A Win For Sharks: Fishing Contest On Hold

A shark-fishing competition off Durban has been called off after protests from scientists and marine conservation groups. The competition was due to start this weekend, with cash prizes for killing the biggest sharks. However, the organisers have agreed to postpone the event for the time being, and said that the competition would be organised on a catch-and-release basis if another was held in future. The decision follows a meeting earlier this week at which fishermen were addressed by senior Durban marine scientist Bruce Mann, who also chairs the SA Marine Linefish Management Association. Mann told the fishermen he was opposed to "bonanza-type" competitions that targeted vulnerable species such as sharks, which are slow-growing, slow-maturing and have a low reproductive rate...