ABSTRACT
In Cape Town, South Africa, White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) are responsible for the majority of bites on recreational water users. Although relatively rare, shark bites that result in human injury or death threaten existing shark-protective measures through negatively in·uencing public perception regarding sharks and shark conservation, the possible introduction of culling programs by authorities and illegal hunting. Furthermore, shark bites can negatively impact local business and tourism. A unique shark safety program was initiated in Cape Town in 2004 as a partnership between the City of Cape Town and local community organizations with the aim of ¢nding a balance between White Shark conservation and recreational water-user safety. This initiative, called Shark Spotters, employs 14 to 28 spotters at 4 to 10 of Cape Town’s popular beaches (numbers are season-dependent). The Shark Spotters scan coastal waters for sharks from elevated positions during daylight hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A protocol using four informational ·ags and a shark siren warn water users of the nearby presence of sharks. Upon hearing the warning, water users are encouraged to exit the ocean and wait until the Shark Spotters give the “all clear” before returning to the water. This proactive measure aims to reduce the risk of a shark bite and the associated negative impacts for both humans and sharks. Data are recorded on the number of sharks detected, shark behavior, sea conditions, and the number of water users. During the period November 2004 to December 2009, 619 shark sightings were recorded. Data are presented on the seasonal occurrence, duration, and distance from shore of shark sightings for each beach, in addition to the frequency of sounding the shark alarm and resultant beach closures. Limitations of the program include the ability to detect sharks in poor environmental conditions (water visibility, wind, and glare), human error, and operating hours. Despite these limitations, the program has proven to be an effective shark safety system at appropriate beaches. Additional advantages of the program are job creation and skills development for historically disadvantaged South Africans, environmental education and awareness, and the collection of information that contributes to a better understanding of White Shark coastal occurrence and behavior.
