I love the question in the first line – and I don’t know the answer: “Who knows whether the sea heals or corrodes?” I also love that the poet managed to write about feet and sharks in the same piece.
Plague of Dead Sharks – Alan Dugan
Who knows whether the sea heals or corrodes?
The wading, wintered pack-beasts of the feet
slough off, in spring, the dead rind of the shoes’
leather detention, the big toe’s yellow horn
shines with a natural polish, and the whole
person seems to profit. The opposite appears
when dead sharks wash up along the beach
for no known reason. What is more built
for winning than the swept-back teeth,
water-finished fins, and pure bad eyes
these old, efficient forms of appetite
are dressed in? Yet it looks as if the sea
digested what is wished of them with viral ease
and threw up what was left to stink and dry.
If this shows how the sea approaches life
in its propensity to feed as animal entire,
then sharks are comforts, feet are terrified,
but they vacation in the mystery and why not?
Who knows whether the sea heals or corrodes?:
what the sun burns up of it, the moon puts back.
While we were away looking at live whales near Hermaus, a dead southern right whale adult washed up on Capricorn Beach near Muizenberg. It’s not clear at this stage what caused the whale to die. The whale washed up in the early evening of Sunday 7 October, and was removed the following day after nearly 18 hours of struggle by the Department of Environmental Affairs and the City of Cape Town. There are some pictures of the whale on the beach, and the operation to remove it, here.
Maurice sent us these photographs of the whale on a truck on Vanguard Drive, being transported to the Vissershok landfill. I don’t know who took them – if it was you, let me know so we can give credit where it is due!
Making a turn
The whale in the distance
Abnormal load
The whale lashed to a flat bed truck
The whale was about 15 metres long
It took 18 hours to remove the whale from the beach
While we were sad that the carcass was taken to a landfill rather than towed out to sea for the sharks and other marine life to feed on (a whale fall can sustain an ecosystem of its own for up to 70 years – watch this video to see how), I can understand the reasoning. The prevailing summer winds in Cape Town are onshore, and the dead whale would probably have ended up on or near a beach once more. This is very exciting for sharks, but not so much for water users. A number of beaches were closed on Monday 8 October as chunks of blubber bitten free by white sharks were floating about in the area, and increased local shark activity was noted by the Shark Spotters.
News reports on the subject claim (to a man) that the whale was 30 metres long. Southern right whales attain a maximum length of about 15 metres (weighing up to 45 tons), which the briefest of fact checks would have revealed. Only blue whales reach 30 metres at their maximum size. This southern right whale looks fully grown, and you can see the sheer size of its head in the first photograph in this article, where Alison Kock (I think!) of Shark Spotters is standing looking at it. I find it upsetting to see a whale in this state, but it’s also fascinating to get a close up look at what these massive creatures look like out of the water
It’s important to remember that when a whale or other marine mammal dies, its body will often float and be washed ashore. This is a natural process. (What isn’t natural is when animals beach themselves because they’re confused by undersea weapons testing, sonar or other auditory disturbances created by human activity.) It’s only because of our proximity to the ocean and use of it for swimming, surfing and diving that a dead whale on the beach causes a bother. It smells bad after a while, and attracts marine predators who may interact negatively with human water users. If no one lived on the False Bay coastline, this whale could have stayed on the beach, decomposed, and returned its nutrients to the earth right where they belong.
Having recently moved from a shoebox-sized duplex in the southern suburbs to what feels like a sprawling Downton Abbey-sized manor house in the south Peninsula, my interest in domestic cleaning products has increased (of necessity). There usually isn’t much to love, admire or inspire when it comes to detergents and tile cleaner, but a company in the United States called method is planning to do something quite special in this department.
Come November (quite soon), method will release a liquid dish and hand soap in a plastic bottle textured like a sea urchin shell. The bottle is special because 10% of the plastic it’s made from was collected from the beaches of Hawaii in a coastal cleanup, and the other 90% is recycled from other sources. The plastic is undyed.
This is very nice, and an excellent marketing manoeuvre by method – capitalising on the rising popularity of “green” products – but hopefully in amongst the marketing hype consumers will be able to pick out the important idea that our choices now matter very much to the future of the planet.
There’s a short article about the bottle here, and a picture. The headline is misleading – the “ocean garbage patch” is comprised of miniscule particles of plastic widely dispersed over a huge area. There is no way (currently) of retrieving that plastic and putting it to use. The plastic these bottles will be made from was collected on the beach.
I have read so many stupid things on the internet about the shark exclusion net that is to be trialled at Fish Hoek beach starting (hopefully) in January 2013, that I sigh loudly to myself, roll my eyes, and wonder about reading comprehension and literacy.
