This investigative insert on Carte Blanche brings to the attention of the public the South African demersal shark longliners that are having a severe impact on our smaller shark populations as well as disrupting a food chain for other species, like our iconic great white shark.

The sharks are ultimately exported to Australia where they are sold as flake and chips to an unknowing Australian public.

Working on sea, Marine Dynamics sees first hand the impacts on our ecosystem. Following on from the flight response our white sharks have shown to a couple of orca predators, we have not settled into any consistent behaviour of white sharks for the past few years. The shark cage diving industry has come together in concern over the shark demersal longliners, some of which are entering marine protected areas and have also caught white shark as accidental bycatch. Within this insert we have also addressed the Gansbaai conflict over bronze whaler shark fishing – also a legally permitted fishery. You can read more about this conflict at our blog link.

We are in discussions with the government towards an amicable solution on this matter. Local handline fishermen have also been impacted by the shark demersal longliners and are watching their catches diminish over the past four years.

Marine Dynamics supports sustainable fisheries and follow the WWF’s Sustainable Seafood Programme when making seafood choices.

Please watch the insert below and go to a specially designed website for more information and support a call to action. www.sharkfreechips.com