- Great White Shark sightings off the coast of False Bay in recent weeks have researchers excited at the prospect of the return of the apex predators to the bay where activity declined since 2020.
- In an advisory released to the public, Shark Spotters a shark safety and research organisation, informed residents that there had been at least four confirmed Great White Shark sightings in the space of a few days.
- Shark Spotters CEO Sarah Waries confirmed that sightings occurred in Muizenberg, Simon’s Town and Smitswinkel Bay.
Great White Shark sightings off the coast of False Bay in recent weeks have researchers excited at the prospect of the return of the apex predators to the bay where activity declined since 2020.
In an advisory released to the public, Shark Spotters a shark safety and research organisation, informed residents that there had been at least four confirmed Great White Shark sightings in the space of a few days.
According to the advisory, a white shark was spotted on Monday 27 November with a second sighting recorded on Wednesday 29 November and a third on Saturday 2 December.
“Spear fishermen at Smitswinkel Bay reported seeing a white shark and another white shark sighting was recorded off Roman Rock lighthouse by an experienced water user on the same day.
“At this stage, it is unclear whether these are sporadic, once-off sightings, or if this may signal the return of white sharks to False Bay in more numbers.”
Shark Spotters CEO Sarah Waries confirmed that sightings occurred in Muizenberg, Simon’s Town and Smitswinkel Bay.
“There were two sightings in Muizenberg, one in Simon’s Town and one in Smitswinkel Bay by a spear fisherman and one angler said one was caught in a line close to Macassar.
“Since then, our spotters have not had any more sightings.”
Waries further explained that there had been sporadic sightings of Great White sharks in the area throughout the year.
“We haven’t had a lot of sightings, we had sporadic sightings on research vessels, so it’s not that there hasn’t been any white sharks. There has just been very low activity. We issued the advisory because, in a few days, there were up to four sightings.”
The potential return of white sharks to False Bay would be significant as very little to no sightings were recorded from 2020.
“We used to have sightings of around 215 a year between 2010 to 2015, from 2020 there were no sightings and then from 2021 and 2022 we had two or three sightings from our research vessel.”
While it was too early to tell whether Great White sharks were returning to the bay, Waries said from an ecological perspective it would be exciting if it was indeed the case.
“From an ecological perspective, it would be exciting to have them back in the bay because healthy oceans need sharks.
“We have seen changes in the bay regarding other sharks and from a safety perspective we just have to be aware of and it is something we must be cautious as water users and to not be complacent.”
She further advised bathers to follow safety tips when enjoying the ocean.
“There will always be a level of shark risk and it increases with the number of sightings.
“Listen to the spotters and the lifeguards and safety tips like swim in a group, don’t swim when you are bleeding.”
But, why did white shark activity decline in False Bay?
According to Shark Spotters research manager Toby Rogers, a possible theory was the presence of Orcas (Killer Whales) in the bay.
“There are various hypothesis on what triggered the absence of the species in False Bay.
“One of the theories we worked on was that other predators in the area, for example, the Killer Whales exerted pressure on white sharks and that there were different variables working together in the area.”
When questioned on how the absence of white sharks affected other species in False Bay, Rogers said there is a current research project to unravel the effects.
“We are trying to unravel it at the moment, there has been a research focus on white sharks for the past 20 years and we are playing catch up on other species in the area.”
Rogers added that it was too early to tell, conclusively, whether white sharks were returning to False Bay. “It is a dynamic situation. I think it is too early to tell whether white sharks are potentially back.”
Shark spotters reminded water users to exercise caution when entering the ocean and to be aware that there may be more white shark activity in False Bay.
Bathers are advised to follow simple safety tips to reduce the risk of encountering a shark including:
- Do not swim, surf or surf-ski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby.
- Do not swim, surf or surf-ski near where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place.
- Do not swim in deep water beyond the breakers.
- Do not swim if you are bleeding.
- Do not swim, surf or surf-ski at night.
- Do not swim, surf or surf-ski if there has been a whale stranding nearby.
If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no Shark Spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day.
For those who are kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea, consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation).
Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking.
Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.
