Extinction
Great
Whites are believed to be very close to extinction off the coasts of South
Africa. They are seriously endangered in Gansbaai near Cape Town and are
amongst one of the most threatened animals on earth. It is estimated that there
are about 600 Great Whites living in Gansbaai and approximately 1000 living
just outside of Cape Town.
Extinction of Great White Sharks - Red List - South Africa Conservation Programs
Should the
ecological balance for the king of all oceans be destroyed, the consequences
will be dramatic. This great predatory fish regulates penguin, fish, squid and
fur seal populations off the coast of South Africa. Should a broken link in the
chain occur, an overpopulation of other marine animals would ensue and nature’s
natural balance could be destroyed.
A good
comparison would be the various vulture species in Africa. Once a wild animal
dies in the savannas of Africa, various species of vulture gather on the
surrounding trees and wait for a specific vulture species which is able to open
the carcass. Only then can the other vultures spring into action. Should the
vulture species which is able to open up carcasses die, the other species will
die as well. It would be a very similar situation if Great Whites were to die
out. Numerous marine animals live alongside them and benefit from their prey.
Additionally this shark species is a sort of health police in that it also eats
carrion.
It is
believed worldwide that the total number of Great Whites is 50% lower than
estimated figures, due to overfishing. Marine biologists originally estimated a
global count of approximately 5000 sharks.
The fishing
industry, marine pollution and the consumer behaviour in Asia are to blame for
this. Here white sharks are still being trapped in masses and killed only for
their fins. Even Spanish and Portuguese fishing boats participate in the
killing of the Great White Shark.
In the past
they used to catch the shark species, cut off the dorsal fin and put the shark
back into the water alive. The shark would sink into the depths and die in
atrocious conditions. In Europe this has been strictly prohibited and predatory
fish are to remain on the boat. Whether this is adhered to or not cannot be
confirmed as it is not controlled. Many fishermen continue to operate as in the
past due to lack of space on their boats.
The medical
industry is another enemy of the shark. Bogus studies were launched due to
claims that shark cartilage can cure various types of cancer even though it has
in the meantime been proved that ingestion has no medical effect. However, at
least 20 sharks die every day for their cartilage, just so that an ineffective
shark powder can be manufactured.
There may
not be much running smoothly in South Africa, however the protection of
endangered land and marine animals is. It is demanded of the South African
government that an initiative as well as global conservation program be put in
place for Great Whites. Additional protective measures need to be taken in
Gansbaai especially, where the densest population of Great Whites in South
Africa exists.
As soon as
fisherman realise that a living shark could profit them financially, the
situation will improve immensely for the predatory fish.
Many people
are employed within the tourism industry of South Africa and make a living from
shark tours and cage diving. Many shark trips are offered daily from Cape Town
and other cities. If the ocean’s largest predator were to die out, thousands of
jobs would be lost and our company would suffer greatly as well.
It is our
hope that numerous organisations come through for the protection of the Great
White shark in preserving their numbers globally.
Stand
together with us in the fight for the Great White by not purchasing any shark
products.
Your Cape
Town Shark Tour Team