Durban Shark Killer Charged

February 20, 2008

Release from: South African Broadcasting Corporation

A man has been charged in connection with catching and killing three tiger sharks within the Aliwal Shoal Marine Protected Area on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

Conservationists are furious not only because is it illegal to catch tiger sharks in the protected area, but Aliwal Shoal is one of the top dive sites in the world.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, who are responsible for enforcing legislation relating to the provinces waters, have been criticised for their slow response to the incident by local dive operators. However, spokesperson for KZN Wildlife, Jeff Gaisford, says their investigations have already netted a suspect.

Cheryl-Sam Owen, from the non-profit organisation Save our Seas, says existing legislation - which protects five shark species in the area, is not enforced. Owen believes NGOs, government and tourism operators should join forces to support the Marine Protected Areas.