Study

Reducing the environmental impact of shark-control programs: a case study from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

  • Published source details Cliff G. & Dudley S.F.J. (2011) Reducing the environmental impact of shark-control programs: a case study from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Marine and Freshwater Research, 62, 700-709.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Use baited lines instead of nets for shark control

Action Link
Marine and Freshwater Mammal Conservation
  1. Use baited lines instead of nets for shark control

    A site comparison study in 2007–2010 at 17 coastal sites in the Indian Ocean, South Africa (Cliff & Dudley 2011) reported that baited lines used for shark control had fewer entanglements of dolphins and whales than nets. No whales or dolphins were found entangled in baited lines, whereas an average of seven dolphins and two whales (species not reported) were found entangled each year in nets. Catch rates and survival of target sharks on baited lines and in nets differed between species (see original paper for details). In 2007, half of the shark-control nets (214 m long x 6 m deep; number not reported) previously deployed to protect 17 beaches were replaced with 76 baited ‘drum’ lines (single lines suspended beneath a float with a baited ‘J hook’). The nets and lines were checked 18 times/month in 2007–2010.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

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