Conservation - Net Reduction
A major initiative has been directed at reducing the number of nets at individual beaches. Logically, given that the nets are fishing devices, fewer nets will catch fewer animals. The initial impetus for this research was provided by a comparison of the KZNSB’s operation with those of its counterparts in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. In both Australian states, considerably less shark fishing equipment is deployed per protected beach than in KwaZulu-Natal.
Drumlines - An Alternative to Nets
Another means of reducing environmental impact is the introduction of drumlines in place of some of the remaining nets, such that beaches are protected with a combination of nets and drumlines. A drumline consists of a shark hook suspended from a large anchored float. Drumlines take a reduced catch of harmless animals, compared to a net.