During this time sporadic shark attacks occurred, became more frequent and in 2008/9 the Department of Environmental Affairs (DoEA) was asked to intervene. Between 2004 and 2012, eight shark attacks have occurred. In 2004 a non fatal attack occurred, with the same person fatally attacked in 2007, with an escalation in 2009 when three people were fatally attacked. In 2011 the DoEA then commissioned the Natal Sharks Board (NSB) to investigate the cause for the rise in shark attacks, who in their initial assessment discovered that the Mzimvubu river that flows into the ocean is a nursery and breeding area for the Zambezi sharks. These sharks are by nature very aggressive and would be more so during breeding season. The reason these sharks attack so close to shore is that they can swim in very shallow (knee high) water. It was also discovered that second beach is being used by traditional healers and churches for the ceremonial slaughter of animals. With the increase in the occurrence of these traditional practices, it is proposed that the blood could be attracting more sharks to the area.