Solving the Mystery: Where Did the Great White Sharks of False Bay Go?

In this episode of "How to Protect the Ocean," host Andrew Lewinn discusses the mystery surrounding the disappearance of great white sharks in False Bay. He explores theories such as whether they were eaten, moved elsewhere, or if their food supply ran out. Andrew reveals that the mystery has been solved and dives into the conservation success stories of great white sharks in various regions around the world. The episode highlights the iconic nature of great whites and their population growth in protected areas. Andrew also mentions South Africa's role in capturing stunning footage of great white sharks breaching the water to catch seals. Tune in to learn more about these fascinating creatures and how to advocate for ocean conservation. Articles mentioned in this episode: https://hakaimagazine.com/news/south-africas-missing-sharks-have-been-found/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308597X20306370   Share your conservation journey on the podcast by booking here: https://calendly.com/sufb/sufb-interview   Fill out our listener survey: https://www.speakupforblue.com/survey   Join the audio program - Build Your Marine Science and Conservation Career: https://www.speakupforblue.com/career   Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3NmYvsI Connect with Speak Up For Blue: Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc  In this episode, the disappearance of great white sharks in South Africa, particularly in False Bay, is discussed. This disappearance has sparked concerns and led to various theories about the cause. The episode explores theories such as whether the sharks were eaten, if they relocated to another area, or if their food supply depleted. The decline of white sharks is described as dramatic, fast, and unprecedented, highlighting the urgency to understand the situation. Furthermore, the episode reveals that the mystery of the great white shark disappearance in False Bay has been solved. Recent research indicates that the sharks did not perish but instead migrated across South Africa. The study found that the white shark population had shifted eastward. This shift is attributed to the presence of orcas, which are predators that influence the movement and habitat selection of their prey. It is suggested that the orcas pose a threat to the great white sharks, prompting them to relocate in order to avoid being hunted. Overall, the episode delves into the disappearance of great white sharks in South Africa, the theories surrounding their vanishing, and the recent research suggesting that the sharks have relocated due to the presence of orcas. Additionally, the episode mentions the phenomenon of great white sharks leaping out of the water, known as Air Jaws, which was filmed and documented in South Africa. This footage of great white sharks breaching to capture seals served as the inspiration for the creation of Shark Week by Discovery. Shark Week has become a popular television event for over 20 years, featuring episodes that explore sharks and their behavior. The episode suggests that Shark Week has greatly benefited from the filming of these episodes in South Africa, solidifying its significance in the entertainment industry. There are concerns regarding the fishing industry in South Africa, specifically the shark meat industry, and its potential contribution to unsustainable fishing practices and the decline of great white sharks. The episode highlights that one of the greatest threats to sharks in South Africa is the shark meat industry, which exports a substantial amount of shark meat to European and Asian markets. It is suggested that Australia indirectly supports these unsustainable practices by consuming shark meat in their fish and chips market. The episode emphasizes the necessity for increased transparency within the fishing industry to track the destination of these products and address their potential impact on shark populations.