From Shark Diving Comes Conservationists

HOW SHARK DIVING HAS CHANGED CONSERVATION

Take a close look at most shark conservation non-profits and you will notice that so many of the most dedicated activists have come straight from shark diving. There seems to be a direct connection between meeting animals in person and igniting a passion that drives people to want to fight for sharks. Shark Allies is one perfect example, most of our board members and volunteers are active divers and regularly spend their hard earned dollars on travels that take them to places where sharks can be found. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have that opportunity. We count our blessings every hour we get to spend in the water with sharks. But as it becomes more critical to fight for sharks, the transition to activist seems to be the natural evolution. 

Along with shark diving, the amount of amazing images and film that gets generated has brought sharks into the public’s mind, in a new way. Beautiful images of sharks are impactful and important. They have changed the way people see sharks. And as more writers and artists describe the underwater world, the respect for sharks is growing.

There is a slightly disturbing trend fueled by social media that has created a cult of personality around diving with sharks. The need to self-promote is often quite transparent and has less to do with conservation of sharks and more with showing off how well someone can hold their breath and hang on to a shark’s fin. But I think most of us are smart enough to know the difference.