Wetsuits‚ oxygen tanks and waterproof banners do not usually make an appearance at protests in South Africa. But‚ on Saturday‚ more than 100 protestors will be taking their cause to new depths.The Silence of the Sharks‚ the biggest underwater protest ever held in the country‚ in conjuction with the fifth annual Paddle Out for Sharks‚ will see divers jumping off boats near Scottburgh's Main Beach with banners protesting against illegal fishing trawlers in South African waters and promoting healthy oceans ahead of World Oceans Day.After the Paddle Out for Sharks participants lay flowers at backline off Scottburgh Beach‚ divers will form a group in the water holding banners. Following a countdown‚ the divers will descend about 10m with their banners.The international Silence of the Sharks protest‚ initiated by underwater photographer and diver David Pilosof‚ started at the end of 2015 following research that revealed more than 100-million sharks are killed annually‚ placing the animals in serious danger of extinction.Illegal fishing‚ pollution and sharks killed as “bycatch” are some of the reasons shark numbers are dwindling so drastically‚ say marine enthusiasts."South Africa is home to a wide variety of sharks and more specifically‚ the KwaZulu-Natal south coast boasts two of the best shark diving sites on the planet – Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks.Awareness campaigns like Silence of the Sharks were vital to educate people about the plight of sharks‚ regardless of whether or not they “like sharks”‚ said event ambassador Olivia Symcox.Shark scientist Jess Escobar said one of the biggest threats to sharks in South African seas was illegal fishing.“It is becoming a bigger trade and it’s important for the community to get together and take control of our resources. In the Aliwal Shoal area‚ besides being important to the ecosystem‚ sharks and other marine life are an important part of the community’s livelihood.”Three Chinese skippers appeared in an East London court last month for allegedly fishing in South African waters without permission and evading the law.The three foreign-owned fishing trawlers allegedly had 600 tons of chokka (squid) valued at R70m.South African surfing champ and shark diver Lynne Mackey said the creation of awareness was an important first step.“Through this initiative we want to change the perception of sharks. Besides illegal fishing‚ the general pollution needs to be addressed. People need to clean up after themselves on the beach‚ and even clean up after others. If we all get involved‚ we will see a real difference.” – TMG Digital..