Plettenberg Bay: Great White Shark spotted in Keurbooms River! (video)

South Africa's National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), a voluntary non-profit organization tasked with saving lives through drowning prevention in South Africa, and the Bitou Municipality are warning the public of a 3.5-metre Great White Shark that was spotted in the Keurbooms River in Plettenberg Bay on 18 May 2022. The shark was discovered by the NSRI Plettenberg Bay duty crew during a routine exercise in the evening hours about 300 meters upstream of the Keurbooms River Mouth - about half way between the river mouth and the N2 bridge. According to Jaco Kruger, NSRI Plettenberg Bay station commander, marine scientists of the SA Shark Incident Committee suspect the shark may be ill or disorientated.

"But the warning is a precaution to alert the public of the presence of a shark in the Keurbooms River and a reminder that at this time of year sharks are known to feed inshore along the coastline and increased shark activity has been noticed along the Plettenberg Bay coastline." Jaco Kruger, NSRI Plettenberg Bay station commander.

Cape Town: Spring and Summer Months = Shark Time!

The City of Cape Town would like to remind beachgoers to adhere to the warnings that will be issued by the shark spotters on duty at eight beaches in Cape Town to ensure that everyone has a safe, enjoyable beach experience. The Shark Spotters will be on duty from 12 December 2018 to 07 January 2019 at the following beaches:

• Muizenberg
• St James/Kalk Bay
• Caves in Kogel Bay
• Glencairn
• Clovelly
• Monwabisi 
• Fish Hoek
• The Hoek in Noordhoek
  

The shark exclusion net is already being deployed at Fish Hoek beach from 09:00 to 17:00 on a daily basis (weather permitting) as the presence of sharks along the False Bay coastline is more prevalent during warmer months.

The Shark Spotters Information Centre at Surfers Corner in Muizenberg is open to the public from 08:00 until 18:00 seven days a week. The centre provides up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and help with emergencies, and storage of valuables and lost property.
 
The shark spotters operating times will be as follows:

• Muizenberg
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• St James/Kalk Bay
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Fish Hoek
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 07:00 - 18:45
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Caves, Kogel Bay
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 17:00
• Nordhoek (The Hoek)
• Summer (October to April) Mon - Sun, 08:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
• Clovelly
• Summer (October to April) Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays 10:00 - 17:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
• Glencairn
• Summer (October to April) Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays 10:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
• Monwabisi
• Summer (October to April) Weekends, Public Holidays and School Holidays 10:00 - 18:00
• Winter (May to September) N/A
  

The City of Cape Town encourages the public to familiarise themselves with the following safety tips:

• Use beaches where shark spotters are on duty
• Take the time to speak to the shark spotters on the day you visit the beach
• Use the shark spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren – the green flag indicates that spotting conditions are good; the red flag indicates that there is a high risk of in-shore shark activity; the black flag means spotting conditions are poor; and the white flag with the black shark indicates a shark has been spotted (a siren will sound and all should leave the water immediately)
• 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 stranding nearby
• Obey beach officials, lifeguards and shark spotters if 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, 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, lifeguard or locals about the area
• For those people 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
• Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches
  

The City of Cape Town also encourages visitors and residents of Cape Town to download the Shark Spotters mobile app to access the latest shark safety information, including what flag is flying at each beach, the latest shark sightings, net deployments, and much more. The app is available free of charge for Apple and Android devices and can be downloaded by searching for "Shark Spotters" on the app store.

Cape Town: Spring and Summer Months = Shark Time!

The annual shark season in and around Cape Town has started and the City of Cape Town has therefore issued list of advises all beach and ocean users should be aware of. General shark safety tips include:

• Use beaches where shark spotters are on duty
• Take the time to speak to the shark spotters on the day you visit the beach
• Use the shark spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren – the green flag indicates that spotting conditions are good; the red flag indicates that there is a high risk of in-shore shark activity; the black flag means spotting conditions are poor; and the white flag with the black shark indicates a shark has been spotted (a siren will sound and all should leave the water immediately)
• 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 stranding nearby
• Obey beach officials, lifeguards and shark spotters if 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, 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 people 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
• Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches

Surfers must be especially vigilant in the areas between Sunrise Beach and the Macassar Beach during the spring and summer months, as research has shown that shark presence in these waters is extremely common at this time of year.

The Shark Spotters information centre at Muizenberg Surfers Corner in Muizenberg is open to the public from 08:00 until 18:00 seven days a week. The centre provides up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and help with emergencies, and storage of valuables and lost property.

Shark spotters are present at the following beaches: 

• Muizenberg Surfers Corner (Muizenberg)
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00 (October to April)
• St James/Kalk Bay
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00 (October to April)
• Fish Hoek
  Monday - Sunday, 07:00 - 18:45 (October to April)
• Caves, Kogel Bay
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00 (October to April
• Noordhoek (The Hoek)
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00 (October to May)
• Clovelly  
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
• Glencairn
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
• Monwabisi
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00

The Fish Hoek exclusion net has proven to be an effective shark safety measure by creating a physical barrier preventing any sharks from entering the bathing area. The exclusion net is in operation during the summer season as follows:

• October 2017
  weekends, public holidays and school holidays (09:00 and 17:00)
• November 2017 to March 2018
  The net will operate on a daily basis, depending on the weather. Weekends, public holidays and school holidays will be prioritised. (09:00 and 17:00)
• April 2018
  School holidays, public holidays and weekends (09:00 and 17:00)

The operating hours may be extended to allow for lifesaving training or events. The Shark spotters will inform beach goers as and when the net is deployed via Twitter, Facebook, and the Shark Spotter mobile application.

