This was found almost 12 kilometers straight off our beach in the Transkei.
It is called a drumline, and is used for control (eradication) of sharks and other
marine predators.

What it basically is, is a large bouy connected to a length of rope and then
chain with a VERY large baited hook attached. This is then anchored off the
beaches in the policy of “Protection through Eradication”.
How the drumline works is the predator will bite the bait, get hooked, and then
fight a losing battle with the bouy, before dying of exhaustion.

As you can see in the pictures, this is a official Natal Sharks Board line, with
the bouy number and a contact number burnt and painted on.
The text reads:
    Natal Sharks Board
        No 139
        GLN
        031-5660400

Personally I would be too ashamed to admit that something like this belongs
to the company I work for.
So maybe phone them and enquire about their policies, and maybe we can make a
difference in saving our marine predators.
 
Read the Official FAQ at http://www.shark.co.za/report/Drumline%20FAQ.pdf
Another point of view
 http://www.sharklife.co.za/index.php/Shark-News/Coast-shark-deaths-condemned.html

Kitchendog