A new study has uncovered evidence of far-reaching ecosystem consequences following the disappearance of Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) from False Bay, South Africa. The research spans over two decades and documents cascading ecological disruptions, underscoring the crucial role apex predators play in maintaining ocean health.
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KeyFindings:
DeclineofGreatwhitesharks:HistoricallyabundantinFalseBay,Greatwhitesharkshaveexperiencedadramaticdeclineandsubsequentdisappearance.PotentialfactorscontributingtotheirlossincludedecadesofunsustainablecapturesinnetsintendedtoprotectbathersandsomerecentinstancesofpredationbyOrcas.EcosystemDisruption:TheabsenceofGreatWhitesharkshasledtoanincreaseinCapefurseals(Arctocephaluspusillus)andsevengillsharks(Notorynchuscepedianus)andanassociateddeclineinfishthatthesealsfeedonandsmallersharkspeciesthatthesevengillspreyon,illustratingtherippleeffectoflosinganoceantoppredator.EmpiricalEvidence:Thestudyprovidesreal-worldevidenceoffoodwebcascadesdrivenbythelossoftop-downpredationpressurefromg