Cape Town: Spring and Summer Months = Shark Time!

Cape Town: Shark Spotters has launched a new app! (Oct 2016) >>

The annual shark season in and around Cape Town has started and the City of Cape Town has therefore issued list of advises all beach and ocean users should be aware of. General shark safety tips include:

• using beaches where shark spotters are on duty
• taking the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach
• using the Shark Spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and warning siren
• not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing when birds, dolphins or seals are feeding nearby
• not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing where trek-netting, fishing or spear fishing is taking place
• not swimming in deep water beyond the breakers
• not swimming if you are bleeding
• not swimming near river mouths
• not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing at night
• not swimming, surfing or surf-skiing if there has been a whale stranding nearby
• obeying beach officials, lifeguards and Shark Spotters if told to leave the water
• being aware that the rate of encounters with white sharks rises significantly when the water temperature is warmer (18ºC or higher), and during new moon, due to increased opportunities for feeding
• considering using another beach if a shark has recently been sighted in a particular area where no Shark Spotters are present
• asking the local law enforcement official, lifeguards or locals about the area if you are a first-time user
• paddling in groups, and staying close together (in a diamond formation) for those who are kayaking or surf-skiing far out to the sea
• considering the use of a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking
• paying attention to any shark signage on beaches

Shark Spotters, the primary shark safety programme used in Cape Town, are present at the following beaches during summer (October 2016 - April 2017):

• Muizenberg
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
• St James/Kalk Bay
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
• Fish Hoek
  Monday - Sunday, 07:00 - 18:45
• Caves, Kogel Bay
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
• Noordhoek (The Hoek)
  Monday - Sunday, 08:00 - 18:00
• Clovelly   
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 10:00 - 17:00
• Glencairn
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
• Monwabisi
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00

The Shark Spotters Information Centre, situated at Muizenberg Surfer’s Corner in Muizenberg, is open to members of the public from 08:00 to 18:00 seven days a week. The centre provides up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and emergencies, storage of valuables and lost property.

The Fish Hoek shark exclusion net was deployed on 01 October 2016. It forms a complete barrier from the sea floor to the sea surface and prevents animals from entering the "exclusion zone" in the southern corner of Fish Hoek Bay. The net is deployed and retrieved daily to minimise the risk of entangling marine animals and has been specifically designed to have minimal environmental impact.

The exclusion net will be in operation during the following periods over the summer season:

• October 2016
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays (09:00 and 17:00)
• November 2016 to March 2017
  Daily (weather permitting; 09:00 and 17:00)
• April 2017
  Weekends, public holidays and school holidays (09:00 and 17:00)

Cage Diving with Great White Sharks from Cape Town >>

Study: South Africa's great white sharks are heading for possible extinction

update (02 August 2016): The Earth Touch News Network asks: Are South Africa's great white sharks really "dying out"?

According to a six year study by the Stellenbosch University, South Africa's great white sharks are heading for possible extinction. The study of the country's coastal waters, the largest field research study on South Africa's great white sharks undertaken to date, concluded that only 353 to 522 great white sharks remain. This is 52% fewer than what was estimated in previous studies. The main reasons for the sharp decline in white shark numbers are the impact of shark nets and baited hooks implemented on the eastern seaboard of South Africa. Other contributing factors are poaching, habitat encroachment, pollution and depletion of their food sources.
The reseachers also found that the South African population of great white sharks is made up of an effective population size of only 333 individuals. The effective population size is the number of individuals in a population who contribute offspring to the next generation.

An integrated mark-recapture and genetic approach to estimate the population size of white shark in South Africa

Shark Diving in South Africa >>

Cape Town: Spring and Summer Months = Shark Time!

The City of Cape Town has issued a warning to all beach and ocean users to be wary of an increased in-shore shark activity over the spring and summer months. Typically, shark sightings start in late August, and continue through to April, with most sightings being reported in mid-summer.

• White sharks are present in Cape Town waters all year around
• Surfers are asked to be especially vigilant in the stretch between Sunrise and Macassar Beaches during the spring and summer months, as research has shown that the shark presence in these waters increases at this time of year.
• The Shark Spotters Information Centre at Muizenberg Surfer's Corner is open to the public from 08:00 to 18:00 seven days a week.
• The Shark Spotters Information Centre provides up-to-date information on sharks and marine ecology, basic first-aid, general public assistance and emergencies, storage of valuables and lost property.
• The Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will again be deployed for the annual Fish Hoek Spring Splash on 6 September 2015.
• The Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will be in full operation during the 2015/2016 summer season.
• On days that the Fish Hoek shark exclusion net is deployed, the operating hours will be from 09:00 to 17:00 and may occasionally be extended to allow for lifesaving training or events.
• The Shark Spotters will keep beach users informed about the deployment of the Fish Hoek shark exclusion net via Twitter and Facebook, and signage is displayed when the net is deployed.
• Members of the public are encouraged to report any sightings of white sharks to the Shark Spotters. 

