More than 670 sharks sighted in 5 years by Cape Town's Shark Spotters

Shark Spotters is a registered non-profit organisation managed by Kommetjie Environmental Awareness Group (KEAG). It’s core funding provided by the City of Cape Town and Save Our Sea’s Foundation, However we depend heavily donations by local businesses and the general public. We are extremely grateful to REEF WETSUITS for their sponsorships of the uniform for the spotters. The spotters work in harsh conditions and having the right protective clothing is very important. REEF has provided us with quality equipment for all our needs that greatly contributes to the working conditions of the spotters.
 
Shark spotters are positioned at stagegic points along the Cape Peninsula, primarily in the False Bay coastline. A spotter is placed on the mountain with the polarised sunglasses and binoculars. This spotter is in radio contact with another spotter on the beach. If a shark is seen the beach spotter sounds a siren and raises specific colour coded flag. Water users are requested to leave the water and only return once the appropriate “all clear” signal is given. Shark  Spotter aims to improve beach safety through both shark warning emergency assistance in the event of a shark incident. It also aims to contribute research on shark ecology and behaviour , raises public awareness about shark related issues and provide employment opportunities and skills development for Shark Spotters.
 
Since the program began officially in 2005 over 670 shark sightings have been recovered by the spotters. The vast majority of these sighting are during the summer months (Oct- March) with only one or two sighting seen during the winter months. These sighting fluctuates annually and according to area, with the most of the sighting at Muizenberg beach. Shark Spotting is a pioneering shark safety programme that has attracted local and international attention because of the novel way it seeks to find a solution to potential conflicts between sharks and people. Shark Spotting is now the primary shark safety programme used in Cape Town.
 
If you would like to donate to the SHARK SPOTTER programme please contact us at
 
021 783 3433 or sharkspotters@gmail.com
 
Standard Bank
Account Name: Donations Shark Spotters
Account Number : 07 346 7723
Branch Code : 051001