Shark Spotters issue advisory on increased white shark activity in Cape Town during the festive season, posing a risk to holidaymakers.

White shark activity has risen in False Bay, with multiple sightings reported in Muizenberg, Kogel Bay, Smitswinkel Bay, and Roman Rock lighthouse.

The reason for the increased activity remains unclear, with Shark Spotters uncertain if it signifies a return of white sharks to False Bay in significant numbers.

Recently, new behaviour by orcas have depleted great white numbers in places that used to attract shark-cage diving tourism. Seventeen disemboweled sharks were found on a South African beach in one attack alone, by two killer whales known as Port and Starboard. The orcas, recognized by twisted dorsal fins, left shark scientists astonished. The victims included 19 broad-nosed seven-gill sharks and one spotted gully shark.

Port and Starboard are infamous for causing white sharks to vanish from certain waters near Cape Town. The orcas' killing technique involves targeting the sharks' liver, a nutrient-rich organ, and tearing open the pectoral girdle.

The 2022 video of Starboard attacking a great white raised concerns among biologists about the spread of this hunting behavior through teaching. However, the orcas' impact on South Africa's shark population is limited compared to the problem of shark fishing by humans.

Due to the increased sightings, Water users are urged to exercise caution, and Shark Spotters are vigilant at popular beaches, using a flag warning system and sounding alarms in the event of sightings.

Recommendations for protecting against shark encounters include avoiding swimming when marine animals are feeding nearby, steering clear of fishing boat lines, and staying away from steep drop-offs, river mouths, estuaries, and contaminated areas.

Additional precautions for experienced water users involve choosing plain wetsuits and surfboard designs to avoid attracting shark attention and calmly paddling away if a shark is suspected, while alerting others in the water.

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