About Shark Spotters

“We believe that if we can reduce the already small risk of a shark bite then we can make a meaningful contribution to white shark conservation, contribute to the community’s well-being and set a precedent in how people and sharks can co-exist.”

Important notice
Shark Spotters has proven to be an effective warning system in Cape Town with hundreds of shark sightings recorded. However, Shark Spotters is not 100% effective due to human error, weather and sea conditions. Entering the ocean is done so at the individuals own risk.

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WHO WE ARE

 

Programme

Shark Spotters is a pioneering shark safety programme that has attracted international and local attention because of the novel way it seeks to find a solution to potential conflicts between sharks and people. Adopted by the City of Cape Town in 2004 in response to a spate of shark bite incidents and increased shark sightings, Shark Spotting is now the primary shark safety programme used in Cape Town.

Shark Spotters improves beach safety through both shark warnings and emergency assistance in the event of a shark incident. It contributes to research on shark ecology and behaviour, raises public awareness about shark-related issues, and provides employment opportunities and skills development for Shark Spotters.

 

Management

Shark Spotters is a registered non-profit organisation managed by Kommetjie Environmental Awareness Group (KEAG). KEAG is a well-established NPO with over 18 year’s experience in environmental project management on the Cape Peninsula. KEAG is dedicated to the preservation of the natural environment and to the upliftment of our living environment, which is achieved through the managing of diverse but interrelated projects that create employment and deal with real environmental needs.

 

Research

Ongoing research on white sharks is critical to informed decision-making, appropriate policy adoption and community empowerment. Shark Spotters has aligned with the Save Our Seas Shark Centre, Marine and Coastal Management and University of Cape Town on white shark research being conducted on the population of white sharks in Cape Town. Shark sightings collected by the spotters will be integrated with current research findings to provide a thorough understanding of the coastal nature of these apex predators. Shark Spotters will respond where possible to shark emergencies to collect all the relevant information and test new developments in shark safety technology.

 

History of Shark Spotters

After a spate of shark bites in 2004 and an increase in shark sightings close to popular beaches, shark spotting developed out of a need driven at the local and community level. Initially shark spotting was done on an ad hoc basis in Muizenberg, started by Greg Bertish of True Blue Travel who asked individuals working as car guards at the time to keep watch from the mountain overlooking the beach and warn them through use of their cell phones of any sharks visible in the area. Greg then formalised the program and with the help of Rasta, Dave and Fiona Chudleigh raised funds from the local surf community and received sponsorship from True Blue Surf Travel, Puma SA, Reef wetsuits and the Surf Shack. Greg sourced and installed the first flagpole signal system and the siren alarm, and set up a mountain watch using binoculars, polarised sunglasses, two-way radios and a siren remote control. With his assistance this system was soon mirrored and used by the Fish Hoek lifesaving club. After 18 months with the programmes huge local and international success, the City of Cape Town and WWF formally got onboard.