Paddle Out attracts 100 supporters
Similar events were held at 13 locations around the country and overseas.
THE Paddle Out for Sharks conservation platform, which is brought to life in an annual ‘paddle out’ to demonstrate the human connection with the ocean and its apex predators, saw paddle outs held at various locations in South Africa and other countries on World Oceans Day, Saturday, 8 June.
The Aliwal Shoal paddle out drew 100 participants. “I am always moved by the growth in support for the annual event. It is an indication that we need to channel the different narratives of those who engage with sharks, and listen to what they have to say. It is imperative that while scientists are hard at work trying to affect legislation, it is communities that need to take a stand. While we may not be engaged in scientific activity, we can make a political statement by standing together in communities, challenging common perceptions of sharks and informing others,” said Amanda Barratt.
The Paddle Out for Sharks was conceptualised as a memorial event for sharks, a class of animals that is being decimated by overfishing and culling. The concept of the paddle out harnesses a spiritual element of surfer-culture that commemorates fallen surfers and sees community members including surfers, free divers, scuba divers, paddle skiers, fishermen, conservationists and scientists, paddle out in memory of sharks to bring attention to the global phenomenon of the plight of sharks.
The annual event, which was first held in 2013 at Scottburgh beach at an Aliwal Shoal marine protected area to highlight the operation of bather protection gill nets installed in KZN, grew to 13 locations on World Oceans Day.
Events were held in Queensland, Australia, Cape Town, Gansbaai, Hermanus, Mossel Bay, Knysna, Port Elizabeth, Port Alfred, East London, Port St Johns, Shelley Beach, Aliwal Shoal, Durban and Ponta de Ouro in Mozambique.
Significant measures of success since the first event have been the lifting of shark nets at Rocky Bay and the participation of shark fishermen at the event.
The gatherings consisted of a diverse set of participants, with one goal in mind – each paddle out focused on raising ‘on the ground’ awareness of the plight of sharks and changing perceptions of sharks.
In Cape Town, concerns about potential inclement weather were thwarted when a beautiful winter’s day allowed the gathering to reflect on the need for reformation of shark and human interaction. Organiser, Siobhan McCreesh reported that the participants voiced concerns about shark culling, and commented that the methods used are outdated, unnecessary and cruel.