Card

The City urges members of the public to familiarise themselves with the following general shark safety tips:

• Use beaches where Shark Spotters are on duty
• Take the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach
• Use the Shark Spotters signs to familiarise yourself with the four-flag warning system and 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 stranding nearby
• Obey beach officials, lifeguards and Shark Spotters if 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, 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 people 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
• Pay attention to any shark signage on beaches

Shark Spotters were present at the following beaches:

• Muizenberg corner
  Summer (October-April) > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
  Winter > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
• St James/Kalk Bay
  Summer (October-April) > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
  Winter > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
• Fish Hoek
  Summer (October-April) > Mon - Sun: 07:00 - 18:45
  Winter > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
• Caves, Kogel Bay
  Summer (October-April) > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
  Winter > Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 17:00
• Noordhoek (The Hoek)
  Summer (October-April) >Mon - Sun: 08:00 - 18:00
  Winter > N/A
• Clovelly
  Summer (October-April) > Weekends, public holidays & school holidays, 10:00 - 17:00
  Winter > N/A
• Glencairn
  Summer (October-April) > Weekends, public holidays & school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
  Winter > N/A
• Monwabisi
  Summer (October-April) > Weekends, public holidays & school holidays, 08:00 - 18:00
  Winter > N/A

The  Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will be in operation during the 2015/2016 summer season according to the following schedule:

• October 2015 > School holidays and weekends
• November 2015 - March 2016 > The net will operate on a daily basis, depending on the weather. Weekends, public holidays and school holidays will be prioritised.
• April 2016 > School holidays, public holidays and weekends

The  Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will not be deployed if weather conditions (wind and swell) are deemed to be unsuitable; this will be assessed on a daily basis. If weather conditions deteriorate over the course of a day when the net is already deployed, the net may be removed as a precautionary measure. Additionally, if there is a high presence of whales or other marine mammals in the area, the Fish Hoek shark exclusion net will not be deployed. 

Cage Diving with Great White Sharks from Cape Town >>

Cape Town: Shark season safety precautions

The annual shark season in and around Cape Town has just started and the City of Cape Town has therefore issued list of advises all beach and ocean users should be aware of:

• use areas where Shark Spotters are on duty, and take the time to speak to the Shark Spotters on the day you visit the beach
• read the shark spotting signs to inform yourself of the four-flag warning system and 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 stranding nearby
• be aware that the rate of encounters with great white sharks rises significantly when the water temperature is warmer (18ºC or higher), and during new moon, 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
• obey beach officials if told to leave the water
• those who kayak or surf-ski far out to the sea should consider paddling in groups and staying close together (in a diamond formation)
• consider using a personal shark shield when you go surfing or kayaking
• pay attention to any shark signage on beaches

Kayakers and surf-skiiers are specifically asked to be cautious of the area between Sunnycove and Glencairn Beach, and swimmers are urged not to use the water off Jaegers Walk in Fish Hoek unless the exclusion net is deployed, as this is considered a high-risk area. The City has erected warning signs along Jaegers Walk to this effect.
Surfers are asked to be especially vigilant in the areas between Sunrise Beach and the Macassar Beach area during the spring and summer months, as research has shown that shark presence in these waters is common at this time of year. (via capetown.gov.za)

Shark sightings in and around Cape Town typically start in late August, and continue through to April, with most sightings reported in mid-summer. For more information on the latest shark sightings and research, and to report sightings of white sharks, visit the website of Shark Spotters.

South Africa: Great white shark population smaller than estimated?

According to a study conducted by the Dyer Island Conservation Trust using dorsal fin identification and automated software, the great white shark population in Gansbaai in South Africa is way smaller than previously thought. The number of great white sharks in the area was estimated at 2,000 animals, but the findings of the research indicate that the real population could be at 50% lower.


Research Conducted by Marine Dynamics a Shark Cage Diving Operator in Gansbaai South Africa

Cage Diving with Great White Sharks from Cape Town >>

Amazing slow motion footage of great white shark attacks

Slow motion great white shark attack video footage in high definition... simply stunning!

Kudos @ ITM Instruments for sharing the footage!

Scuba Dive or Snorkel with Great White Sharks (Cape Town) >>

Video: How Orcas hunt Great White Sharks

Great White Sharks are usually know as "the ultimate predator" of the oceans, but did you know that the mighty sharks became prey to Orcas, or "killer whales"?
Whale-watchers off the coast of San Francisco witnessed a stunning act of nature as a killer whale rose to the water's surface with a Great White in its mouth and held it there for 15 minutes. Luckily biologist Peter Pyle was nearby and able to get underwater footage of the whales feeding on the shark.

Shark Cage Diving in South Africa >>