"Shark Diving Tours"

Good or bad?

There is so much controversy over shark diving tours. Some say it is bad for the environment, others claim that it is dangerous to interact these predators with humans and some even fear it brings them closer to the beaches.

I will be honest, even as a realist I was on the fence with it until now. Sharks are our oceans true predators. They cruise the oceans eating and keeping the seas clean and disease free.  Giant majestic creatures these ancient fish are truly vital to the oceans delicate eco system.

So how can interactions between humans and sharks improve the quality of life for these sharks? The answer is simple. Over the past decade shark numbers have dropped drastically due to over fishing, shark finning and just plain killing due to fear and ignorance. When properly conducted certain dive excursions provide a safe effective experience for divers to observe and respect these animals. Overcoming fear and increasing knowledge about their environment, habits and above all how humans are threatening their existence. By developing a new outlook on these beautiful creatures more humans will be able to safely observe and understand they are not all man eating senseless monsters. Dangerous? yes at times however with respect and understanding they have a much greater chance of survival. Lets face it almost all shark attacks are a case of mistaken identity.

What is properly conducted? Well first obviously is safety to both the divers and the sharks. A good guide will ensure that minimal food is used to attract and feed the sharks. I was amazed on our last dive. We encountered 6 large sharks with the use of only 6 small pieces of fish. ( the size of a silver dollar) No chum, no frozen bucket of food or bloody mess. This ensures that the sharks are not dependant on the food source. In fact such little food was used that it almost seemed like the sharks came just to show off. They were aware of an easy "treat" and by no means could they survive on the feedings. Responsibility on the guides to not over feed is key. Making the dive educating, discussing their environment, their habits, and most of all what threats they face before and after the dive was a great way to learn and respect these awesome fish.

There are many people that fear the tours are inviting these sharks to come closer and increase in numbers around the beaches. I think that is absurd. Talk to any dive master or guide and they will tell you that the numbers of sharks seen while diving or even on these tours has dramatically decreased over the last few years.

With that being said do the research yourself. Google shark finning, or shark fin soup, and see what humans are doing to these creatures solely for a supposed Asian aphrodisiac. It is truly is horrible and an eye opener if you don't know. I say hell, having problems getting it up, spend the 10 dollars and buy the little blue pill, its more effective, clinically proven and I hear working for many guys. Leave the sharks alone.

Are there dangers involved? Well of course these are wild animals and unpredictable however there is probably a much greater chance of becoming injured due to poor diving practices then being bit. With everyone understanding the ground rules there seemed to be little to no risk from the sharks. I would however keep an eye on an overly nervous dive buddy. A free assent from 60 feet due to panic would most assuredly ruin a good day. None the less controlled fear is a great way to build respect and confidence.

Responsible Shark Tours are a superb way to get out and see these creatures. By overcoming fear, educating yourself, and experiencing sharks in a safe, structured environment, I really think we can change their bad reputation. More importantly the more people that realize the importance of sharks to the oceans ecosystem and are willing to speak out about shark finning and over fishing the better.

Thank you to our guides at Dive Safari (Bobby's Marina) in ST Maarten for a great experience and for going the extra mile to educate everyone.

-Chuck Lindsey
chuck@deep-descent.com
 

For more photos of this dive click here

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