Fish Hoek shark exclusion net deployed

30 September 2016

The City of Cape Town’s Shark Spotters Programme will operate at eight beaches in Cape Town from 1 October 2016 to 1 May 2017.

There will be 30 shark spotters and 10 net crew employed to boost beach safety during the upcoming summer season.

"The Fish Hoek shark exclusion net forms a complete barrier from the sea floor to the sea surface and prevents animals from entering the “exclusion zone” in the southern corner of Fish Hoek Bay. It is deployed and retrieved daily to minimise the risk of entangling marine animals and has been specifically designed to have minimal environmental impact

We will do everything in our power to make this a safe summer season but we need beachgoers to help us and to be aware of the usual increase in in-shore shark activity over the summer months. Pay attention to shark signage when visiting beaches and always obey officials if instructed to leave the water," Johan van der MerweCity Mayoral Committee Member: Energy, Environmental and Spatial Planning

The exclusion net will be in operation during the following periods over the summer season:

October 2016	Weekends, public holidays and school holidays
November 2016 to March 2017	Daily (weather permitting)
April 2017	Weekends, public holidays and school holidays

On days that the exclusion net is deployed, the operating hours are between 09:00 and 17:00. The Shark Spotters will keep beach users informed about the deployment of the net via Twitter and Facebook.

The exclusion net will not be deployed if weather conditions (wind and swell) are deemed to be unsuitable. This will be assessed on a daily basis. If weather conditions deteriorate over the course of a day when the net is already deployed, the net may be removed as a precautionary measure. Additionally, if there is a high presence of whales/dolphins or fishing activity in the area, the net will not be deployed.

The Shark Spotters Information Centre, which is situated at Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner, is open to members of the public from 08:00 to 18:00 seven days a week. The centre provides up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and emergencies, storage of valuables and lost property

Shark Spotters will operate at the following beaches:

Beach Summer	(October 2016 to April 2017)
Muizenberg Monday	Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
St James/Kalk Bay Monday	Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
Fish Hoek Monday.	Sunday, 07:00 - 18:45
Caves, Kogel Bay	Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
Noordhoek (The Hoek)	Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00 (September to May)
Clovelly	Weekends, public holidays and school holidays 10:00 - 17: 00
Glencairn	Weekends, public holidays and school holidays 08:00 - 18 :00
Monwabisi	Weekends, public holiday and school holidays 08:00 - 18:00

For more information on the latest shark sightings and research, residents should please visit Shark Spotters or follow the Shark Spotters on Twitterand Facebook.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings of white sharks to the Shark Spotters. General shark safety tips include:

using beaches where Shark Spotters are on duty
taking the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach
using the Shark Spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place
not swimming in deep water beyond the breakers
not swimming if you are bleeding
not swimming near river mouths
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing at night
not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing if there has been a whale stranding nearby
obeying beach officials, lifeguards and Shark Spotters if told to leave the water
being aware that the rate of encounters with white sharks rises significantly when the water temperature is warmer (18ºC or higher), and during new moon, due to increased opportunities for feeding
considering using another beach if a shark has recently been sighted in a particular area where no Shark Spotters are present
asking the local law enforcement official, lifeguards or locals about the area if you are a first-time user
paddling in groups, and staying close together (in a diamond formation) for those who are kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea
considering the use of a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking
paying attention to any shark signage on beaches

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