The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board successfully hosted a three-day shark and ray symposium for Southern African researchers from February 11-13. This was the first time such a meeting dedicated entirely to this group of fish had been held in South Africa.
A total of 62 delegates attended the meeting at the KZN Sharks Board, including two visiting scientists from the US and three who are conducting whale shark and manta ray research at Tofo in Mozambique.
Over three days 33 formal presentations and eight discussion sessions were held. A wide range of topics were covered ranging from shark parasites to shark movements and shark fisheries. Nearly one third of the presentations were on the great white shark, indicating that researchers have capitalised on the fact that the south west Cape coast is the white shark capital of the world.
Association
At the close of proceedings those present at the conference agreed that, such was the success of the gathering of minds, it should be held every two years. The delegates also agreed to form an association of Southern African shark and ray researchers.
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There was concern that more emphasis needs to be placed on monitoring such fisheries, as well as conducting research on less charismatic species, especially the many endemic species. South Africa is rich in cartilaginous fish with 162 species of sharks and rays. Of those 47 are endemic to our waters.
A copy of the programme together with the abstracts (summaries) is available on request – ganesan@shark.co.za