Black December
It was hoped that an electric current would keep the sharks away. For a number of reasons, this system failed but some research is still taking place on the use of electrical devices as shark deterrents. Many inshore net systems were tried and used but when an offshore system, put in place in Durban, proved promising, local councillors decided to go the same way. George was one of the local fishermen who was employed, initially on a part-time basis, to maintain the nets. As George points out, attitudes to sharks — and to the environment — have changed dramatically over the years.
Black December
Many sharks and dolphins used to die in the nets during past sardine seasons, he says. After living on the South Coast for more than 40 years, George has many interesting theories about the sardine run but remains fascinated by this natural phenomenon. He finds it amazing that so much mystery still surrounds the arrival — or non-arrival — of these little silver fish. He also remembers when initial attempts to keep swimmers safe from sharks inadvertently caused a swimming hazard in later years. Some posts sunk into the sea bed to hold inshore nets were proving dangerous and George remembers being involved in the difficult operation of removing them.
Eventually, he managed to do so, thanks to the help of the late Sonny Evans, one of the most gifted inventors the South Coast has ever seen.
Four decades down the line, George still believes there is no place like home. George Pelser, who celebrated his 90th birthday this week, has many funny and fascinating tales to tell about the South Coast in the 'old days'. News you might have missed.
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On This Day in World History … briefly. Shark Attacks Durban, which used to be South Africa's most popular holiday city, installed nets in following a series of shark attacks, several of which were fatal. The city suffered no more serious attacks, but several netless resorts a short way off did.
During one horrific period known as "Black December," five people died in shark attacks over a day stretch, from Christmas to Easter Several solutions were attempted by local authorities desperate to lure back panic-stricken holidaymakers. Unsightly enclosures built of wooden poles, wire, and netting were erected, only to be smashed by the rough surf. A South African Navy frigate dropped depth-charges in shark-infested waters.
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Only a few sharks were killed, and many more were attracted by the dead fish. Finally, in the then-Natal now KwaZulu Natal provincial authority established the NSB to take charge of bather safety along its coastline. The NSB responded by installing nets at most major resorts. Incidentally, there are less shark attacks in this region of South Africa now, they are all concentrated along the eastern and western cape - Great Whites mainly being the "culprits".
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The Great White is now a protected species in SA, and since it was declared a protected species the population is definitely on the up. The nets do not provide a physical barrier between sharks and bathers. Their function is to catch sharks, thereby keeping their numbers down in areas used by bathers. Dead sharks are removed daily from shark nets in South Africa, as well as dead turtles, dolphins, manta rays.
Should they remove the nets and rely on luck?
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These days most beaches from as far as Richards Bay to the north and Port Edward to the south have shark nets, allowing bathers to swim in relative safety. Once the threat of the attacks had been removed, holidaymakers returned, bringing welcome relief to those who lived in the area. Today there is scant reminder of the horrors that took place here so long ago — except the regular patrols by the Sharks Board who go out on a daily basis to check that the nets are secure.
As with other coastal areas, the once sleepy seaside area was transformed in the boom. People who had been holidaying in the small towns for years suddenly had the opportunity of owning a holiday home.
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Large developments seemed to pop up on a daily basis to keep up with demand and prices soared. Unfortunately, as with any recession, coastal properties appear to bear the brunt of a downturn. For sale signs started littering the streets as many homeowners realised that owning a second home was an expense they could no longer afford.
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Sales slumped as the demand far outstripped the demand. The tide is beginning to return as more and more people discover this gorgeous stretch of coastline. Shelly Beach in particular has seen a healthy return of sales. Regarded as the commercial hub of the entire region, the area has always been a popular choice for those looking for a little action.