White shark cage diving in South Africa: a critical assessment of South Africa's regulatory framework

Meierhofer, Sophie Elizabeth

White shark cage diving in South Africa: a critical assessment of South Africa's regulatory framework

Master Thesis

2017

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Institute of Marine and Environmental Law

Faculty

Faculty of Law

Abstract

'White Shark Cage Diving' (WSCD) enables tourists to experience a face-to-face encounter with wild sharks in the open water. In order to attract the animals close to the cages, tour operators often use chum, bait, or decoys, which interferes with the natural habits of marine wildlife. These practices have great potential to adversely impact animals and the marine environment, with unknown long-term consequences. Globally, South Africa has the most extensive WSCD industry. The management is based on a policy paper and regulations published in 2008 by the Minister of Environmental Affairs (a ministry which also included Tourism). This thesis discusses the question of whether South Africa's WSCD industry is appropriately regulated in the light of today's best practices. South Africa's regulatory framework will be compared to the management arrangements of other jurisdiction where WSCD takes place. The ultimate objective of this thesis is to determine whether the South Africa's WSCD regime strikes a sustainable balance between commercial interests and the need to protect this elusive creature.

Keywords

Marine and Environmental Law

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