The controversial proposal to install shark nets and drumlines at the Club Med resort in Tinley Manor sparked heated debate during a public participation meeting last week.

The session brought together representatives from the KZN Sharks Board (KZNSB), the Collins Group (developers of Club Med), concerned conservationists and members of the public in a near two-hour discussion at Adventure Church.

Trenley Tilbrook, development manager at Collins Residential, stressed the importance of beach safety for the resort’s expected 36 000 annual guests.

“We’d like Club Med to have a safe bathing beach with lifeguards and safety gear,” he said.

“We will listen to the specialists and consider the most feasible option.”

KZNSB head of research, Professor Matt Dicken, answered questions throughout, explaining that the board’s mandate includes supporting tourism and job creation, both of which could be affected by shark attacks.

“The risk of a shark attack at Tinley Manor is low, but it exists,” said Dicken.

He noted that nets had previously been installed from 1973 to 1994, but were removed due to low beach use. With the area poised to become the second-most used beach in KZN, Dicken recommended relocating existing nets and drumlines from Amanzimtoti.

He said there were currently no viable alternatives to shark gear, although the board would trial new technologies and publish by-catch data online.

“We will retrial dolphin pingers and use circle hooks to reduce the capture of certain species. Catch data will be reviewed annually,” he said.

Concerns were raised about the proximity of the uThukela Marine Protected Area. Tension rose when Dicken admitted he was unaware of any environmental impact assessment being conducted and that by-catch estimates were based on data from Blythedale Beach.

“I cannot say what will be caught, only what’s been caught at Blythedale. Maybe 15 animals a year, but I don’t know,” he said.

Closing the meeting, Tinley Leisure’s stakeholder engagement manager Frikkie Brooks said, “There will, unfortunately, be a loser in this debate, we just don’t know who yet. Whatever the outcome, let’s hope we can hold this fine balance between human and animal life, because that’s what is going to bring about sustainable development.”

Submit comments to ppp@tinleykzn.co.za or contact Noeleen Greyling on 072 572 7165 by November 17.

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