In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, special guest Alison Towner discusses her career studying great white sharks in South Africa. The conversation delves into her journey from the UK to South Africa, her research on orcas impacting great white populations, and the evolution of shark science over the years. Tune in to learn about Alison's fascinating work and gain a deeper understanding of these incredible species. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeKInstagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas Website: https://saveourseas.com/ Dave:  Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG The presence of killer whales, specifically known as Port and Starboard, in South Africa, particularly in areas like Hans Bay, has had a profound impact on the white shark population. These killer whales, specialized in hunting elasmobranchs, have been targeting white sharks along the coastal areas, leading to a significant decline in their numbers. The killer whales have been observed hunting and preying on white sharks, resulting in eviscerated carcasses and altered behavior in the white shark population. The continuous presence of killer whales in these areas has caused white sharks to flee from their traditional aggregation sites, such as Dire Island, leading to a shift in their distribution and abundance. The predatory pressure exerted by the killer whales has disrupted the coastal ecology, causing a ripple effect on other marine species. For example, the increased predation on white sharks has led to changes in the behavior of other mesopredators like bronze whaler sharks and an increase in competition for food resources among species like Cape fur seals and African penguins. The impact of killer whales on the white shark population has been a cause for concern among researchers and conservationists. The rapid decline in white shark numbers in areas like Hans Bay has raised questions about the broader implications of such predator-prey dynamics on marine ecosystems. The altered coastal ecology due to the presence of killer whales highlights the interconnectedness of species and the delicate balance within marine environments. The relocation and behavioral changes observed in white sharks, possibly in response to the predatory pressure from killer whales, suggest a complex and evolving relationship between these apex predators. The relocation of white sharks to offshore areas and unexpected fishing grounds indicate a potential shift in their foraging behavior and distribution patterns. This adaptation to avoid predation by killer whales showcases the resilience and adaptability of white sharks in response to changing environmental pressures. The behavior of killer whales, specifically the pair known as Port and Starboard, targeting and hunting white sharks has caused significant disruptions in the marine ecosystem in South Africa. The presence of these killer whales has led to a decrease in the white shark population in areas like Hans Bay, Mossel Bay, and False Bay. This decline in white sharks has had a cascading effect on other species in the ecosystem. One of the consequences of the decline in white sharks is the increase in Cape fur seals, as mentioned in the episode. With fewer white sharks preying on them, the Cape fur seal population has exploded, leading to potential competition for food resources with other species like African penguins. The increased predation pressure from Cape fur seals on African penguins can have detrimental effects on the penguin population, further disrupting the balance of the ecosystem. The impact of killer whales on the marine ecosystem goes beyond just the direct predation on white sharks. The presence of these apex predators can alter the behavior and distribution of other species in the area. For example, the displacement of white sharks from their