Outdated Shark Nets & Drumlines Don’t Belong in Protected Waters

Help us end lethal shark control in South Africa, especially in our Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are meant to safeguard our remarkable ocean life.

Yet, lethal shark control measures like shark nets and drumlines are still being used along our coastline, including in and near protected zones. These outdated methods don’t discriminate. They kill not only sharks, but also endangered turtles, rays, dolphins, and other red-listed species critical to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.

In May 2025, a juvenile white shark, a protected species, was tragically killed on a drumline in KwaZulu-Natal. This incident is just one of many highlighting how indiscriminate these devices are. Drumlines and nets do not distinguish between perceived "threats" and endangered species. Each loss of a slow-reproducing apex predator like a white shark further destabilises our fragile marine ecosystems.

Non-lethal alternatives, including drone surveillance, shark spotters, electric deterrent cables, eco-barriers, and public education, are effective in protecting bathers without harming marine life.

We are calling on:

- The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
- The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
- Local municipalities and other relevant authorities

To:

1. Phase out lethal shark nets and drumlines
2. Implement proven, non-lethal shark safety methods, like those developed and tested in South Africa
3. Ensure marine life is protected in line with MPA objectives and global conservation standards

It’s time to modernise shark safety. We can and must protect both ocean wildlife and people.

“A white shark carcass washed up on the shore of Zinkwazi Beach after being caught in a KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board drumline. The red buoy (right) suspends the baited hook in the water and is anchored with a rope to a concrete block on the seafloor behind the waves. Strong waves and the shark’s struggles were likely to have caused the ropes to break loose and the white shark to strand ashore.” The Daily Maverick (Photo: Josh Pons)

Sign the petition. Share the message. Help end lethal shark control for good.