The NSRI has confirmed that the shark allegedly involved in the attempted attack on surfer Mick Fanning at the J-Bay Open was out on bail.

NSRI spokesman Lambi Craigon said the shark has previously been charged with disturbing surfers and trespassing into shallow waters.

Meanwhile Greenpeace has filed charges against Fanning at the United Nations. Fanning is accused of assaulting a shark with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.

The Jeffreys Bay municipality has launched a commission of enquiry to investigate the development of “deep sea” entertainment after shark experts have claimed the shark was “simply curious”. The options under consideration are deep sea toys for sharks,  information brochures about surfing and information signs to remind sharks to eat only fish.