Sharks and rays play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, yet South Africa’s legislative framework has not kept pace with their current conservation status or the growing threats they face. In South Africa we have 194 species of shark, ray and chimaera, with 42% of these being threatened. Climate change, pollution, and economic activities can cause disturbances and the destruction of habitats.

 

Approximately 100 species of sharks and rays are impacted by fisheries in South African waters. This project aims to update the law and change the public perception of sharks and rays to while striving to protect threatened and endemic species by incorporating conservation measures into statutory amendments and associated regulatory instruments, while ensuring conservation and management is inline with global trends of these imperilled species.

 

The overarching goal of the South African Shark & Ray Protection Project is to improve the protection of the IUCN Red List threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered) sharks, rays and chimeras found within South Africa’s oceans, prioritizing threatened endemics (species unique to our waters), through science-based, legally embedded, and effectively implemented conservation measures.

The objectives of the project linked to these species are:

 

  1. To improve knowledge and scientific information about the status, ecology, and threats
  2. To advance legal protection by strengthening statutory provisions to reflect the conservation status of species
  3. To achieve effective implementation and enforcement of adopted conservation and management measures
  4. To mobilize public support and action for increased legal protection and effective implementation and enforcement

Project interventions include knowledge improvement, increased legal protections, support and training for effective implementation of conservation measures, and advocacy and awareness to spur citizen action and support decision-makers. These are complemented by targeted, site-based conservation actions, such as the establishment of shark and ray sanctuary areas and species-specific protection initiatives at key aggregation sites, demonstrating how national-level science and policy translate into measurable, on-the-ground conservation impact.

This project is currently is its third phase:

 

Highlights from phase 1:

  • Science & Planning: 91 Species Status Reports and a national database (194 species) enabled South Africa’s first systematic conservation plan, identifying priority areas for protection.
  • Policy & Legal Reform: Comprehensive legislative review produced 60+ recommendations, advancing progress toward stronger, enforceable protections.
  • Enforcement & Trade: Training and tools improved compliance, while research exposed illegal trade dominated by threatened species.
  • Awareness & Collaboration: Campaigns reached 62+ million people, mobilised youth action, and built strong collaboration across government, scientists, and NGOs.

 

Highlights from phase 2:

  • Science & Innovation: 144 Species Profiles, updated national database, and advanced tools including DNA barcoding, a global post-release mortality estimator, and AI-powered electronic monitoring to improve bycatch detection.
  • Policy & Enforcement: Submission of 70+ legal reform recommendations, progress on Non-Detrimental Findings, strengthened trade enforcement, and successful prosecutions.
  • Monitoring & Compliance Tools: Launch of the Gillnet Reporting App feeding data into national crime intelligence systems, alongside expanded training for enforcement and border officials.
  • Awareness & Advocacy: The Sharks Under Attack and On the Brink campaigns achieved 301 media placements and reached 98+ million people, while supporting advocacy movements like Justice for Jaws.
  • Ongoing Challenge: Despite strong technical progress, legislative implementation remains slow due to regulatory complexity and outdated fisheries and biodiversity frameworks amid escalating threats.

 

Phase 3 plans:

  • Legal & Policy Impact: Draft amendments to the Marine Living Resources Act (MLRA) and associated regulations incorporate science-based protections for at least 82 priority shark and ray species, positioning them for formal adoption.
  • Stronger Conservation Measures: Introduction of species-specific fisheries controls, gear restrictions, and seasonal closures to reduce mortality and protect critical habitats.
  • Alignment with Global Commitments: National frameworks aligned with CITES, Cinvetion of Migratory Species (CMS), and the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (30×30 target).
  • Reduced Threats & Improved Biodiversity Outcomes: Measurable progress toward reduced mortality, prevention of extinctions, and improved protection of key habitats.
  • Increased Support & Uptake: Strengthened public, stakeholder, and decision-maker support for reforms through sustained advocacy and engagement (e.g., Sharks Under Attack campaign).
  • Long-Term Impact: Establishment of durable, enforceable policy protections securing long-term conservation outcomes for sharks and rays in South Africa.

 

 

 

Sanctuary For Endangered Sharks and Rays Within iSimangaliso Marine Protected Area (MPA)

This project, aims to further protect sharks within the iSimangaliso MPA by:

  • Strengthening Protection: Rethink the targeting of sharks and rays across all zones of the iSimangaliso MPA.
  • Reducing Bycatch: Introduce fishing gear restrictions to minimize incidental capture.
  • Creating Safe Habitat: Establish a dedicated inshore sanctuary of at least 25 km².
  • Building Support: Mobilise public support to drive effective protection, enforcement, and compliance.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Special Thanks: 

Special thanks to Steve Woods, Steve Benjamin and Bryan Hart who have gifted their unbelievable photography, time and talents to this campaign. True conservationists at heart.