23 Apr 2026
An enthusiastic audience from the Helderberg and surrounds gathered to learn about the misunderstood Great White Shark, where these key apex predators have gone, and what makes them so special
On Thursday, 23 April 2026, SmallTalX® welcomed Alessandro De Maddalena to the Helderberg Nature Reserve Environmental Education Centre for the second lecture in our series hosted at this venue.
His talk offered an important and insightful exploration of the conservation status of great white sharks in False Bay, addressing common misconceptions surrounding these apex predators while presenting expert perspectives on their apparent disappearance from the bay. Beyond the sharks themselves, the discussion highlighted the broader ecological implications of their decline, as apex predators play a critical role in regulating marine ecosystems and maintaining ecological balance and resilience.
The evening offered both a fascinating scientific perspective and an important reminder of the complex interconnections that underpin ocean health.
The District Mail featured this article in the lead-up to the talk.
