Net lossMany people believe that shark nets protect swimmers by preventing sharks from entering the swimming area. However, these nets are not designed to serve as a barricade, but rather as a fishing net to catch and kill sharks, among other species. Shark nets should not be used to protect swimmers from shark attacks. They protect swimmers, not by deterring or preventing sharks from entering the area, but by killing them and reducing the area's shark population. There are therefore fewer attacks on humans, but this comes at a high cost to the already struggling shark population. Shark tracking programs have had some success in preventing shark attacks, without harming the animals and providing a humane alternative. The shark population in South Africa has been declining since the 1960s. The increase in human population, and therefore recreational swimming, has led to an increase in the number of sharks attacking humans in places like South Africa . In 1957, a series of attacks sparked hysteria in South Africa, much like in the film “Jaws”. During a 107-day period, known as "Black December", sharks killed five people on resort beaches off the coast of KwaZulu Natal. To allay the fears of holidaymakers and residents, the new Natal Sharks Board has installed more than 200 miles of nets along the coast of KwaZulu Natal province. The nets were extremely effective. They have reduced shark attacks by 90 percent, capturing an average of 1,245 sharks per year. (Marshall) Shark nets add to the growing problem of declining shark populations, particularly for certain shark species. The Great White is particularly vulnerable, due to the species' low birth rate, compared to other types of fish, which typically produce hundreds of eggs per year. Big W...... middle of paper ...... eliminate them from our recreational swimming areas because of our fear. Although the use of shark nets has reduced attacks, it is also destroying an important animal in our oceans. Works Cited Leatherman, Stephen P. "Dr. Beach Survival Guide: What You Need to Know About Sharks, Rip Currents, and More Before You Hit the Water." New Haven: Yale UP, 2003. Print. Marshall, Leon. "South Africa rethinks use of shark nets". National Geographic News. June 4, 2002. the web. March 9, 2011Peatling, Stéphanie. "Sharks Kill Surfer, reignites the debate on the Net in Australia". National Geographic News. January 28, 2005. The web. March 14, 2011. Peschak, Thomas P, Scholl, Michael C. “The Great White Shark of South Africa.” Cape Town: Struik Publishers, 2007. Print. Pike, Steve. “Surfing in South Africa: swells, spots and African surfing culture”. Cape Town: Double Storey Books, 2007. Print.