many animals.
To address these issues, SASC will be working closely with club anglers, MCM and recreational anglers to promote the responsible handling of sharks, and we are currently developing a handling protocol designed to be followed by catch & release fishers throughout South Africa. This handling protocol will help ensure recreational angling is as sustainable and enviro-friendly as it claims.
If you would like to know more about responsible handling techniques for sharks, please contact us on 083 757 8920, or at info@sharkconservancy.org.
May 2008
SASC celebrates our first year!
Where we started…
It was almost one year ago when the South African Shark Conservancy came into existence. As those of you who know me and who read Shark Bytes will know, the idea of SASC was born out of concern for the state of our marine resources, particularly sharks, due to overexploitation. But this was not the sole purpose of the non-profit company. What SASC has truly aimed to achieve is the formation of an organization dedicated to promoting information-sharing between consumptive and non-consumptive marine use sectors to ensure stakeholders are included in scientific and management decisions in South Africa. SASC urges these stakeholders to move toward the ecosystem approach to fisheries management through collaborative research and outreach.
Some say this is a lofty pursuit. And many say this ideal cannot be achieved. Fishers, conservationists and government are groups which have historically been at odds - sectors which have avoided each other altogether or those who are seemingly constantly engaged in "battles" over marine resources. But it is our belief at SASC that marine resources are the property of the commons and that together we must strive to conserve the marine realm - the one place on Earth we know so little about, yet the one environment which has the greatest impact on humankind and our surrounds.
Our road has been challenging - a lack of funding, resources and capacity (problems faced by the majority of non-profit organizations worldwide) has made progress slow. But our passion and beliefs, as well as unwavering support from our peers, have made progress possible.
Against all odds SASC is beginning to reach its goals. Through the support of individuals and businesses in the Overstrand, South Africa and overseas, we are beginning to see the fruits of our work. We have begun opening the lines of communication between these various groups and are working daily to improve the relationships between conservation groups, fishers and Marine and Coastal Management.
We have already been involved in a variety of scientific expeditions both in SA and Tanzania, and we have begun our very own exciting research projects closer to home. Soon we hope to begin the implementation of our student and fisher outreach programmes.
What next…
As of this week SASCs office in the old perlemoen hatchery in the Old Harbour Museum has officially opened. Although renovations are scheduled to continue for some time, we now have a base where we can continue to build our research and education platforms. SASCs office also provides a base for those interested in learning about marine conservation and fisheries both in South Africa and on a global scale. So if you are interested in learning more about our fascinating marine realm please feel free to drop by our office anytime during working hours. Steve Smuts or I will always be around to answer any of your questions or listen to any comments in this regard.
Special thanks…
I would personally like to extend a most sincere thank you to the special people who have made it all possible. In particular, for your great support and assistance over the last year, I thank HIK Abalone Farm (Roger, Gavin, Bert, Louise, Brian and all the brilliant HIK staff!) for believing in SASC and Steve Smuts for his incredible dedication and hard work!
July 2008
As petrol and food prices continue to rise, we as consumers are forced to become more aware of our impact on the world's resources. We are encouraged to subscribe to "green" living practices by a multitude of sectors and the word 'sustainability' is now a familiar phrase in our every-day language. But the marine environment is often forgotten in these discussions, and the impact of human activities on the seas generally goes unnoticed. I have thought long and hard about this and have come to the conclusion that, because it is so difficult to see the impact of our actions in the marine realm, it is easy to forget that the oceans have the greatest influence on our planet. Oceans regulate the amount of rainfall in the deserts, control the climate of every nation and provide a source of food and income to coastal and inland communities alike.
In the Overstrand we are particularly blessed to have two unique oceans at our fingertips. The cool Atlantic Ocean provides the nutrients that bring whales to our coastline each year, the warm Indian Ocean provides us with a vast diversity of plant and animal species, and our local communities benefit financially from ocean resources, both through fishing and eco-tourism activities. It is these contrasting currents that should define how we, as a community so intimately linked to the sea, interact with visitors to our shores. By teaching visitors about the uniqueness and value of our marine environment, as well as the actions we as a community are taking to conserve this special part of our natural heritage, we can encourage them to visit the Overstrand again and again, making our region an eco-tourism hotspot.
It was to this end that the SA Shark Conservancy delivered the very first hospitality industry marine awareness and training programme on June 21st to waitrons and managers of the Cattle Baron Steak Ranch (4 Harbour Rd, Hermanus). We were approached by the owners of Cattle Baron who, recognizing the value of our marine realm, wanted to offer their clients an exceptional experience using their uniquely qualified staff. And so the Green Marine Hospitality Industry Training Programme was born. Comprised of three modules designed specifically for the hospitality industry the purpose of the Green Marine programme is to educate staff about the uniqueness of the Overstrand marine environment, helping them deliver the best and most distinctive service possible to clients.
Beginning with Module 1, staff are introduced to the concepts of marine ecosystems, biodiversity and food webs, particularly as they relate to our coastline. Module 2 teaches staff about the different types of seafood commonly sold in local restaurants, concentrating on local fish diversity, habitat and fishing methods, including sustainability and conservation issues. Module 3 concentrates on the marine mammals commonly found in our region, giving insight into the diversity, abundance and interesting features of these animals, and teaches staff how to employ this knowledge to give clients the best possible experience during their stay in the Overstrand.
If you are interested in learning more about the Green Marine Programme or would like more information about sharks or our fascinating marine world, contact us at: info@sharkconservancy.org or 083 757 8920/083 362 7632.
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