• Sign up for our newsletter

    Keep in touch with the latest news from Shark Spotters

PLETT SHARK SPOTTERS

Plett Shark Spotters

Balancing the needs of both people and white shark conservation by pro-actively reducing the interaction and conflict between recreational water users and sharks in Plettenberg Bay.

BACKGROUND

Plettenberg Bay has a long history of white shark presence in the bay and is internationally recognised for its marine biodiversity. In 2022, the community tragically experienced two fatal shark bite incidents within a three-month period.

Following these incidents, the Plett Shark Action Group invited Shark Spotters, an established shark safety organisation that has been operating successfully in Cape Town since 2004, to partner with them to implement effective shark safety measures at strategic beaches in the area.

Plett Shark Spotters was therefore established in November 2022. Trained shark spotters are now operational across five of Plettenberg Bay’s busiest beaches, providing daily monitoring and safety information to beach users.

The programme operates 365 days a year (weather permitting) and currently provides 14 full-time employment and skills development opportunities for local residents from under-resourced communities.

Working closely with Bitou Municipality Beach Control, the Plett Surf Lifesaving Club, and the NSRI station, Plett Shark Spotters plays an important role in improving beach safety in Plettenberg Bay. The programme has proven effective in reducing shark-human conflict while helping to restore confidence in the safe use of local beaches.

SPOTTING LOCATIONS

ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE

Since its establishment in 2022, Plett Shark Spotters has played an important role in protecting beachgoers while supporting tourism and the local economy of Plettenberg Bay by reducing the risk and negative impacts associated with shark bite incidents.

Over the past three years, the programme has also delivered impactful environmental education initiatives, reaching local schools and communities through annual and recurring outreach activities that promote ocean awareness, shark conservation, and safe ocean use.

In addition, Plett Shark Spotters has developed strong partnerships with researchers and marine organisations, helping to support applied marine research in the bay. The programme currently contributes to three ongoing research projects focusing on sharks, rays, and dolphins, further improving our understanding of the local marine ecosystem.

 

PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES

Plett Shark Spotters’ primary objective is to reduce the risk of shark interactions at strategic beaches in Plettenberg Bay through the implementation of an effective early warning system that alerts water users to the presence of potentially dangerous shark species close to shore.

As part of the broader Shark Spotters organisation, we are also able to bring significant additional value to Plettenberg Bay through education, research, and conservation initiatives, while creating employment and skills development opportunities for local residents in the Bitou area.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand our activities and increase our impact, providing even greater benefits for the people, environment, and local economy of Plettenberg Bay.

 

SAFETY:

  • Shark spotting services operating at The Wreck, Robberg 1, Central Beach, The Wedge, and Lookout Beach, with additional safety measures implemented at Robberg 5 during the high season.
  • Employment and skills development opportunities provided for a minimum of 14 Bitou residents from under-resourced communities.
  • Expert input on shark bite mitigation and response, including the evaluation and investigation of emerging shark safety technologies.
  • Representation of Plettenberg Bay at national and international shark safety forums.

RESEARCH:

  • Data collection and analysis of shark sightings to determine environmental, seasonal and spatial factors influencing shark risk.
  • Provision of data on other marine megafauna sightings to existing local researchers.
  • Implement a long-term fish biodiversity monitoring programme for Plett with partners at Cape Nature, Orca Foundation, & Rockhopper Fund.
  • Collaboration with local shark and ray researchers to expand the research footprint in Plett inc acoustic tagging of bronze whaler sharks and other species.
  • Skills development and capacity building for local young marine science students and enthusiasts.

EDUCATION:

  • Provision of interactive and engaging educational activities to change people's perceptions of sharks and improve understanding of marine conservation issues and their importance.
  • Implementation of a schools programme with structured CAPS aligned lessons to reach all primary and high schools in Plett with beach safety and marine conservation interventions.
  • Free Interactive public beach awareness days during holidays & peak season to educate beachgoers directly.
  • Hosting of three Youth Environmental Service interns to conduct education activities.

