Restricting unregulated shark diving operations using bait

[jb2]

The scientists at MCM are worried about the unregulated use of bait and chum in shark diving operations.

At present only white sharks are protected and activities are regulatd.

MCM is worried about the effects on other species.

One of the difficulties in introducing legislation that restricts chumming for other shark species is that it would unfairly criminilise or restrict  legitimate activities like rod and line fishing.

Any suggestions that the recreational sector might have would be handy.

There is real concern about the effects that the current "free for all" might have.

It might be handy to have SASC collate the responses.

 

[MouseDog]

jb2 wrote:

The scientists at MCM are worried about the unregulated use of bait and chum in shark diving operations.

At present only white sharks are protected and activities are regulatd.

MCM is worried about the effects on other species.

One of the difficulties in introducing legislation that restricts chumming for other shark species is that it would unfairly criminilise or restrict  legitimate activities like rod and line fishing.

Any suggestions that the recreational sector might have would be handy.

There is real concern about the effects that the current "free for all" might have.

It might be handy to have SASC collate the responses.

Do I understand correctly???  If I do, can someone please explain how you can chum for a specific specie of shark???

 

[jb2]

Hi Mousedog.

At the moment there are a whole bunch of unregulated activities involving different shark species.

Makos and blues are chummed up in the Cape Canyon. Some of the the operators also use an accoustic device that sends out a signal that attracts pelagic sharks.

Tiger's and Zambezis are lured or held on a bait in KZN.

I am not sure about Cow sharks. I don't think they would seriously put bait next to a cow shark and get in the water but I have heard of some pretty weird stuff in my time.

 

 

[Trophy]

Hiya jb2,

Funny how these types of topics always follow a shark attack?

Does MCM not manage the actual number of Shark Cage Diving operations. If so, how many operator permits are issued annually?

In my logic it would be easier to control the number of operators and then enforce the limitations and regulations of the operator based on his annual permit?

If you were able to...I would love an understanding of how this setup is managed?

 

[jb2]

Trophy wrote:

Hiya jb2,

Funny how these types of topics always follow a shark attack?

Does MCM not manage the actual number of Shark Cage Diving operations. If so, how many operator permits are issued annually?

In my logic it would be easier to control the number of operators and then enforce the limitations and regulations of the operator based on his annual permit?

If you were able to...I would love an understanding of how this setup is managed?

Hi Trophy

I posted the topic more after people had doubts about the fact that baiting diving is considered harmful. The debate emerged after the attack.


MCM would love to be able to manage the number of cage divers. They can do it easily for for white sharks but not for any other species.

The problem is that all that is needed to operate is to put chum in the water. If you are chumming around Seal Island. Dyer Island, or Seal Island Mossel Bay then it is easy. The numbers of permits is restricted.

For all other species it is open access. (The 12 shark divers operating in MPA's in KZN are affected by the MPA provisions.)

Everyone else is unregulated.

 

 

[Marthin]

I don't think it's going to be easy to draw this line.

And the guy in the bahamas have been hand feeding sharks for years with no significant increase in shark attacks.

In the states you barely go fishing without vast amounts of chum blocks from a boat near the shore, but there's no shouting about the practise over there. And we know the yanks don't think twice about taking a problem animal out if it's a problem animal in their opinion.

What i actually hope is that they prohibit all chumming, cage diving etc. When the shark attacks then still occur i can't wait to see who's blamed next. JB, perhaps the trekkers... if they then stop them as well, next you get a lifetime ban if they catch you peeing in the ocean...

The bottom line is we have protected the Big Dog completely, while completely decimating his competitors and natural food, and now don't understand why we are on the menu....

 

[jb2]

Hi Marthin

The restriction on messing with shark behaviour has nothing to do with attacks on humans really. It is just about trying to preserve natural behaviour to the extent possible.

There is a growing recognition that shark behaviour is quite complex and it is easily disturbed.