T
here are two types of divers: those
who hope to avoid sharks and those
who can’t spend enough time in the
water with them. Although I grew up
fearing sharks, after my first encounter
I became captivated by them and have since spent
hundreds of hours diving with countless species
around the world. Not only have these experiences
changed my own perspective, igniting a new passion
and career, they’ve led me to believe in the critical
importance of personal interactions with sharks for
the shark’s continuing survival.
In many places around the world, if there was no shark
diving there would likely be no sharks. Seeing sharks is
highly desirable for many divers, and thus shark tourism
can create an economic incentive to protect sharks
that’s stronger than the incentive to kill them. Multiple
studies have shown that shark tourism provides far
more revenue to local economies than shark fishing. In
2011 alone, shark diving generated $5.9 million in South
Africa, $38.6 million in the Maldives and $42.2 million
in Fiji. A 2012 study of the economic value of Palau’s
shark tourism found that its $18 million shark-diving
industry accounted for 8 percent of its gross domestic
product. Theoretical comparisons estimated that a shark
killed by fishing would generate a one-time value of just
0.006 percent of the revenue provided by that same living
shark over the course of its life.
Shark diving also contributes to sharks’ survival
by dispelling Jaws misconceptions. Many personal
encounters as well as many more captured by responsible
photographers and cinematographers have led to a better
understanding of sharks’ true nature and their critical
importance in ocean ecosystems. I’ve witnessed countless
people who, upon meeting sharks face to face for the first
time, become filled with compassion for them. It’s hard
for people to be motivated to protect sharks until they
realize sharks aren’t the bloodthirsty monsters they are
often portrayed to be.
Sadly, there are not many places where people can
go today to experience the magnificence of sharks.
A growing number of species are approaching
extinction, and with approximately 100 million
sharks killed each year, I am thankful there are still
special places around the world where people can
go to dive with sharks reliably. I believe that shark
diving, particularly in sanctuaries and protected areas,
helps ensure these animals’ future. It is imperative,
108
|
WINTER 2014
MEMBER TO MEMBER
A Code of Ethics for
Shark Divers
B Y J U L I E A N D E R S E N
Tips, advice and updates from your fellow divers
STEPHEN FRINK