In an effort to lower my blood pressure and spread some information (as opposed to wild-eyed rumours based purely on the words “shark net” and a vigorously professed love for sharks), here is a helpful article explaining the extent and purpose of the proposed net. Exclusion nets are currently used in Hong Kong (you can see a photo here), but the unique challenges of the Fish Hoek environment (the bay faces into the prevailing summer wind, and there is a lot of kelp in the area which could foul the net) mean that the project needs to be thought out very carefully for Cape Town – hence the delay.
Fish Hoek Beach
Here is a press release from the City of Cape Town, explaining in detail what the net will be like. I quote (emphasis mine):
An exclusion net is not the same as shark nets currently used in KwaZulu-Natal.
Exclusion nets are small meshed nets designed to act as a barrier to sharks preventing them from entering an enclosed area. In the proposed trial the area that would be protected would be kept to a minimum, but large enough to provide a recreational space and training area for the life-saving club. As such the area would be less than the size of two rugby fields and would run from just off Jaggers Walk on the south of the beach diagonally across to the Law Enforcement offices on the beach. The small mesh of the nets prevents capture or entanglement of marine species and the net acts only as a barrier.
Shark nets on the other hand are used along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline and are essentially fishing devices known as large meshed gill nets that entangle and catch sharks, reducing the local shark population and, by fishing for sharks within the vicinity of a protected beach, reducing the risk of shark attack. They cover large geographic areas and are further out at sea than exclusion nets. These nets are not species selective and hence also result in a range of other marine species becoming entangled.
Here’s the seasonal media release issued yesterday by the City of Cape Town and Shark Spotters reminding beach users that, as the southeaster starts to blow, the white sharks move inshore from Seal Island. The sharks do the same thing every year, but it’s excellent practice to remind water users every year in early September that they might have company and to be extra vigilant over the summer months.
The press release is a fascinating read – particularly the recent results that have been obtained relating to the confluence of certain sea conditions and lunar phase with increased shark sightings.
CITY OF CAPE TOWN
4 SEPTEMBER 2012
MEDIA RELEASE
City warns beach users of inshore movement of sharks over the summer season
The City of Cape Town would once again like to remind all beach users that the time of year is approaching when a seasonal increase in the presence of white sharks in the inshore area is expected.
This seasonal change is not recent in its occurrence or unique to False Bay. Similar trends are recorded in Gansbaai, Mossel Bay and California – all areas that white sharks are known to frequent.
Shark sightings recorded by the Shark Spotters have consistently shown a seasonal increase during the period from September to April, peaking in mid-summer. Typically shark sightings start in late August and the City is therefore appealing to all beach users to be aware of the expected increase in shark presence in the inshore area over the summer months.
White sharks are present in the Cape’s waters all year round and the possibility of encountering one of these animals at any time is minimal. However, beach users should always remain vigilant.
The graph below shows the sightings recorded over the last six years of shark spotting, clearly indicating seasonal trends.
Seasonal trends in shark sightings over the last 6 years
The data has also shown that shark sightings increase significantly at beaches where a whale carcass has stranded. These sightings may persist for up to a week after the whale carcass stranding. The City will therefore close relevant beaches where there has been a whale stranding, and appeals to residents to understand this precautionary approach.
Kayakers and surf-skiers specifically are asked to be cautious of the area between Sunnycove and Glencairn Beach, and swimmers are urged not to use the water off Jaegers Walk in Fish Hoek as this is considered a high-risk area. The City has erected warning signs along Jaegers Walk.
Surfers are asked to be especially vigilant in the areas between the Sunrise Beach and Macassar Beach area during the summer months, as research has shown these to be areas of highest shark presence in False Bay in summer.
Update on exclusion net trial programme
The City’s Environmental Resource Management Department is on track to trial the exclusion net at Fish Hoek during the 2012/2013 summer season. It is currently planned that the trial could take place from January 2013 onwards as certain matters are still being finalised. This includes:
on-going discussions with the trek net fishing rights holder at Fish Hoek beach, to ensure that the exclusion net does not impact on his fishing activities; and
finalisation of the permit required from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
before any trial can take place.
Shark Spotting programmes are operational at the following areas:
Summer (From start of school holidays, 28 September 2012 until 9 April 2013):
Muizenberg corner
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
St James
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Fish Hoek
7 days a week
from 07:00 to 18:45pm
Noordhoek (The Hoek)
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Clovelly
Weekends, public and school holidays
from 10:00 to 17:00
Glencairn
Weekends, public and school holidays
from 08:00 to 18:00
Kogel Bay – Caves
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Winter:
Muizenberg corner
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
St James
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Fish Hoek
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Noordhoek (The Hoek)
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Caves
7 days a week
from 08:00 to 18:00
Shark Spotter research yields new information
In addition to providing a safety service, the Shark Spotters collect valuable information that contributes to a better understanding of white shark coastal occurrence and behaviour. This information can in turn be used for local awareness campaigns to enhance beach safety.
