Question NW2806 to the Minister of Environmental Affairs
25 August 2015 - NW2806
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Environmental Affairs
Whether, in light of the non-commercial value and dwindling numbers of our Tiger Sharks, Raggedtooth Sharks, Bull Sharks, all species of Hammerhead Sharks and Cow Sharks also known as Broadnose Sevengill Sharks, her Department will consider providing full protection to the specified species of sharks, not only in all marine protected areas, but in all South African waters to ensure that they may not under any circumstances, recreational or commercial, be slaughtered and if caught be released; if so, what are the full relevant details?
Reply:
Hammerhead and Broadnose Sevengill sharks are commercially exploited by fishers. The latter species is targeted by linefishers and are a major source of income for fishing villages in the Western Cape. This species is also targeted by the demersal longline fishery and, therefore, they have a commercial value and need sustainable management rather than prohibiting all catches.
In addition, not all the species/groups listed in the question have “dwindling numbers”. According to KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Bather Protection Programme catch rates, there is evidence for declines of Spotted Raggedtooth sharks, Bull sharks and Scalloped and Great Hammerhead sharks, but increases in Tiger sharks and Smooth Hammerheads. Other studies indicate that for the east coast of South Africa the Spotted Raggedtooth shark population is stable, but generally for the species mentioned there is a lack of suitable data for assessing trends outside of KZN.
Also it should be noted that Hammerhead sharks are now CITES listed, which affects international trade in these species but not local trade. Since 2011, retention of hammerhead sharks by the pelagic longline fishery has been prohibited in the Cape. The demersal longline fishery is prohibited from targeting Bull sharks.
Furthermore, for the first time, marine species are being included in the national Threatened or Protected (ToPS) list. The Tiger shark, Raggedtooth shark and the Scalloped Hammerhead and Great Hammerhead sharks are all among the marine species that are listed on the draft ToPS list that went out for public comment in March 2015.
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