Gansbaai, South Africa, is one of the world’s most significant locations for shark monitoring, particularly for great white sharks. The area hosts a large seal colony, providing a vital food source for these apex predators.

In recent years, however, fluctuations in great white shark numbers have raised concerns, with evidence suggesting that orca predation and environmental changes may be influencing their decline. Monitoring these trends is essential to understanding the broader impacts on marine ecosystems and it also plays a crucial role in assessing the effects of human activity. As a global hub for shark cage diving tourism, Gansbaai offers a unique opportunity to study how these interactions influence shark behavior.

Furthermore, the research that is done contributes to conservation efforts by tracking migration patterns, identifying critical habitats, and informing policies to protect these vulnerable species from threats such as illegal fishing and bycatch.

Did you know? Gansbaai is home to the Marine Big Five: sharks, whales, dolphins, seals, and penguins!