- The carcass of a bronze whaler shark washed up on False Bay’s Sunrise Beach, showing signs of orca predation.
- This marks the first evidence of orcas preying on sharks in False Bay.
- Scientists are studying the carcass to learn more about orca predation patterns.
Evidence of orcas preying on sharks in False Bay was confirmed after the remains of a bronze whaler shark washed up on Sunrise Beach in Muizenberg on Thursday 24 October.
According to scientists, it is the first shark killed by orcas to wash up in False Bay as remains usually wash up in Gansbaai.
In a social media post, non profit organisation Shark Spotters said they were alerted early on Thursday morning of a shark washed up at Sunrise Beach.
Dr Alison Kock, Shark Spotters committee member and SANParks marine biologist, said consulting experts confirmed signs of orca predation.
“Our Coastal Conservation was immediately dispatched and found a carcass of a dead bronze whaler shark. After consulting experts, we can confirm that the carcass exhibited characteristic signs of orca predation based on other orca-predated shark necropsies,” she said.
“This injury is consistent with what we’ve observed in previous shark carcasses linked to orca predation. The pectoral girdle is torn open, exposing the body cavity.”
Port and Starboard
She further added that two orcas dubbed Port and Starboard were seen hunting in shore areas in False Bay on Tuesday 22 October and Wednesday 23 October.
“While this is not the first bronze whaler shark to be preyed upon by orcas – last year, several sharks washed up in Gansbaai – this is the first one to wash up in False Bay.”
The carcass has been retrieved and samples and measurements will be used for further scientific study.
The public is urged to report any sightings of orcas or washed-up sharks to Shark Spotters on 078 127 4244.
“These reports are crucial for monitoring the presence of orcas and their interactions with other animals in False Bay.”
Two weeks ago, the carcass of a young humpback whale washed up on Long Beach in Simon’s Town (“Stay away from whales,” People’s Post, Tuesday 22 October).
At the time, scientists from the Mammal Research Institute (MRI) Whale Unit who attended the scene confirmed it to be a female juvenile humpback whale.
According to Chris Wilkinson from the MRI Whale Unit, a large hold of parasites on the whale’s body indicated that it was sick before it died.
“Healthy whales don’t have such a large parasite hold,” he said. “It was a juvenile female humpback whale that was later identified as coming from the Gansbaai area.”
