Help Stop the use of shark nets in S. Africa

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Archaic shark nets and drumlines—originally installed to protect swimmers—are still being used along South Africa’s coastline, including within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) that are meant to conserve biodiversity. These outdated and indiscriminate tools are responsible for killing over 400 sharks every year and have caused the deaths of thousands of dolphins, turtles, and other marine species since their introduction in 1952.

In May 2025, a juvenile white shark—a protected species—was killed on a drumline in KwaZulu-Natal. This tragic loss highlights the urgent need to update shark safety practices. With global shark populations declining by more than 70% over the last 70 years, we are now losing an estimated 11,000 sharks every hour. These apex predators are critical to the health and balance of marine ecosystems.

It is time to shift from fear to respect for these misunderstood animals. Non-lethal, effective shark safety alternatives—such as drone surveillance, electric deterrents, exclusion barriers, and Shark Spotters—are already in use in parts of South Africa and prove that we can protect both ocean users and marine life.

The petition starters (and subsequently signing supporters) are calling for immediate action.

We request the following project plan to be implemented without delay:

Immediate, managed trials of non-lethal solutions—including the Shark Safe Barrier, exclusion nets, and/or a Shark Spotters-style program—at a minimum of five KZN beaches.

If successful after an 18-month trial period, a three-year phase-out of the current lethal net and drumline system must begin immediately.

If the next permit allowing lethal shark nets and drumlines is more than six months away from the petition handover date, an immediate decision must be made to compel the KZNSB to begin implementing this non-lethal plan.

Future permits must meet the following conditions:

All permit renewals for the KZN Sharks Board must include a managed transition toward non-lethal shark safety solutions.

This must involve the deployment of exclusion barriers, Shark Safe Barriers, Shark Spotters, as well as staff retraining and organizational change management to ensure successful adoption.

An independent panel of local divers and respected marine scientists must be established to monitor progress.

The ultimate objective must be clear: the full implementation of a non-lethal bather protection strategy.

We call on:

1. The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board
2. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment
3. Local municipalities and decision-makers

To:

1. Phase out lethal shark nets and drumlines
2. Implement proven, humane shark safety methods
3. Uphold the conservation goals of MPAs and protect South Africa’s threatened marine species

Ready for more action? Please click here to send an email directly to Minister George calling for a transformation. Please continue to follow along and share. 

Petition brought to you by- The Last Shark Documentary x Earth Legacy Foundation  - South African NPO – Registration No. 2025/532019/08

Photo of dead white shark that had washed up in South Africa, taken by Esther Jacobs