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Focus on sharks

Focus on sharks

South Africa's oceans are home to over 185 species of sharks, including bull sharks, tiger sharks and the famous great white shark – also known as the white shark. Only 15 of those species are endemic to South Africa.

Threats to Cape Town’s sharks

Sharks are far more threatened by humans than we are by them! Weighing up to two tons, and reaching lengths of up to six metres, white sharks are found all along the South African coast (as well as in the world’s oceans) with the highest numbers between False Bay and Algoa Bay, particularly near colonies of Cape Fur Seals. In Cape Town, inshore white shark presence is highest from October to March, when the water is warmer and lots of food, like fish and other sharks, are plentiful.

Fast fact

In South Africa, there have been 249 confirmed, unprovoked shark bites on humans in the past 111 years.

Sharks are vulnerable to exploitation due to their slow growth and low reproductive output. In South Africa, 25% (47 species) are classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as threatened.

Threats from humans

  • Commercial longline fishing
  • Poaching for shark jaws, teeth and fins
  • Trawler and ‘purse seine’ fishing (huge nets which catch many different types of sea animals)
  • Nets and fish farming (aquaculture) facilities – sharks become entangled and are also persecuted by fish farmers
  • Boat traffic
  • Damage to their coastal habitats – used for feeding, breeding or socialising
  • Pollution

Why protect sharks?

When apex predators (top-level predators) like white sharks are affected, entire marine ecosystems are affected. Protecting our sharks, even though people are scared of them, means our ocean ecosystem remains in balance.

Fast fact

In 1991, South Africa was the first country to declare white sharks a protected species.

Working to create safer waters

At the City we create awareness and try to conserve sharks in our waters. We have partnered with Shark Spotters on a pioneering shark safety programme that provides an early warning system and research on these important creatures. The programme employs shark spotters who are positioned at strategic points on the mountains along the coastline and communicate shark sightings to the public using a flag and siren system. If a shark is spotted close to water users, spotters raise the alarm and people are evacuated temporarily while the shark is in the area.

Visit Shark Spotters to learn more and to see where and when the shark spotters are on duty.

The successful Fish Hoek shark exclusion net project protects swimmers at this beach during the holiday seasons. Shark safety campaigns raise awareness in an effort to reduce the chances of shark encounters in our waters.

Top tip

Make sure you understand the Shark Spotters four-flag warning system and listen out for the warning siren. If you have spotted a shark, especially at a beach that does not have Shark Spotters on duty, and consider this to be an emergency, please contact the City’s 107 Emergency number – 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone. Non-emergency sightings can be logged on the Shark Spotters website via their online form.

We’ve also made the following WWF shark awareness information available to residents and visitors:

Great White Shark Fact Sheet
Shark Based Tourism Fact Sheet
Shark Tips Fact Sheet

Shark safety tips

  • If you plan to swim, use beaches where Shark Spotters are on duty.
  • Take the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach.
  • Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches.
  • Make sure you understand and obey the four-flag warning system and listen out for the warning siren.
  • Do not swim, surf or surf-ski when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby.
  • Do not swim, surf or surf-ski 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 near river mouths.
  • Do not swim, surf or surf-ski at night.
  • Do not swim, surf or surf-ski if there has been a whale stranded nearby.
  • Obey beach officials, lifeguards and Shark Spotters if you are told to leave the water
  • Be aware that the rate of encounters with white sharks rises significantly when the water temperature is warmer (18ºc or higher), and during new moon. This is due to increased opportunities for feeding.
  • If a shark has recently been sighted in an area where no Shark Spotters are present, consider using another beach for the day.
  • First-time visitors to beach areas should ask the local law enforcement official, lifeguards or locals about the area.
  • For those kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea: please consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation).
  • Consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking.

Download our Shark Smart infographic for more information on the four-flag warning system.

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