South Africa is widely recognised as one of the world’s prime destinations for encountering great white sharks. After a concerning decline in their numbers along the Western Cape coast, it appears the big fish have made a strong comeback.
The new footage, captured in Plettenberg Bay by Drone Fanatics SA, in collaboration with the Shark Spotters team, has tracked and monitored three great white sharks near the lookout point.
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This decline in shark numbers has raised significant concerns about the overall conservation status of great white sharks in South Africa. Why is this cause for concern? The answer lies in understanding the pivotal role they play in marine ecosystems.
Great white sharks are often referred to as the ‘keystone predators’ of the ocean. As top predators, they occupy the highest position in the marine food web, regulating the populations of prey species below them.
Their presence significantly influences the behaviour and distribution of other marine animals, which in turn affects the entire structure and stability of the ecosystem.
Also read: Look! Cape Town photographer captures the “biggest great white shark I have ever seen”
Therefore, the recent declines in shark numbers along the Western Cape coast have prompted marine biologists and conservationists to investigate the reasons behind this shift.
They can thrive in various temperature ranges, with a preference for waters between 14 and 24°C. When unfavourable conditions arise, their migratory nature allows them to seek more suitable environments.
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Climate change and long-term changes in ocean conditions might also be influencing their movements. Great whites can live for over 70 years and their behaviour varies across different life stages. Juveniles, especially males, tend to stay close to the coastline, while sub-adults and adults, particularly females, venture further offshore.
Another fascinating and concerning development is the predation of great whites by orcas. These specialist killer whales have developed a taste for shark livers and have been observed preying on white, sevengill and bronze whaler sharks.
The first documented cases of such predation were reported in 2015 along the South African coast, coinciding with significant behavioural shifts in white sharks within areas like Gansbaai and False Bay.
Experience these majestic predators up close with shark cage diving in Gansbaai for only R1499 (valued at R2300). Get the deal here.
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Content warning: New footage of orcas preying on great white shark
Picture: Drone Fanatics SA
