An incredible level of marine activity has been present at Muizenberg and False Bay over the last few days. On Tuesday, just off Sunrise Circle, there were multiple baitfish shoals, yellowtail, Cape fur seals, giant short-tailed rays and plenty of bronze whaler sharks gorging themselves on this abundance.
“Truly an unbelievable sight to witness first hand from 500ft above, just so many sharks! Some surfers and paddlers nearby with no idea of the carnage happening further out behind the backline. Please be aware that this activity is out of sight of the Shark Spotters viewpoint so if you’re going for a surf perhaps do it closer to the Surfer’s Corner side. Photos in the next post when I get a chance…” writes marine conservation photographer, Jean Tresfon.
Cape {town} Etc spoke to Sarah Waries from Shark Spotters for some more insight. Occurrences such as these are actually pretty common in the Western Cape at this time of year, we’re just not always able to see it for ourselves — thank you Jean and the gyrocopter for being our eyes from the sky!
Sarah says that nothing radical is behind the abundant marine life sightings, but rather, that False Bay is generally rich in activity. Lucky us!
“Cape Town is so special because it has this very diverse and productive marine environment, and terrestrial environment, and a big city in the middle of it all,” says Sarah.
Summer temperatures do make the water a bit warmer, which is lovely for fish and other species to enjoy. Once it gets above 18-degrees, schools of yellowtail and sardines come in, which in turn becomes lekker food for the sharks and whales. And so, the cycle of life thrives in Cape waters.
In terms of safety protocols regarding the sharks, the sightings by Jean capture bronze whaler sharks, which are less aggressive and shyer than great whites, and don’t pose as much of a threat.
The last great white was spotted in the bay in 2021. Still, awareness is urged as risk increases with the large number of fish present. Keep an eye out for Shark Spotter flags and other announcements made on Twitter.
Some hammerheads were even spotted:
We have definitely spotted some #hammerheadsharks in the bay ??.
There are two species sharks that occur in #SouthAfrica, the #scallopedhammerhead and #smoothhammerhead. Legislation has also been put in place to protect this species ??.
?: Seffie #BeSharkSmart #Sharks pic.twitter.com/ZVtK6OqFaY
— Shark Spotters (@SharkSpotters) February 25, 2022
Onto the bronze whalers and the other epic aquatic wildlife!
Jean travelled with whale scientist Matthew Germishuizen in the gyrocopter on Tuesday. Germishuizen is part of the Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit. The duo journeyed from Blouberg to Robben Island, then on to Three Anchor Bay, passing over some divers at Whale Rock along the way.
Here are the snaps:
Bronze whalers chasing baitfish in the shallows at Muizenberg.
Two biggies charging through the feed.
Bronze whalers surround the bait ball as a Cape Fur seal cruises over the top. Spot the hammerhead shark top right of the image!
A small part of a large pod sporting hundreds of common dolphins on the move in Table Bay.
Divers down at Whale Rock near Robben Island.
A southern right whale skim feeding on its side just under the surface near Oudekraal.
The mola mola were out in numbers with over a hundred spotted during the whale survey.
A single humpback whale near Sandy Bay.
Dusky dolphins looking relaxed near the crayfish factory at Witsand.
A hole in the heart – Cape fur seals and gulls chasing a huge bait ball at Cape Point.
NAC Helicopter’s beautiful EC120 rounds Cape Point.
Shark explorers diving with the Cape fur seals at Partridge Point.
Surfski fun at Fish Hoek on a perfect day.
Huge baitfish shoals behind the backline near Sunrise Circle at Muizenberg. Can you spot the sharks? Plenty of bronze whalers chasing the baitfish.
Eight bronze whaler sharks and a Cape fur seal working a bait ball in the shallows at Muizenberg.
Pictures shared with permission by Jean Tresfon. Do not redistribute.
Also read:
Look! Whales, dolphins, sharks and more – Cape Town captured from above
Picture: Jean Tresfon