South Africa has long been celebrated as one of the world’s prime destinations for encountering great white sharks. These magnificent predators have captured the imagination of scientists, tourists and thrill-seekers, drawing them to the country’s coastline, particularly in the Western Cape.
Their presence significantly influences the behaviour and distribution of other marine animals, which in turn affects the entire structure and stability of the ecosystem. However, it’s not just about numbers; it’s also about where these sharks are now being spotted. There has been a noticeable shift in human-shark interactions from the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape.
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.
In one notable incident in Mossel Bay, a pod of killer whales killed at least three white sharks, prompting the remaining sharks to vacate the area.