In short, YES! You can join us for a dive to search for these magnifiscent creatures. However, its not quite as easy as it once was....

Once abundant around Millers Point, Cow Sharks (Notorynchus cepedianus) were a common sighting in the waters between the inner and outer kelp forests, especially in a spot famously known as "Shark Alley." Divers could often find themselves surrounded by more than 10 Cow Sharks at once before 2014/15. However, in recent years, these sharks have become an increasingly rare sight, with only an occasional glimpse, perhaps once a year, at this once-popular dive location. This raises the question: Where have all the Cow Sharks gone, and why?

Several factors may explain their disappearance from the area:

1. Ecosystem Shifts: Cow Sharks are highly sensitive to changes in their environment. As climate change continues to affect ocean conditions, it can influence prey availability and the overall health of the marine ecosystem. Larger predators like Cow Sharks may need to venture farther afield for food as their usual prey becomes less abundant or migrates elsewhere.
2. Overfishing and Decreased Fish Populations: Overfishing is a global issue, and South Africa is no exception. The depletion of smaller baitfish such as sardines, mackerel, and pilchards is impacting the local food chain. Though these species aren't Cow Sharks' main food source, they are a crucial part of the diet of their prey—larger fish, smaller sharks, seals, and even penguins. A collapse in these foundational species is causing ripple effects throughout the ecosystem, potentially forcing Cow Sharks to relocate.
3. Increased Human Activity: As tourism, fishing, and diving activities increase in areas like Millers Point, sharks may be avoiding these areas due to disturbances from human interaction. Despite Cow Sharks' reputation for being relatively unfazed by humans, the constant presence of boats, divers, and fishermen could be altering their behavior, making the area less appealing for them to frequent.
4. Shark Behavior and the Killer Whale Factor: Sharks, like many marine animals, alter their behavior and migration patterns based on environmental and seasonal factors. In 2015, a pair of killer whales known as Port and Starboard began frequenting False Bay. Over the following months, several white sharks washed up along the coast, and 9 Cow Sharks were also killed by these orcas. The disappearance of white sharks from the area was sudden and permanent, and shortly thereafter, Cow Sharks also became scarce. However, as the apex predator (white sharks) left, smaller sharks, including the Cow Sharks, started to explore new areas, such as Seal Island. This is a perfect example of how changes in species dominance can result in shifts in the local food web, with other species moving in to exploit the available resources.

While Cow Sharks are no longer a common sight in Millers Point, they have been spotted more often in the False Bay Yacht Club marina, where they appear to appreciate the shelter provided by the navy wall's large holes, which they cruise in and out of. Occasionally, they are seen during Impact Divers' night dives, and there have even been rare sightings near the public jetty in the late afternoon.

Studying and monitoring the movements and habitat preferences of these large sharks provides valuable insights into their behavior and needs, which is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Understanding their shifting patterns helps marine biologists better protect these fascinating and important creatures. Our Marine Science partners Cape RADD take photo ID and monitor shark movments around the bay.

Despite their disappearance from Millers Point, Cow Sharks are not typically aggressive towards humans. In all my years of diving with them, I’ve never witnessed any aggression towards a human. These prehistoric creatures play an essential role in maintaining the health of the local marine ecosystem. If you're curious about where the Cow Sharks have gone and want to experience them up close, get in touch with Cape RADD or Impact Divers to book a dive and explore the wonders of the local underwater world.