Shark Coasts

The watery savannah of Southern Africa's coastline is prowled not by lions, leopards and hyenas, but by even more impressive predators: sharks - from makos and great whites to tiger sharks and the giant whale sharks. But why are there so many sharks along this stretch of water? And is there any chance of surviving for the other residents with so many fearsome killers around?

The local seal pups have a tough life. Pursued on land by hungry jackals and hyenas, they must face great white sharks on their maiden swim to their feeding grounds. Yet it is not a group of random events, but rather a set of complex cirucmstances that place these helpless youngsters on a collision course with these one-tonne monsters each year.

If the great whites are the lions of the sea, then the tiger sharks are its hyenas. Versatile and opportunistic, these striped hunters feed on nearly anything, from nesting sea turtles to baby gannets.

But how do they know to congregate at the turtle colony each year? Blue fin tuna must watch out for the mako shark. Possibly the fastest fish in the sea, these underwater 'cheetahs' can reach speeds in excess of 70kmh, and leap over 8m in the air in pursuit of prey.

But how and why do they hunt together with blue sharks?

Travelling 3000 miles from South Africa's west coast to east coast, this film explores the spectacular scenery and the myriad wildlife that live with the sharks, and help to make them what they are.

"After watching this film, the waters of Australia will seem as safe as a goldfish bowl in comparison to the west coast of Africa". Independent.