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15 Oct 2021

The next generation of marine biologists

James Anderson (North Coast Courier) Picture: KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board staff dissecting a Spinner shark.

As part of national marine week, the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board (KZNSB) has been campaigning to raise awareness on the importance of marine conservation.

On October 7, they reached out to students at Umfolozi Tvet College, delivering an address about good marine practices and safety at KwaDukuza municipality’s national marine week (NMW) commemoration event.

A whole dinner was found inside the dissected Spinner Shark, barely digested! The dissection also revealed the effects of pollution on marine life.

KZNSB public education officer Babalo Mpaka said they urgently needed to educate the youth on the importance of not dumping waste in the water. Not only the ocean, but in all local rivers that eventually find their way to the ocean.

“Around 40% of marine life is affected by people throwing plastic and other waste into the water,” said Mpaka.

He also explained the differences between local species of shark and their behavior, adding some potentially lifesaving tips about how to react if you see a shark in the water.

In following with their tradition of hands-on learning, the KZNSB representatives also dissected a Spinner shark.

The dissection reveals how a shark’s digestion system works and where their organs are, while also showing first-hand effects of marine pollution.