 

CONSERVATION:

  • Supporting Plett's approach of sustainable shark safety mitigation instead of lethal control, thereby protecting both sharks and people in the area.
  • Partner with and support existing local conservation organisations to increase their conservation impact in the area.
  • Motivate for behaviour change and increase local participation in marine conservation through social media campaigns and improved awareness and appreciation for Plett's greatest asset, its ocean.
  • Provision of data and scientific support for the formation of conservation management plans for Plett.

 

FUNDING

Due to the quick turnaround time to be operational before the 2022/2023 summer season, the Bitou Municipality was not able to provide any initial funding for the start-up and operational costs of the programme. Plett Shark Spotters therefore relied entirely on public and corporate donations for the first six months, including an initial grant from Sanlam Ltd to cover expenses during the festive season, and regular monthly contributions from the Lubner Foundation, Robberg Beach End Estate, Whale Rock Estate and a few dedicated individuals. Contributions towards some costs were made from the municipality in April, July and August through the Mayor’s grant in aid programme.

Due to the programme's success, the local Bitou Municipality is finalising a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Shark Spotters to continue providing effective shark safety services in Plett. This MOU will include a contribution towards the operating expenses of Plett Shark Spotters (salaries, equipment etc), but unfortunately due to municipal budgetary constraints, they will not be able to cover the full costs. Plett Shark Spotters is therefore still reliant on grants and donations from local and international corporates, trusts and individual donors to ensure we can continue providing essential safety services and employment for previously disadvantaged individuals, as well as conducting education and research activities in the wider Plettenberg Bay area.

 

URGENT APPEAL FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE

INVEST IN PLETT BY SUPPORTING OUR SPOTTERS

Please help us to raise enough funds to cover our operating shortfall and make sure we have spotters on Plett’s beaches keeping locals and visitors safe. By making a recurring or one-off donation to Plett Spotters you are making a significant investment in the people, environment, and economy of our area.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS FOR DONORS

Shark Spotters is a registered Non Profit Organisation (060-390-NPO), Section 18a registered Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 930037421) and Level 1 BBBEE contributor.

Donors to the organisation can receive significant tax benefits as well as CSI/SED/BBBEE points for businesses.

Shark Spotters has a tiered Supporters Programme offering additional benefits depending on the contribution made to the organisation, the information of which is available on request.

BANKING DETAILS

Bank: Standard Bank

Acc name: Plett Shark Spotters

Account type: Current/Cheque

Account no: 10184687894

Branch code: 051001

Swift code: SBZAZAJJ

Email proof of payment to plett@sharkspotters.org.za for a donation receipt.

 

MEET THE TEAM

The establishment of Plett Shark Spotters has created 15 full-time employment opportunities in the Bitou area, including one local Operations Manager and 14 shark spotters.

The Plett spotters are all from the under-resourced communities of New Horizons, Kwanokuthula, Pine Trees, Qolweni, and Wittedrift within the Bitou Municipality.

All staff undergo intensive training to ensure they are fully competent in shark spotting operations. Training includes shark species identification, spotting techniques, managing high-stress situations, radio communication protocols, and public safety procedures.

Skills development is a core priority at Shark Spotters, and ongoing training and upskilling opportunities are provided throughout the year to support the professional growth of the Plett Shark Spotters team.

 

The Plett Shark Spotters team are guided and supported by the main Shark Spotters management team based in Cape Town who have decades of expertise in shark bite mitigation, marine conservation and NPO management.

Plett contact details:

  • plett@sharkspotters.org.za
  • Plett Manager - Melissa Nel - +2782 336 2979 - mel@sharkspotters.org.za
  • Plett Field Manager – Nicky Namntu – +2767 410 9143 – nicky@sharkspotters.org.za
  • Shark Spotters CEO – Sarah Waries – +2778 174 4244 – sarah@sharkspotters.org.za