KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) requested the installation of shark nets and drumlines at Club Med Tinley ahead of the resort’s planned opening in July next year. The municipality has approached the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) for approval to reinstate bather safety gear, last used in Tinley in the 1990s.

However, the move has drawn concern from conservationists, as the proposed site lies just 75 metres from the uThukela Marine Protected Area (MPA), a critical ecological zone supporting shark spawning and marine nurseries along 85km of coastline.

Marine biologist Peter Kowalski, director at Blue Tide Solutions, warned that shark nets threaten marine biodiversity.

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“They function like underwater snares. Endangered species, dolphins, turtles and harmless sharks are often caught,” said Kowalski.

He noted that no shark attacks have been recorded at Tinley Manor since the nets were removed.

“Shark attacks are rare. Studies show nets do little to prevent interactions, they often catch sharks leaving, not approaching, bathing areas.”

ALSO READ: Environmental groups call for shark net alternatives in KZN to save marine life

The DFFE has called for a public participation process. Meetings are scheduled for November 5 at 5.30pm at Adventure Church, Tinley Manor and November 6 at 5pm at Mellowood Community Hall, Shakaskraal.

In a joint statement, Club Med and Collins Group said they trust the PPP process to determine the best safety solution using expert input.

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KDM and the KZN Sharks Board maintain that no cost-effective, scientifically proven alternatives currently exist in high-energy surf zones.

Read KDM’s environmental impact report at tinleykzn.co.za.

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