The increased distance traveled by seals has resulted in greater feeding pressure on fish populations such as anchovies and sardines, leading to declines in these crucial food sources.

This phenomenon illustrates a cascading effect in the marine food web, consistent with established ecological theories about the role of top predators.

The findings underscore the necessity for global shark conservation efforts to maintain healthy oceans, which are essential for food security, recreation, and ecosystem services.

The absence of Great white sharks has resulted in increased populations of Cape fur seals and sevengill sharks, leading to a decline in their prey species, illustrating the ripple effect of losing a top predator.

Lead author Neil Hammerschlag pointed out that the loss of this apex predator has caused behavioral changes in prey species and significant shifts in the ecosystem structure.

Co-author Yakira Herskowitz emphasized the importance of underwater video surveys, which captured changes in species behavior and abundance linked to altered predation risks over the past decade.

Historically abundant in False Bay, Great white sharks have dramatically declined due to unsustainable fishing practices and predation by orcas, with researchers noting a complete disappearance by mid-2018.

While the exact reasons for the sharks' disappearance are debated, factors such as fishing nets and orca attacks are considered potential contributors.

Underwater video technology, including Baited Remote Underwater Video Surveys (BRUVS), provided valuable long-term data on marine life, revealing behavioral changes in species due to altered predation pressures.

Researchers utilized long-term surveys, citizen science data, and underwater video surveys to assess shifts in the marine food web following the sharks' disappearance.

Challenges in shark conservation include the need for large territorial protections and enforcement issues, complicating efforts to preserve these vital species.

A recent study published in Frontiers in Marine Science highlights significant ecological disruptions following the disappearance of Great white sharks from False Bay, South Africa, emphasizing their crucial role as apex predators in maintaining ocean health.