Search results for: shark cage diving

The Department of Environmental Affairs will commence with the application process for boat-based whale watching and shark cage diving operating permits on Thursday 27 August 2009 as stipulated in the Government Gazette published on Friday 14 August 2009.

The policies on Boat-Based Whale and Dolphin Watching and White Shark Cage Diving gazetted last year in 2008 are aimed at providing and improving regulatory and compliance frameworks in both sectors, growing both sectors through the allocation of a greater number of permits and transforming the industries.

Despite the controversy that occasionally surrounds the industry, shark cage diving is increasingly popular amongst international visitors. Identifying an ethical operator can be a minefield, but this situation has recently changed.

Two companies based in Gansbaai have qualified to become part of Fair Trade Tourism South Africa (FTTSA), having each gone through a stringent assessment and certification process that examines the economic, environmental and social impacts of its operations.