The local Shark Spotter project has made headlines this week by winning the Gold Innovation Award in the Best Beach Tourism category at the African Responsible Tourism Awards 2016.

The judges stated that Shark Spotters won as it combined enhancing safety and education on beaches.

Project manager, Sarah Waries, said, “Working together with the City, we have created a holistic, socially and environmentally responsible initiative that protects beach tourism, the local economy and the environment from the negative repercussions of shark bite incidents.”

“We are very pleased that they (Shark Spotters) have been acknowledged for their valuable and innovative efforts in responsible beach tourism, including the implementation of the shark exclusion net, which benefits our beachgoers,” said Mayco member for energy, environment and spatial planning Johan van der Merwe.