More than 1 300 shark sightings have been recorded since the programme began in 2004. Previous analysis of the sightings has demonstrated a clear seasonal trend in occurrence, with most sightings taking place over spring and summer (September to May) for all beaches. The most sightings were reported in Muizenberg, when compared with Fish Hoek, St James, Clovelly, Glencairn and the Hoek (Noordhoek). In addition, most of the sightings, i.e. 73.8% took place behind the surf zone in deeper water.
A recent study, which used the information collected through the Shark Spotter programme, conducted by University of Cape Town (UCT) Masters graduate, Kay Weltz, in collaboration with Alison Kock (Shark Spotters), Prof. Colin Attwood (UCT) and Dr Henning Winker (UCT) investigated the influence of environmental variables on white shark sightings at Muizenberg, St James and Fish Hoek. The study found a significant relationship between shark sightings and water temperature at all three beaches. The analysis demonstrated increased probabilities of shark sightings as water temperature approached and exceeded 18⁰C.
The influence of the lunar phase was consistent with an increase in sightings just before or at new moon at Muizenberg and Fish Hoek. No significant relationship was found for the lunar phase at St James, which is likely due to a shorter time series of data available for analysis.
The relationship between shark sightings and warmer water temperature is more than likely linked to an increase in prey availability. Similarly, the increase in sightings just before or at new moon is likely to be the result of an increase in prey availability (although the mechanism influencing this remains unclear).
Finally, the study found that the number of shark sightings changed each year, with no trend evident between 2004 and 2008; however, it identified an increasing trend of more sightings over the last three years at all three beaches. This increase is suspected to be either due to more sharks using these inshore areas or sharks spending more time at these sites over this period. Continued monitoring will provide a valuable tool for assessing and hopefully explaining this trend in the long-term. Individual spotters, cloud cover, wind direction and wind speed were also considered, but were not found to significantly influence shark sightings.
None of the variables, such as water temperature and lunar phase or year, influence the ability of spotters to detect sharks and therefore represent actual shark behaviour in the inshore area at these beaches. The finding that individual spotters, cloud cover, wind direction and wind speed had no significant relationship with shark sightings provides evidence that the Shark Spotting programme is an effective warning system.
These findings of the Shark Spotting data are being written up for publication to be submitted to a recognised scientific journal.
Although these findings provide us with more information to increase safety, beach users should bear in mind that these are trends. White sharks have been recorded in the inshore area in all environmental conditions, including in very cold water temperatures and at full moon.
“This research and the other research that has been made possible through the data collected by the shark spotter programme shows that the City is committed to doing everything possible to improve the safety of beach users, while recognising the important role that white sharks play in our natural environment. While this research is still new and underway it gives us important insights and demonstrates the value of the shark spotter programme”, said Alderman Belinda Walker, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic, Environmental and Spatial Planning.
Shark safety tips
Beach users are encouraged to use areas where Shark Spotters are on duty and to take the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day they visit the beach to find out about recent sightings and activity as well as the current conditions which determine the effectiveness for shark spotting.
Beach users are also requested to please take the time to familiarise themselves with the Shark Spotter signage and to ensure that they understand the four flag warning system. They should be aware of the use of a siren to close the beach.
It must be borne in mind that no safety measure is 100% effective. Although the Shark Spotting programme has been successful, it remains vulnerable to human error, weather conditions and water quality issues.
The following tips can help reduce the risk of attack:
Do not swim, surf or surf-ski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby.
Do not swim, surf or surf-ski near where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place.
Do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
Do not swim if you are bleeding.
Do not swim near river mouths.
Do not swim, surf or surf-ski at night.
Do not swim, surf or surf-ski if there has been a whale stranding nearby.
If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no Shark Spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day.
First-time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement official, life guards or locals about the area.
Obey beach officials if told to leave the water.
For those who are kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation).
Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking.
Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.
For more information on the latest shark sightings and research please visit: www.sharkspotters.org.za. The public are encouraged to report any sightings of white sharks to the Shark Spotting programme via this website.
