Government representatives, scientists, and ocean advocates gathered recently at uShaka Marine World in Durban for the official launch of Phase 1 of the Shark Smart Exhibition, titled “Shark Smart: How Do We Keep Sharks & People Safe?”

This pioneering exhibition focuses on non-lethal alternatives to traditional shark risk mitigation, highlighting innovative solutions that promote the safety of both sharks and people in South Africa.

Collaboration Behind the Shark Smart Exhibition

Hosted by conservation NGO WILDTRUST, the exhibition emerged from a powerful partnership. Key collaborators include the Shark Conservation Fund, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, and Justice4Jaws, among others.

Together, this diverse group, including the Sharks & People Working Group, has taken a bold step forward. The exhibition rethinks the safety of both people and sharks, aiming for approaches that simultaneously protect marine life.

An exhibit panel explaining how drumlines work, with text and an illustration of a shark.
An informational panel titled "Shark Smart: How do we keep sharks and people safe?" from the Shark Smart Exhibition.
An exhibit display showing the SharkSafe Barrier technology at the Shark Smart Exhibition.
A man holding a microphone and remote, speaking on stage.

Shark Smart Alternatives: Exploring Non-Lethal Options

Visitors to the Shark Smart Exhibition embarked on an immersive journey. It explored the history of shark nets and drumlines in KwaZulu-Natal, detailed the ecological costs of current practices, and presented innovative technologies and solutions. These developments, both local and global, aim to reduce harm to marine life.

Featured alternatives include sonar systems, artificial intelligence software, the shark shield, multispectral drones, and the SharkSafe Barrier. Crucially, the exhibition also spotlights personal bather responsibility when choosing to enter the sharks’ home.

Voices from the Shark Smart Exhibition

Lauren van Nijkerk, WILDTRUST’s Director of Campaigns, highlights the significant effort involved.

‘The exhibition represents over a year of dedicated effort, truly a labour of love. All stakeholders were meaningfully included in shaping the plan, key messages, and overall vision. Our focus was on presenting both existing shark risk mitigation methods and potential non-lethal alternatives in engaging, educational, and interactive ways, ensuring most materials are available in both English and isiZulu.’

~ Lauren van Nijkerk, WILDTRUST’s Director of Campaigns

Maryke Musson, Executive Manager, Conservation Education and Communications at SAAMBR, shares her perspective on the aquarium’s role,

“At the aquarium, we have a rare and powerful opportunity to exhibit and open minds to the wonders of the ocean, especially for those who have never seen it before. Our team enjoyed the challenge of putting together this exhibit, and looks forward to the next phases, building on this initial foundation and seeing the impact that it creates.”

~ Maryke Musson, Executive Manager: Conservation Education and Communications at SAAMBR

Maryke Musson speaking on stage in front of a screen displaying shark information at the Shark Smart Exhibition launch.

Understanding KwaZulu-Natal’s Shark Nets

KwaZulu-Natal currently operates 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines across 37 beaches. Many widely misunderstand this system. Contrary to popular belief, these nets do not function as physical barriers preventing sharks from reaching swimmers. Instead, they aim to catch and kill specific shark species deemed a risk to bathers.

Installers set the shark nets in staggered rows 300-500m offshore and parallel to the shore, leaving gaps between and below them.

Consequently, sharks can easily swim under, around, and between them to reach the surf zone. Despite South Africa’s rich ocean diversity, only three shark species are primarily associated with unprovoked incidents: the Zambezi (bull) shark, white shark, and tiger shark.

These species are the sole targets of the current ‘bather safety gear.’ However, the environmental cost proves significant. On average, the nets kill more than 400 non-target marine animals each year as bycatch, including dolphins, rays, turtles, and Critically Endangered sharks.

Recognising the high indiscriminacy of ‘bather safety nets,’ authorities introduced drumlines in 2005. These baited hooks suspend from an anchored float, offering a more targeted form of fishing aimed at large sharks to reduce bycatch.

A man holding a microphone and remote, speaking on stage.
A woman with long hair speaking at a podium with a microphone.
A speaker presenting on stage at the Shark Smart Exhibition launch event.
A young man in a rust-coloured shirt speaking into a microphone at a podium.

South Africa’s Role in Shark Conservation: A Focus of the Shark Smart Exhibition

South Africa holds a proud legacy in shark conservation. In fact, it became the first country globally to protect the white shark legally in 1991, setting a gold standard for chondrichthyan conservation worldwide. Chondrichthyans – a group encompassing sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras – are ancient creatures.

They have changed remarkably little over 400 million years. With more than 1,250 species globally, ranging from the tiny 10cm finless sleeper ray to the 18m whale shark, these animals rank among the most functionally diverse on Earth. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining the balance and health of marine ecosystems.

Despite their ecological value, over one-third of all shark and ray species worldwide currently face extinction, primarily due to overfishing and habitat loss. These species prove especially vulnerable because they grow slowly, mature late, and produce few offspring.

“We were the first country to protect the white shark, and now, more than ever, South Africa has the opportunity and responsibility to lead once again in shark and ray conservation. However, our laws are outdated, shark populations globally are under pressure, and two species – the largetooth and green sawfish – have already been categorised as locally extinct.”

~ Dr Jennifer Olbers, WILDTRUST’s Senior Scientist.

A woman speaking at a podium, with a presentation slide showing "PROSECUTOR SURV
A woman speaking at a podium with a microphone and laptop, wearing a WILDTRUST shirt.
A man in a blue polo shirt and glasses speaking into a microphone on stage.
Attendees seated and standing in a room with a checkered floor during the Shark Smart Exhibition launch event.

A New Era for Ocean Safety

This exhibition marks the first phase of an awareness campaign. It dedicates itself to redefining bather safety not through killing sharks, but rather through education, innovation, and coexistence. The future of ocean safety must consider both people and the planet. Visitors can now experience the exhibition, which is open to the public at the uShaka Marine World Aquarium.

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