Silence of the Zams

The Bull Shark or Zambezi as it is known in South Africa, became the centre of a heated battle, between those who claimed there are plenty of them, and kill them for the sport, and the another group who argue that this approach is simply unacceptable. Denise Milton, ran a commercial fishing operation openly advertising that people could come and catch and kill sharks for fun (hunting trophy). The divers, headed by Mike Frazer being more conservation minded, had been swimming with these Bull sharks, recognising some individuals resident on the reef for over 15 years, strongly opposed the idea.

Aims of the Film/Media campaign

To assist Sharklife to stop Denise exploiting a loophole in the law. We gave them the necessary media platform to highlight the plight of these magnificent animals. In a high court action, Sharklife won the case and could continue openly campaigning against the senseless slaughter.

Results/outcome

Film “Silence of the Zams”, broadcast on SABC and the rest of Africa. For whatever reason, Denise no longer advertises her Shark Hunt, at the time of writing it was thought that she had ceased all commercial fishing operations. Sharklife has gone from strength to strength and has a strong membership base. We also wanted to Inform the public, especially Australians, that sharks are being eaten up by them. “Flake and Chips” is actually Shark.

Film previews

15 May 2005

Description

Documentary

Length

33 minutes

Format

BETASP / DVCAM

Distribution

SABC 2 50/50

Africa Channel

Production Team