Wildlife photographer Chris Fallows once witnessed a vibrant population of great white sharks in False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, where they hunted seals near Seal Island. A decade ago, Fallows observed 250 to 300 different sharks annually, capturing stunning images of them breaching the water. However, the great white population mysteriously vanished, leading to a decline in sightings and tourism. Scientists and conservationists are uncertain about the cause, but all agree the sharks are gone. This disappearance deeply affected Fallows, inspiring him to protect and document the natural world. His iconic photograph “Air Jaws,” showing a great white breaching with open jaws, was a pivotal moment in his career. Taken in 2001 after hours of waiting, the image was a success, marking a turning point for Fallows.
QUESTION: How might the disappearance of great white sharks in False Bay impact the local ecosystem and economy?
How wildlife photographer Chris Fallows captures the natural world
