Latest news with #JacobRamsammy
The Citizen
10-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
KZN shark net replacement claims identified as hoax
A widely circulated press release claiming that the KZN Sharks Board will replace shark nets with an electromagnetic barrier system has been confirmed as false. The release, which appeared on a replica of the KZN Sharks Board website last week, alleged that legacy shark nets at 37 beaches – including Ballito, Umdloti, Salt Rock and Zinkwazi – would be replaced by a new electric deterrent system before Marine Protected Areas Day on August 1. The report cited fabricated quotes from marine scientists and falsely attributed comments to local officials. The KZN Sharks Board has since confirmed that no such project exists. The Courier has also confirmed that several individuals named in the article, including a scientist attributed as 'Dr Jacob Ramsammy,' are fictitious. Local marine safety stakeholders, including the National Sea Rescue Institute, said they were not consulted and were unaware of any such transition plan. Shark nets and drumlines have long been criticised for their negative impact on marine ecosystems. 'Whoever was trying to dupe the media and the public went to great lengths to do so,' said Courier editor Lesley Naudé. 'The people behind the false information went as far as sending us a fake press release and cloning the KZN Sharks Board website.' The real Sharks Board website can be found at and the fake at Aside from a different cell phone number and the aforementioned release, the websites appear almost identical. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
07-07-2025
- Science
- The Citizen
New barrier system to replace shark nets along KZN coastline
THE KZN Sharks Board (KZNSB) has announced the rollout of a new shark barrier system that will replace the legacy shark nets and drumlines used at 37 beaches along the KZN coastline. The rollout of the new system is set to be completed before Marine Protected Areas Day on August 1. According to the conservation body, evidence shows that the legacy system contributes to 'high mortality rates among both target and non-target species'. The magnetic barrier system incorporates a cable which emits a low-frequency electromagnetic field, that disrupts a shark's sensory system, specifically their 'electroreceptors, causing the shark to turn away' including white sharks, a marine species most impacted by the shark nets and drumlines. Also read: Durban exhibition celebrates turtle conservation According to the KZNSB the proven deterrent technology will work in conjunction with a shark monitoring programme which includes AI-powered aerial drones and trained field monitors. 'The aim is not only to ensure public safety but also to better align our operations with South Africa's strong conservation values. In tandem with the new deployment, the board will begin the removal of shark nets and drumlines that have traditionally been installed at 37 beaches,' the KZNSB said in a statement. Jacob Ramsammy, lead scientist of the KZN Sharks Board, said the new system aims to reduce shark and bycatch fatalities to zero. 'This not only reflects the national ethos of marine conservation but also brings marine safety practices in line with modern terrestrial wildlife conservation standards. We believe that this transition is a necessary and responsible evolution of our approach to coastal safety. As stewards of both public safety and marine biodiversity, we are proud to lead the way in adopting technologies that protect people without harming the environment,' he said. For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
