Thousands of millennia have taught us that experience is the mother of knowledge, which is why some of the leading diving and boat charter companies on the greater South Coast are going that one step further. This December and January will see them hosting a Shark Awareness Campaign which offers hands on, accessible information in a fun and experiential way for all ages – whether you want to get your feet wet or not.
As with the rhino plight, sharks are also recognised as the umbrella or apex species responsible for keeping the ecosystem alive and well. Without them, imbalance and chaos would soon be the status quo affecting all marine life and of course, life on earth as a whole.
Often out of fear or lack of knowledge, many turn their backs on this problem, acknowledging sharks as the scary creatures of the underworld and the leading stars in some Hollywood Horror Blockbusters, and not recognising that without them, the beaches, oceans, riverines, estuaries and the overall marine population would not be intact. The movies forget to mention this part.
And did you know – sharks don’t feed on humans, humans feed on sharks. The merciless hunting for shark fins is seeing the shark population dwindle radically by the day. Known as Finning, it is the inhumane practice of hacking off the shark’s fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea. The sharks may starve to death, eaten alive by other fish, or drown (if they are not in constant movement their gills cannot extract oxygen from the water).
Our entire ecosystems are under threat if the natural environment is threatened, if the apex species become null and void. Dolphins, turtles, fish and birds – every creature is affected.
Hunting and greed drive the numbers down tragically day upon day.
So for positive change, let’s talk positive action and find out how we can contribute to ensuring we are doing our best to maintain healthy oceans and thus a healthy planet. Join the ocean lovers and diving professionals this festive season on the KZN South Coast to learn more. Whilst you learn to dive, take a boat charter or enjoy a shark cage dive, educational insights will be shared throughout your experience. Interesting facts such as understanding currents, the need to maintain biodiversity and its genetic fitness, tips about conservation and how your footprint makes a difference, are all part of the day.
It’s a generational issue and our youth are the pivotal players in influencing the future. So please bring the kids, and make it a family affair.
Shark Awareness Campaign – 1st December 2016 – 31st January 2017 For more information please contact Shark Cage Diving KZN John Miller – johnmiller@sharkcagedivingkzn.com / 0823735950
Learn to dive, explore the oceans and make your mark on the future
Press Release care of UGU South Coast Tourism.