The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, situated in Umhlanga on the North Coast, is the only organization of its type in the world. It was originally established more than 40 years ago with the prime objective being to protect bathers from shark attacks. The Board has safety gear in operation at 38 locations on KZN’s beaches and is the only institution of its kind that takes responsibility to protect bathers in this way. It is recognized as an international authority on sharks.
The Board’s other focus is to conduct research in support of conservation of these amazing predators. The shark nets are maintained in such a way as to balance the protection of bathers with the necessity to impact as little as possible on the marine environment. Patrols are conducted daily to inspect the nets and to take action to minimize damage to the environment. The operational staff members are accommodated at 11 base stations on the KZN coastline.
The annual Sardine Run takes place every year in June or July creating a frenzy of activity both under and above the water. Tourists from all over the world come to the KZN coastline to witness this spectacular wonder of nature. While predators follow the sardine shoals as they make their way along the coastline, thousands of birds dive bomb the shoals. The Sharks Board is very involved in monitoring the run and they have an information hotline at +27 (0) 083 913 9495.
A visit to the Sharks Board in Umhlanga should not be missed. You can see displays of lifelike replicas of different shark species as well as other fish and rays. You can watch a dissection in their laboratory and you can join a patrol to check the shark nets. To see live sharks in action, visit uShaka Marine World
Tel: +27 (0)31 566 0400.
Address: 1a Herrwood Drive, Umhlanga, eThekwini.
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