Wetsuits, oxygen tanks and waterproof banners do not usually make an appearance at protests in South Africa.But tomorrow 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 conjunction with the fifth annual Paddle Out for Sharks, will see divers jumping off boats into the sea off Scottburgh, with banners protesting against illegal fishing trawlers in South African waters.After Paddle Out for Sharks participants lay flowers atthe beach, the divers will form a group in the water, holding banners. Following a countdown, they will descend with the banners to a depth of 10m.The protest, initiated by underwater photographer and diver David Pilosof, started last year following research that revealed more than 100million sharks are killed each year, placing the fish in danger of extinction.Illegal fishing, pollution and sharks killed as "by catch" are some of the reasons shark numbers are dwindling, marine experts said yesterday."South Africa is home to a wide variety of sharks. The South Coast boasts two of the best shark-diving sites on the planet - Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks," event ambassador Olivia Symcox said."Awareness campaigns like Silence of the Sharks are vital to educate people about the plight of sharks and why we need to do something now, regardless of whether or not you happen to like sharks," she said.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," Escobar said.Three Chinese ship captains appeared in an East London court last month for fishing in South African waters without permission, and evading the law.The three foreign-owned fishing trawlers allegedly looted 600 tons of South African squid, valued at R70-million, and other fish from Eastern Cape waters.South African surfing champ and passionate shark diver Lynne Mackey said the creation of awareness about sharks was an important first step."Besides illegal fishing, the pollution needs to be addressed. People need to clean up after themselves on the beach, and even clean up after others."..