Great white sharks, known for their fearsome reputation as apex predators, have mysteriously disappeared from their popular hunting grounds in South Africa’s False Bay. The absence of these majestic creatures has raised concerns among scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Researchers believe that the culprits behind their desertion may be invading killer whales, also known as orcas, who have developed a taste for great white shark livers.
Orcas are the natural predators of great whites, and evidence suggests that they have been attacking the sharks, gashing them open and devouring their fatty livers. False Bay, located off the coast of Cape Town, used to be a celebrated hunting ground for great whites. Between 2010 and 2016, shark spotters recorded an average of 205 great white sightings per year in a 600-square-mile section of the Atlantic Ocean. However, in 2018, the number dropped to just 50 sightings, and this year, not a single great white shark has been spotted in the region.
While the invasion of orcas is believed to be a significant factor in the disappearance of great whites, other potential causes include pollution, climate change, and overfishing of their natural prey. The waters of False Bay, warmed by the Aghulhas current, have traditionally attracted great whites, particularly between June and October during their annual winter hunting season. The presence of a nearby seal colony on Seal Island further enticed the sharks to frequent the area.
The phenomenon of orcas preying on great whites was discovered after five sharks washed up along the South African coastline in 2017 with their livers missing. The killer whales responsible for these attacks, known as Port and Starboard due to the distinct positioning of their dorsal fins, have developed a preference for sharks over their usual prey of seals. They bite a large slit in the side of the great whites, sucking out the prized fatty liver, which weighs around 600 pounds.
The absence of great whites in False Bay has raised concerns among local communities and tourism operators who benefit from shark cage diving, a popular attraction for eco-tourists and documentary filmmakers. The City of Cape Town has decided to relocate its shark spotters, who ensure beach safety, to other areas until the great whites return to their usual hunting grounds.
The disappearance of great white sharks from False Bay is an unprecedented event, leaving scientists puzzled about the sudden exodus. While the impact of orcas on great white populations is evident in other regions such as California and Australia, there are still many factors at play, and ongoing research aims to shed light on this complex issue. The hope remains that the great whites will eventually return to their natural habitat, restoring the balance and thrill of encountering these iconic creatures off the coast of South Africa.
