Shark Spotters

Welcome

The Shark Spotting Programme is the only program of its kind in the world. It attempts to balance the needs of both people and white shark conservation by pro-actively reducing the interaction and conflict between recreational water users and sharks. Cape Town has, over the last few years, experienced an increase in the number of great white sharks sighted in the in-shore zone. In response to these events and the increased fear by water users,...

Shark Spotters are positioned at strategic points along the Cape Peninsula, primarily along the False Bay coastline. A spotter is placed on the mountain with polarised sunglasses and binoculars. This spotter is in radio contact with another spotter on the beach. If a shark is seen the beach spotter sounds a siren and raises a white flag with a black shark. When the siren sounds the water users are requested to leave the water and only return when...

What does it mean to be a sponsor? Sponsors play an important role in the success of this non-profit program. There are many areas that sponsors can make a difference, from donations, to volunteering. Giving of your time and money will help us to keep our beaches safer, educate people about shark conservation and safety. Sponsor Objective The Shark Spotters will need sponsor support for direct costs, Spotters, equipement, transport The benefits of...

Since the program began in 2004, we have recorded over 1300 shark sightings on Shark Spotters beaches. Click “read more” or see below for a summary of sightings recorded over the last 12 months. Sightings are entered in real time on Twitter and Facebook. Follow us @SharkSpotters or like us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/SharkSpotters) to stay up to date with the latest shark sightings, beach closures and openings, shark...

Flag System

White Shark Flag
Black Shark Flag

About Shark Spotters

“We believe that if we can reduce the already small risk of a shark bite then we can make a meaningful contribution to white shark conservation, contribute to the community’s well-being and set a precedent in how people and sharks can co-exist.”

It is together with our generous sponsors, supporters and your donations that make this programme possible. Thank you to all organizations and individuals who have contributed to the Shark Spotting Programme.

Shark Information

Great White Sharks:

Great White Sharks are apex predators and are a naturally occurring species in Cape waters where they play vital roles in the health of our marine ecosystems. They predate on squid, fish, other sharks, seals and even scavenge on dead whales.