Ask a Shark Expert
Read shark researcher Mark Marks' responses on the following shark topics:
Disappearing sharks
Shark evolution
Shark deterrent?
Nonstop swimmers?
Shark posturing
Swimming with the sharks?
Shark diving
Shark education
Shark enemies
Shark reproduction
Great white disposition
Favorite shark
Shark eyes
Shark companions
Bite pressure
Bladderless sharks
Warmblooded killers
Hammerheads
Thresher sharks
Great whites in captivity
Shark protection
Q: On Swimming With Sharks
You know how there are places that you can swim with dolphins, right? Well, are there places where you can swim with sharks?
Thank you,
Katie Macey
The past 10 years have seen an explosion in the commercial shark-diving operation within the scuba diving industry. There are definitely pro and cons to these types of so-called "eco-tour" packages, some utilizing cages, others an open-water environment with free-swimming sharks. In some cases, the businesses are truly educational in their scope, that being that the shark dive is supplemented with informative lectures and multimedia presentations. However, one of the real problems, aside from the obvious safety issues, is the practice of conditioning sharks with the use of bait, chum and sound to attract them to a central location for tourist viewing, which results in a change in these animals' natural behavior. A more alarming practice is that of package trips that advertise certifications in "hand-feeding" sharks. Suffice to say there is a problematic quagmire of ethical as well as political issues surrounding the shark eco-tour industry, especially where a protected species of shark is concerned. Such entrepreneurialism often comes at the expense of the very animals and their environment upon which these moneymaking ventures are based. There is no question that memorable dive experiences and photo opportunities may be had —the question is whether or not these types of businesses actually benefit the sharks or are just another instance of humans' exploiting these magnificent predators because we can. If you are truly interested in this type of guided dive, check out any number of scuba magazines available; nearly all advertise this type of diving activity.
