KZN Sharks Board

The KZNSB welcomes and encourages visits by members of the public to its complex in Umhlanga Rocks where they can view a 25 minute audio-visual presentation on the day to day work done by the KZNSB as well as on the important role sharks and other animals play in the marine ecosystem. This is followed by a 20 minute dissection.

Visit the display hall and view the large variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays, including that of a 892 kg great white shark. Browse in the curio shop "Fathoms" where a treasure chest of unusual and stylish gifts, including hand crafts, T-shirts, leather goods, jewellery and other ornaments, await you.

The KZNSB services a combination of shark nets and recently-deployed drumlines, spread at intervals along 320 km of coastline in KwaZulu-Natal, thereby providing protection against shark attack at 38 localities. It employs about 170 staff members, most of whom put to sea on 15 boats to service the equipment. The other members of staff are engaged in research, administration, public relations, store-keeping and maintenance.

KZNSB boat crews launch from the beach before sunrise, often through rough seas, in a 6 m craft, powered by two outboard engines, known locally as a skiboat. The nets and drumlines are serviced about 20 times per month. Each net is pulled to the surface, where it is examined for captured animals and damage, a procedure known as "meshing". Dead animals, provided they are not badly decomposed, are removed from the nets for examination by the KZNSB research staff. All live animals, including potentially dangerous sharks, are released; many of them are tagged.

Public shows

The KZNSB welcomes and encourages visits by members of the public to its complex in Umhlanga Rocks where they can view a 25 minute audio-visual presentation on the day to day work done by the KZNSB as well as on the important role sharks and other animals play in the marine ecosystem. This is followed by a 20 minute dissection......

Visit the display hall and view the large variety of lifelike replicas of sharks, fish and rays, including that of a 892 kg great white shark. Browse in the curio shop "Fathoms" where a treasure chest of unusual and stylish gifts, including hand crafts, T-shirts, leather goods, jewellery and other ornaments, await you.

The display hall and curio shop are open to the public from 8.00 to 16.00 Monday to Friday.

Boat trips

For the more adventurous there are early trips out to sea. Experience and enjoy the sights of Durban as you travel through the harbour and out to sea into the rising sun. These trips are run seven days a week, and on weekdays one can see the shark nets being serviced along Durban's "Golden Mile". Sharks are not often found in the nets but there will be an opportunity to see and learn about the dolphins, seabirds and fish life that abound in our coastal waters.

The boat is licensed for 12 passengers but a minimum of six passengers are required. The boat departs from the mooring in front of Wilson's Wharf (carpark No. 1) near the Point Yacht Club off the Victoria Embarkment esplanade (see Street Map on the right). Departures are early at approximately 06:30 (to be confirmed on booking) to coincide with servicing of the shark nets (weekdays only) and to beat the wind of the day. Visitors are welcome to bring their cameras but should be mindful of the sea spray. While the safety of passengers is of paramount concern, individuals who are pregnant or of frail disposition should be aware that the ride beyond the confines of the harbour could be bumpy.

CONTACT US NOW TO BOOK YOUR EXPEDITION