The event is hosted by WILDTRUST, a conservation NGO, in partnership with Shark Conservation Fund, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), SharkSafe Barrier, Shark Spotters, Justice4Jaws, the Sharks & People Working Group and others. The exhibition represents a step forward in rethinking the safety of people and sharks in a way that also protects marine life, says the organisation.

Guests are taken on an immersive journey through the history of shark nets and drumlines in KwaZulu-Natal, the ecological costs of current practices and the innovative technologies and solutions being developed locally and globally to reduce harm to marine life. Some of the alternatives featured include sonar systems, AI software, the shark shield, multispectral drones and the SharkSafe Barrier, with a spotlight placed on personal bather responsibility when choosing to enter the sharks' home, adds the organisation.

"This exhibition is a result of over a year of dedication; a true labour of love," says Lauren van Nijkerk, WILDTRUST's Director of Campaigns. "All stakeholders were meaningfully included in shaping the plan, key messages and overall vision. We focused on presenting both existing shark risk mitigation methods and potential non-lethal alternatives in engaging, educational and interactive ways, making sure most of the materials are in both English and isiZulu."

"At the aquarium, we have a rare and powerful opportunity to exhibit and open minds to the wonders of the ocean, especially for those who have never seen it before," says Maryke Musson, Executive Manager of Conservation Education and Communications at SAAMBR. "Our team enjoyed the challenge of putting together this exhibit and looks forward to the next phases, building on this initial foundation and seeing the impact that it creates."

KwaZulu-Natal currently operates 13km of shark nets and 177 drumlines across 37 beaches, which is a system that is still widely misunderstood. Contrary to popular belief, these nets are not physical barriers that prevent sharks from reaching swimmers — they are designed to catch and kill specific shark species deemed a risk to bathers, says the organisation.

The shark nets are set in staggered rows 300 to 500m offshore and parallel to the shore with gaps between and below them. Sharks can therefore swim under, around and between them to reach the surf zone, adds the organisation.

Despite South Africa's rich ocean diversity, only three shark species are primarily associated with unprovoked incidents: the Zambezi (bull) shark, white shark and tiger shark. These are the sole targets of the current "bather safety gear." However, the environmental cost is significant. On average, more than 400 non-target marine animals, including dolphins, rays, turtles and Critically Endangered sharks are killed in the nets each year as bycatch, says the organisation.

With the "bather safety nets" being highly unselective, drumlines were introduced in 2005 as a more targeted form of fishing. These are baited hooks suspended from an anchored float, targeting large sharks to reduce bycatch, adds the organisation.

South Africa holds a proud legacy in shark conservation, having become the first country in the world to legally protect the white shark in 1991, setting a global gold standard for chondrichthyan conservation. Chondrichthyans, which include sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras, are ancient creatures that have changed remarkably little over 400-million years. With more than 1 250 species globally, ranging from the tiny 10cm finless sleeper ray to the 18m whale shark, these animals are among the most functionally diverse on Earth. Each species plays a unique role in maintaining the balance and health of marine ecosystems, says the organisation.

Despite their value, over one-third of all shark and ray species worldwide are now threatened with extinction, primarily due to overfishing and habitat loss. These species are especially vulnerable because they grow slowly, mature late and produce few offspring, adds the organisation.

"We were the first country to protect the white shark and now, more than ever, South Africa has the opportunity and responsibility to lead once again in shark and ray conservation," says Dr Jennifer Olbers, WILDTRUST's Senior Scientist. "However, our laws are outdated, shark populations globally are under pressure, and two species — the largetooth and green sawfish — have already been categorised as locally extinct."

This exhibition marks the first phase of an awareness campaign dedicated to redefining bather safety not through killing sharks, but through education, innovation and coexistence. The future of ocean safety must consider both people and the planet, concludes the organisation.

The exhibition is now open to the public at the uShaka Marine World Aquarium.

For more information, visit www.wildtrust.co.za. You can also follow WILDTRUST on Facebook, LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor