In South Africa’s waters, sharks are not just a spectacle for thrill-seekers; they are at the heart of a critical conservation effort. Marine Dynamics, in partnership with the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, is leading the charge to protect these apex predators, proving that responsible ecotourism can drive meaningful change.
Despite growing caution among some tour operators regarding shark cage diving, Wilfred Chivell, CEO of Marine Dynamics and founder of the Dyer Island Conservation Trust, argues that ethical shark diving is essential. Not only does it offer a lifeline to struggling shark populations, but it also educates the public about their plight.
A fight against shark slaughter
“We are facing a global crisis with sharks,” says Chivell. “Longline fishing practices are devastating shark populations at an alarming rate. Legal fishing permits issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) allow longliners to operate from Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) to Quinn Point, targeting sharks for their meat, fins, and other products. We must take action to protect these remaining species before it’s too late.”
Chivell and fellow conservationists are calling for urgent intervention, particularly in reviewing traditional shark control measures. “The KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board has spent over 70 years killing not only thousands of innocent sharks, including great whites, but also dolphins and sea turtles. This mass slaughter, carried out using shark nets and baited drumlines, has to stop,” he says.
The role of responsible shark diving
A powerful tool in the fight to protect sharks is cage diving, an activity that, when conducted responsibly, supports conservation and education. Yet, some within the tourism industry question its ethics, mistakenly equating it with exploitative human-wildlife interactions.
Chivell counters this belief: “In South Africa, sharks aren’t fed or handled in cage diving. They respond naturally to scent trails, as they would in the wild. Divers remain safely enclosed, and the sharks are neither harmed nor manipulated.”
One of the strongest advocates for ethical shark conservation is Richard Peirce, a leading conservationist, broadcaster, and author. Having spent over 30 years championing shark welfare, Peirce sees responsible cage diving as a conservation asset.
“Well-intentioned bans on human-wildlife interactions risk undermining ecotourism efforts that genuinely benefit conservation,” says Peirce. “Shark diving, when conducted responsibly, offers a chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment. By showing that sharks are valuable alive, we shift the focus away from exploitation.”
A legacy of conservation
South Africa made history in 1991 by becoming the first country to legally protect the great white shark. Since then, organisations like Marine Dynamics have been instrumental in maintaining these protections. Their impact is undeniable.
“In Gansbaai, we secured a no-take fishing zone in 2022, providing sharks with a crucial sanctuary,” explains Chivell. “This demonstrates how responsible shark diving directly contributes to conservation.”
For over 25 years, Marine Dynamics has welcomed tens of thousands of divers, dispelling misconceptions and turning visitors into shark ambassadors. Their tours create a powerful ripple effect, participants leave with a newfound respect for sharks and a deeper understanding of their ecological importance.
“Worldwide, sharks are being wiped out,” Chivell stresses. “Longline vessels with thousands of baited hooks indiscriminately slaughter these animals. Every dive we facilitate gives sharks a voice, building a global community committed to their survival.”
More than just tourism
Responsible shark diving is about more than adventure, it’s about securing a future for one of the ocean’s most essential predators.
“Through sustainable ecotourism, we support local economies, providing livelihoods for guides, crew, service providers, restaurants, shops, and tourism partners. And we do this without taking a single shark’s life. A living shark has immense value, generating benefits far beyond the ocean,” says Chivell.
For those who want to support shark conservation, Marine Dynamics invites you to experience shark diving firsthand or visit the Dyer Island Conservation Trust website to learn how you can contribute to their mission.
For more information, visit: https://www.marinedynamics.co.za/