End Issued by: Integrated Strategic Communication and Branding Department, City of Cape Town Media enquiries: Gregg Oelofse, Head: Environmental Policy and Strategy, Environmental Resource Management Department, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 487 2239 or Cell: 083 940 8143 Alison Kock, Research Director: Shark Spotters programme, Cell: 072 661 9516 Alderman Felicity Purchase, Chairperson: Subcouncil 19, City of Cape Town, Tel: 021 784 2001 or Cell: 083 629 0829
During the storm on Friday evening 31 August, the midsection of the Seli 1, where the cranes were, toppled over. An oil slick emerged from the wreck. The photo in this article shows the slick, and how the middle part of the wreck has moved out of alignment with the rest of the vessel.
The left hand portion of the wreck
The midsection of the wreck
The right hand portion of the wreck as seen from the beach
The removal of the vessel is delayed by National Treasury’s failure to give a timeous decision regarding allocation of funds. I know you’re suprised by this.
Faint oil smears on the beach at Blouberg
When we drove out to see the wreck, most of the oil had been cleaned up, but the area was still cordoned off and kite surfers were not allowed in the water. The chief concern seems to be that seabirds will be fouled by the oil. There are nearby nature reserves with rich bird life, and Robben Island could also be affected. SANCCOB is on standby.
Sun starting to set over the wreck
Prior Seli 1 updates from Shipwreck Patrol can be found here, here, here, and here.
Tony and I popped out on shipwreck (and ice cream) patrol one wintery Sunday a couple of weeks ago (19 August). The Seli 1 is still squatting on the shores of Blouberg, but there is a plan to remove the vessel in 2013. Valuable lessons learned in 2009, when no one was willing to pony up the cash required to remove the Seli 1 from the beach, were applied in the swift salvage of the Eihatsu Maru, which ranaground at Clifton in May this year.
The Seli 1 as she looked on 19 August 2012
In a situation like this, time is of the essence, and the longer the wreck stays on the beach the harder it is to dislodge it from the sand successfully. In the case of the Seli 1, neither the ship’s owners, her insurers, the Turkish government, nor any local authorities were prepared to pay for her salvage. As a result, she’s probably quite firmly stuck.
The bow of the Seli 1
The midsection of the Seli 1
Waves breaking over the stern of the Seli 1
This news article notes that the wave patterns forming around the wreck are eroding Blouberg beach. This is going to leave electric cables and service pipes exposed if it continues unchecked. Local kite surfers and stand-up paddleboarders, however, are enjoying the new break created by the wreck.
What happened on Friday night (31 August), during a massive storm, is that part of the midsection of the Seli 1 fell over, spilling oil into the water and causing a flurry of renewed interest in and concern regarding the wreck. But that’s a story for tomorrow…
The conditions are pretty good right now. We have had some really good diving this week and we had 10-12 metre visibility at the sevengill cowsharks yesterday. As for weather calls, I have been driving to Miller’s Point almost every day to check conditions before collecting the boat as the forecast weather seems seldom as predicted. False Bay is stunning right now: we have seen whales almost every day, the viz is good and the surf has been great. We also have another brief resident ship in the bay, an oil tanker of sorts.
Fish Hoek this morning
The weekend
Tomorrow we will have some more serious wind with wind speeds of around 50-60 km/h but this tapers as we go into the weekend. However, a 4.5 metre swell arrives with this wind tomorrow evening and lingers most of Saturday so the plan is to skip Saturday and launch on Sunday. Please let me know if you want to be on the boat. I will do a double tank dive if possible as its better in the morning than the afternoon. Hopefully by next weekend we will be able to start doing a few more shore dives for those that prefer shore entries and for the students waiting to complete their training.
Cape Town Dive Festival
Remember the dive festival next weekend (8-9 September). There are still a few spots open if you’re keen! Visit the website for more.
Dear friend, you were right: the smell of fish and foam
and algae makes one green smell together. It clears
my head. It empties me enough to fit down in my own
skin for a while, singleminded as a surfer. The first
day here, there was nobody, from one distance
to the other. Rain rose from the waves like steam,
dark lifted off the dark. All I could think of
were hymns, all I knew the words to: the oldest
motions tuning up in me. There was a horseshoe crab
shell, a translucent egg sack, a log of a tired jetty,
and another, and another. I walked miles, holding
my suffering deeply and courteously, as if I were holding
a package for somebody else who would come back
like sunlight. In the morning, the boardwalk opened
wide and white with sun, gulls on one leg in the slicks.
Cold waves, cold air, and people out in heavy coats,
arm in arm along the sheen of waves. A single boy
in shorts rode his skimboard out thigh-high, making
intricate moves across the March ice-water. I thought
he must be painfully cold, but, I hear you say, he had
all the world emptied, to practice his smooth stand.
