A shark monitoring program in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, was suspended on July 1 following a funding dispute with the local municipality, raising safety concerns as the seasonal return of great white sharks brings increased risk to swimmers and surfers.

The Shark Spotters initiative, a non-profit organization that has operated since 2004 in Cape Town, began monitoring Plettenberg Bay’s beaches after two fatal great white shark attacks in 2022—the first in 11 years for the area. The program deployed trained observers from elevated lookout points at five beaches to watch the waters and alert lifeguards when sharks were spotted, enabling timely beach closures to protect swimmers.

The recent suspension came after the Bitou municipality and Shark Spotters failed to agree on a new funding contract. While the municipality approved R800,000 (approximately £35,000) in funds, it stipulated the money could not be allocated to staff salaries. Shark Spotters argued that these contractual terms had “significant operational implications” that made it impossible to maintain their lookout posts.

The shutdown coincides with the period when great white sharks return to the region for the southern hemisphere winter. These sharks are drawn by the presence of young Cape fur seals near the Robberg peninsula and often move into the bay and along Plettenberg Bay’s beaches, increasing the likelihood of human-shark interactions.

Local residents and tourists have expressed unease following the suspension. Chris Fermor, who has lived in Plettenberg Bay for three decades and owns a local restaurant, described the presence of Shark Spotters as a crucial reassurance after the recent attacks. “After the incidents we have had here, it was good to have that feeling that someone is watching out for you,” he said.

Tourists are also affected by the absence of the monitoring service. Marten De Prez, visiting from the Netherlands, noted that had he been aware of the 2022 attacks, he likely would have avoided surfing in the area altogether. Shark Spotters have released recent drone footage showing a great white shark close to one of the local beaches, emphasizing the ongoing risk and advising the public to exercise caution when entering the water.

Plettenberg Bay remains a popular destination for tens of thousands of holidaymakers annually, drawn by its beaches and marine wildlife, including whale watching. The Shark Spotters program has been viewed as a more ecologically responsible alternative to shark nets used along KwaZulu-Natal’s east coast, which are criticized for causing collateral harm to sharks, dolphins, and turtles.

The future of shark safety measures in Plettenberg Bay now hinges on negotiations between Shark Spotters and the Bitou municipality amid growing concerns about public safety during the critical winter months.