A 19-year-old endurance swimmer is preparing for a second ocean crossing in Mossel Bay, South Africa, aimed at increasing pressure on authorities to introduce stronger protections for sharks in the region.
Kane Johnstone will attempt a 14.2km swim between Fransmanshoek and Dana Bay within a weather window from 1 to 11 April. The route has been selected to span the full length of a proposed Shark Catch Exclusion Zone.
A Second Swim Aligned With Conservation Efforts
Johnstone recently completed a 22km crossing of Mossel Bay, a swim that took more than nine hours. The latest attempt builds on that effort but is more closely aligned with a specific conservation objective.
“This one means I’ve swum the entire proposed zone,” Johnstone said. “It’s about finishing what we started, and making sure the message reaches the right people.”
He will undertake the swim unassisted and in skins, supported by a crew in the water.
Concerns Over Declining Shark Populations
The swim forms part of Project DEEP, an initiative developed in partnership with the Earth Legacy Foundation to highlight changes in shark activity in Mossel Bay.
The area has historically been known for active shark populations. However, observations during the first crossing have raised concerns.
Johnstone reported seeing no sharks, rays, or fish during the swim, an absence that campaign organisers say reflects wider ecological pressure in the area.
Debate Over Fishing Practices
At the centre of the campaign is demersal shark longlining, a fishing method that targets bottom-dwelling species. Conservation groups argue that this activity is contributing to declining shark numbers along parts of the South African coastline.
The proposed Shark Catch Exclusion Zone would restrict targeted commercial shark fishing within this section of Mossel Bay. Supporters describe it as a localised measure designed to balance conservation priorities with economic considerations, including tourism.
Government Engagement Signals Momentum
The campaign has prompted a response from South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, which has confirmed it will send a delegation to Mossel Bay to discuss marine protection in the area.
For Johnstone, the development reinforces the purpose behind the second crossing.
“When I heard they were coming to meet, I realised this is bigger than just a swim,” he said.
Project organisers say the timing is significant, as engagement at government level may influence how protection measures are considered in the coming months.
From Awareness to Advocacy
Project DEEP has evolved from an awareness campaign into a more targeted advocacy effort. The second swim is intended to reinforce the geographic scope of the proposed exclusion zone while maintaining public attention on the issue.
Esther Jacobs, Project Director at the Earth Legacy Foundation, described the crossing as a strategic step in the campaign’s development. She said the focus remains on identifying practical solutions that protect shark populations while limiting economic disruption.
Following local support and national media coverage after the first swim, organisers believe the initiative is gaining traction as an example of community-led marine conservation in South Africa.
Johnstone said the response to the initial crossing continues to motivate the team as preparations for the next swim move forward.
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