Following the lack of great white shark activity in the False Bay area, conservation groups are delighted to hear the news that a great white shark was spotted this morning in the very area the species are reported to have disappeared from.
The False Bay area is located in the Western Cape in the Atlantic Ocean between the mountainous Cape Peninsula and the Hottentots Holland Mountains. Not only is this area home to some of the Cape’s most pristine beaches but it is also known for its flourishing marine life.
In recent years a lack of great white sharks has been recorded in the area with many blaming the presence of orcas or killer whales for their absence, but luckily for those who thought these majestic creatures would never wander into the area again, one has finally been spotted.
The number of great white sharks in the area started declining between 2016 and 2017. By 2019, not a single great white was spotted in the area. This was a huge cause for concern for conservationists as many feared the drastic effects this could have on False Bay’s marine ecosystem.
Usually, the sighting of a shark is something that strikes fear but this sighting has left many filled with joy and hope for the species. The four-meter long great white was seen swimming near Seal Island and the Shark Spotters team is on high alert to keep beachgoers in the area safe and report any further sightings.
The @CityofCT has informed @SharkSpotters that a 4m white shark has been spotted at Seal Island in False Bay by @ApexSharks.
We are on high alert for any white shark sightings on the inshore and will update the public immediately should we see one. #BeSharkSmart— Shark Spotters (@SharkSpotters) January 7, 2020
Picture: Unsplash