Ecosystem Disrupted Following The Disappearance Of Great White Sharks

A new study published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, has uncovered evidence of far-reaching ecosystem consequences following the disappearance of Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) from False Bay, South Africa.

The research, conducted by scientists at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, spans over two decades and documents cascading ecological disruptions, underscoring the crucial role apex predators play in maintaining ocean health.

Key Findings:

• Decline of Great white sharks: Historically abundant in False Bay, Great white sharks have experienced a dramatic decline and subsequent disappearance. Potential factors contributing to their loss include decades of unsustainable captures in nets intended to protect bathers and some recent instances of predation by Orcas.
• Ecosystem Disruption: The absence of Great White sharks has led to an increase in Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus) and sevengill sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) and an associated decline in fish that the seals feed on and smaller shark species that the sevengills prey on, illustrating the ripple effect of losing an ocean top predator.
• Empirical Evidence: The study provides real-world evidence of food web cascades driven by the loss of top-down predation pressure from great white sharks, consistent with ecological theory and laboratory experiments.

Using a combination of long-term boat-based surveys of shark sightings, citizen science observations on Cape fur seals, and Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveys (BRUVS) of fishes and small sharks, the study provides evidence that the absence of Great white sharks has triggered significant shifts in the marine food web.

“The loss of this iconic apex predator has led to an increase in sightings of Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks, which in turn has coincided with a decline in the species that they rely on for food,” said Neil Hammerschlag, Ph.D., the study’s lead author. Hammerschlag conducted the research while at the Shark Research and Conservation Program at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School. “These changes align with long established ecological theories that predict the removal of a top predator, leads to cascading effects on the marine food web.”

“The use of underwater video surveys conducted more than a decade apart provided us with a snapshot of the food web both before and after the disappearance of white sharks from False Bay,” said Yakira Herskowitz, a co-author of the study and a Rosenstiel School former graduate student that analyzed underwater video data. “The number of individuals of a given species recorded on the videos not only informs us about their numerical abundance, but also their behavior, as species under increased predation risk often become more elusive and are thus less likely to be detected on our cameras”

The researchers say the study provides empirical evidence that the disappearance of Great white sharks creates profound consequences for marine ecosystems. “Without these apex predators to regulate populations, we are seeing measurable changes that could have long-term effects on ocean health,” Hammerschlag added.

The findings emphasize the importance of global shark conservation efforts, as their loss could have long term consequences on marine ecosystems. Given the global reliance on healthy oceans for food, recreation, and ecosystem services, protecting large sharks is essential to maintaining biodiversity.