Great White Shark Absence in False Bay Triggers Ecological Imbalance

The disappearance of Great white sharks from False Bay, South Africa, since 2015 has led to significant ecological disruptions. A study by the University of Miami Rosenstiel School highlights that overfishing and orca predation caused this decline. The absence of these apex predators has resulted in a surge in Cape fur seal and sevengill shark populations, leading to a decline in fish species. Researchers used boat-based surveys and underwater video to confirm these cascading effects, emphasizing the critical role of Great white sharks in maintaining marine biodiversity. This ecological shift underscores the urgent need for global conservation efforts to protect marine ecosystems from human activities.