The Natal Sharks Board was created in response to the increasing number of deadly shark attacks that were occurring along the Kwazulu Natal coastline in the 1950's. Shark nets were installed along the major beaches which resulted in a dramatic decrease in the number of shark attacks.

Today the maintenance of these shark nets remains the primary responsibility of Sharks Board. The Board has a fleet of 15 ski boats that check the gill nets every day or two to remove any sharks and other animals that have become entangled in the gill nets. Live sharks are tagged for research purposes and released back into the water (on the seaward side) while dead sharks are taken back to the Sharks Board office in Umhlanga Rocks for dissection and other research purposes.

SHARK CONSERVATION AND RESEARCH:
Sharks play an important role in the ecosystem of the ocean. Many species of shark are under threat from over-fishing. The Sharks Board works in close cooperation with many local and international organizations by providing tissue samples.

PUBLIC EDUCATION:
The Natal Sharks Board Centre in Umhlanga Rocks is open to the public. The Display Hall contains many interesting exhibits with educational information. The board also has audio-visual presentation followed by a shark dissection. See schedule below for details.

ADDRESS:
1A Herrwood Dr, Umhlanga Rocks

TEL:
(031) 566 0400

HOURS:
Display Hall and Curio Shop: Mon-Fri 8h00 - 16h00

PRESENTATION & DISSECTION
Tue 09:00 14:00
Wed 09:00 14:00
Thurs 09:00 14:00
Sun 14:00