From graceful predator to endangered commodity

Shark Lady's Kim Maclean talks about the decline of Gansbaai's great white shark

Of all the species on the planet the white shark has remained unchanged for 300 million years and is the epitome of evolutionary perfection. Sharks are at the top of the food chain and, regardless of which ocean they swim in, they are the very backbone of our marine eco-system. But in recent decades sharks have become an endangered species whose fins and jaws fetch a high price tag.

Owner of Gansbaai's tour operator, Shark Lady, Kim Maclean had a passion for great white sharks from an early age. In 1992 she pioneered shark cage diving in South Africa and has worked tirelessly to conserve and protect great white sharks. Kim believes that cage diving will draw much-needed public attention to a graceful and natural predator facing a dangerous decline.

One pound of dried shark fin can retail for $300 (R2 137) as part of a multi-billion dollar industry

White shark jaws and teeth carry a trophy status and a large set of jaws can fetch up to $10 000 (R70 638) whilst more than 100 countries are involved in the business of trading shark fins and export to the main consumer nations of shark fin soup: mainland China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand.

Shark fins are removed regardless of age, size or species and the carcass is discarded at sea – most often still alive and unable to swim the shark slowly sinks toward the bottom where it is eaten by other fish. How long does the shark suffer? As long as you would if your leg was hacked off, Kim says.

"Unless we educate our children they will grow up with an unrealistic fear of sharks"

When a shark attack occurs the public threaten conservation by calling for sharks to be killed. Following Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws', widespread fear meant that white sharks were culled by fisheries to ensure bather safety. But according to the International Shark File compiled by the Florida Museum of Natural History just 46 shark attacks occurred off South Africa's coastline between 1960 and 2004, of which only eight were fatal. More people die as a result of bee stings. Attacks by bees, however, remain largely outside of the media spotlight.

"There is no concrete evidence to suggest a direct link between shark cage diving and attacks in Gansbaai and Shark Lady keeps bait at a distance so that sharks do not come into contact with the boat or the cage," exclaims Kim, "If evidence were to emerge I would not hesitate in closing my business."

Although sharks grow quickly, pregnancy can last up to three years and litter sizes are small. The white shark is classified as 'vulnerable' by the International Union for Conservation (IUCN) due to slow population recovery rates after harvesting. Gansbaai's white sharks can be found in great numbers and the fact that they are surface feeders means that they are easy to attract, adds Kim.

"Shark fishing and finning is illegal in South Africa but there is not enough manpower to ensure that laws are respected"

In 1991, South Africa became the first country to grant total protection of sharks. All sharks killed unintentionally must be kept in their whole state and no white shark, part or product may be sold. The Marine Living Resources Act (Act 18 of 1998) controls the exploitation of marine animals in South African waters.

Sadly, legal protection does not ensure that sharks are protected. South Africa has an illegal fishing problem in which commercial and international fishermen catch white sharks to feed an international black market for jaws, fins and teeth. Many marine protected areas are underfunded, undermanaged, and officials have been known to turn a blind eye in cases of illegal fishing. Bribery and corruption are also common.

"Scientists, educators, conservationists and managers need to think sustainability or the white shark will simply disappear" – The White Shark Trust

Until recently the economic value of sharks was low so the South African government did not use funding resources to monitor shark populations. Without baseline data it is difficult to monitor population decline, which species are targeted and critical habitat areas. As part of the biggest population study of white sharks in the world, conducted at Dyer Island in Gansbaai, Kim has worked closely with Michael Scholl and the White Shark Trust to identify over 1 000 different white sharks during over 6 000 shark observations since 1997. Such research will aid our understanding of the status of the great white shark.

Providing practical assistance to over 150 marine research and conservation projects world-wide the Save our Seas Foundation has become a major player in the fight to save the great white sharks. Kim is involved with children's programmes and education as well as a programme to enable rehabilitated drug-addicts and alcoholics to begin a life of marine conservation. Kim also pioneered the first White Shark Festival in 2007 which aims to educate the public about shark conservation and attract international scientists and shark enthusiasts from across the globe.

You can make a conscious effort to protect and conserve Gansbaai's sharks by educating yourself and getting involved with worthwhile causes and petitions. For more information contact Kim Maclean.

By Lisa Nevitt

Read more about what to expect when shark cage diving, our shark cage diving experience with Shark Lady, our shark ABC and our overview of Gansbaai. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and find us on Facebook and Twitter.