CAPE TOWN, South Africa (24 Dec 2006) -- Confusion over permits to dive the world-famous Aliwal Shoal on KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast, or the warm waters of the Pondoland Marine Protected Area, has stirred up some turbulent currents. The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism has reminded recreational scuba divers that the window period which allowed them to obtain an exemption from having permits to dive within Marine Protected Areas expires at the end of December. Although in 2004 the department announced its intention to keep a tighter rein to safeguard its four Marine Protected Areas - Table Mountain National Park, Aliwal Shoal, Bird Island and Pondoland - it allowed divers and operators some leeway with regard to permits. Although most divers acknowledge the necessity of a permit system, some are confused about how it will operate or be policed. Alister Stenhouse, dive master with Underwater World in Durban, said they had tried to seek clarity on the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism's website, but had been unable to untangle the ramifications of the complicated permit system. "We don't mind paying the R75 annual fee," said Stenhouse. "After all, fishermen pay, so why shouldn't we? But we are confused about the R45 monthly fee. And how will they police it?" He also said when they had contacted the post office, the official seemed unaware of the permit system. Jeremy Williams, one of the owners of Dive Factory in Durban, which deals predominantly with spear fishermen, said this group had been paying for the right to practise their sport for about 30 years. "It's a good idea to raise money from the scuba divers as well," said Williams. Funding Seasoned diver Andy Cobb said he was entirely behind the idea, as resource management was needed. Elsewhere in the world people paid for the right to dive within a marine protected area. "This permitting system is a way to get funding, and marine protected areas are highly marketable," said Cobb. The areas in question could not sustain the large numbers of divers who visited, and numbers needed to be limited, he said. According to Marine Coastal Management, there are about 10 operators visiting Aliwal Shoal alone. Some divers abused the reefs, said Cobb. He said Aliwal Shoal had once been a prime spot for viewing ragged tooth sharks. It had been one of their favoured resting places, but continual disturbance was driving them away. | | Unlike Australia where PADI and its network of retail stores are fighting to block scuba diving permit fees aimed at protecting marine wildlife, South Africa divers say they support an annual paid permit system for diving in marine reserves. But there is still confusion about how the system will work Tiger sharks, too, were relocating to deeper reefs, he said. In earlier years Cobb said it had been common to see at least 100 sharks. Nowadays divers was lucky to see 15 together. He hoped this was linked to climatic changes, but felt it was more likely to be diver abuse. He said on the Aliwal Shoal, each shark's was worth about R30 000 in terms of tourism attraction and on Protea Banks about R50 000. Cobb does not approve of attracting sharks with bait. "It's an accident waiting to happen. By doing this we are conditioning sharks to associate humans with food." He said many had spoken of being bumped by sharks, and this was a prelude to tasting. He felt Marine Coastal Management was giving bad advice in this regard, by allowing baiting. "An attack on a diver would be bad news for South Africa, bad news for tourism and bad news for the sharks," said Cobb. SOURCE - IOLSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba ForumCDNN Related NewsAUSTRALIA - PADI opposed to new dive safety proposalAUSTRALIA - Dive industry fights plans to protect sharks |
