Cape Town - A proposal over the extension of chumming in False Bay has stirred controversy between the tourism sector and the beach users, resulting to an online petition being launched.
The proposal was submitted by the shark tourism sector to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) which then held a public engagement and called for comments on the proposal early this month.
DFFE's communications director Zolile Nqayi confirmed there was currently a gazette for public comment.
"The gazette means there is no decision, but we need the public to submit their comments so that an informed decision can be made."
Shark tourism companies said the idea was sparked by the scarcity of shark sightings in the area, which has gradually affected businesses over the past five years.
Rob Lawrence, from the African Shark Eco-Charters, said sharks attracted around 7 000 tourists annually, contributing millions into the South African economy. Yet the likelihood of extinction is posing a huge risk to the market and diverting tourists’ interests to other areas.
He said over 30 years of operating, there's never been a proven confrontation between human and sharks in False Bay. A previous occurrence was "an unfortunate incident that could have happened anywhere". He said they're driving a holistic approach to save the tourism sector.
Nathan Samuel, a long time surfer, has launched a petition over the issue. He’s pledging to obtain 1 000 signatures to ban chumming around Seal Island towards the Strandfontein beach.
"It's a dangerous activity that they want to bring to the people. That portion of the coastline has a massive historic background and is of a sentimental value in our communities.
“It's a family beach with little to no recreational areas, the only thing people has is the feel of the ocean and they want to take that away now. Everyone knows sharks are dangerous and once there's regular chumming people won't be able to swim or surf.
“Our heritage, freedom and safety mustn't be overlooked over the monetary gain," said Samuel.
The petition has since gained 589 signatures and Samuel is convinced this proves the dislike of the idea by the community.
Nigel Savel, from 9miles NPO, said he was shocked to learn that chumming was not allowed in the area as he has "seen chumming happens almost every day, way beyond the designated area to a point I thought it was legal“.
“Now that it's out in the public the guys have started acting with caution, hiding their registration numbers. This is unacceptable. We can't allow it in our community. I run a surfing club and a charity organisation, where will these kids learn water safety and surfing if there are dangerous species here?
“I hope the petition gets enough signatures to stop this proposal from going any further," he said.
Chris Follows, the owner of Apex Shark Expeditions, said it was no secret that Cape Town had seen an extinction of the great white shark from the beach "which is likely the case with (similar) species as the sighting has declined tremendously“.
“Chumming will help us determine the presence and livelihood of the remaining species. There's currently a big drop in numbers (and) now we are talking about the bronze whalers and sevengill.
“All we ask for is to extend our operations (by) about 600 metres that won't even affect the swimming area. No risk will be posed to anyone; the only risk that is there is a loss of jobs and economic decline in the tourism sector as the situation has been worsening with fewer tourists now investing locally."
Albi Modise, the national spokesperson for DFFE, said tourism was known as one of the driving forces of global economic growth, adding that coastal and marine tourism represented at least 50% of total global tourism.
The area of interest wasn’t adjacent to the designated Blue Flag portion of the Strandfontein Beach, but was next to the area declared dangerous for bathing due to its rocky shore.
Modise said strict permit conditions would be put in place, including communicating to users of the area ahead of the resumption of shark cage diving activities. Operations would immediately cease should great white shark sightings return to numbers recorded between 2010 and 2011.
"It must, however, be emphasised that decision-making in this proposed temporary extension of the False Bay White Shark Cage Diving operation area is required to be in compliance to the Promotion of Administrative Justice Act, 2000.
“It must ensure decisions are lawful, reasonable and procedurally fair. At the moment, this remains a proposal until a decision has been made by the minister," said Modise.