The fifth annual Paddle Out for Sharks will be held in conjunction with the international Silence of the Sharks underwater protest at Scottburgh and Shelly Beach on Saturday, 4 June.
Endorsed by Ugu South Coast Tourism, the Silence of the Sharks and Paddle Out for Sharks initiatives will also celebrate World Oceans Day on Wednesday, 8 June, centred around the theme of ‘healthy oceans, healthy planet’.
“The ocean serves a number of vital purposes – regulating temperature, providing life-giving oxygen and a home to an incredible array of wildlife,” said the CEO of South Coast Tourism, Justin Mackrory. “To ensure the health of all future generations, we need to ensure our oceans are protected.”
Mackrory said South Coast residents are made aware on a daily basis of the beauty of the ocean and the need for its preservation.
“We have some of the best big animal diving in the world,” he said. “Aliwal Shoal has been named one of the world’s top 10 dive sites and Protea Banks attracts thousands of international divers every year. These initiatives coincide with the proposed expansion of the Marine Protected Areas at these two dive sites on the KZN South Coast and play an important part in keeping awareness about our oceans alive and encouraging people to become proactive in the protection of sharks and marine life.”
Paddle Out for Sharks, which was first held at Aliwal Shoal in 2011, is supported by the surfing community, conservationists, anglers, divers, paddle skiers, scientists and all environmentally-concerned individuals. Following the surfing tradition of ‘paddling out’ in memory of a fallen surfer, the event echoes that spiritual element, highlighting the plight of sharks.
“The Paddle Out for Sharks is proud to co-operate on our fifth annual paddle out in 2016 with Silence of the Sharks at the South Coast venues. As a grassroots movement that aims to raise awareness of the plight of sharks, we see a synergy with Silence of the Sharks, who are also trying to provide a ‘voice for sharks’,” said Paddle Out for Sharks organiser, Amanda Barratt.
Saturday’s events will start at 8am with Paddle Out for Sharks participants gathering at backline off Scottburgh beach where flowers will be laid. Thereafter, Silence of the Sharks participants will be invited to jump off the boats and form a group in the water holding banners. Following a countdown, the divers will descend one to two metres with the banners. Scuba divers will then descend with the banners to a 10-metre depth.
For all ocean lovers and shark advocates wanting to get involved in this impactful campaign but not wanting to get wet, there will be land-based activities at both Scottburgh and Shelly Beach or St Mike’s.
The Harley Owners Group (HOGS) Durban chapter will join in the demonstration by riding from Durban to Scottburgh, gathering at the tidal pool on Scottburgh main beach which will provide the perfect viewing point to watch proceedings.
Shark scientist Jessica Escobar will give a talk to the crowds that gather, explaining the event and the plight of sharks. Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to bring deckchairs, binoculars and flowers.
