@drbill: Having just seen some really disturbing images on the so-called Ocearch tag & release mission, I’m angered and am positive that what they are doing are certainly wrong and damaging to the sharks. Soon, the truth shall be unveil!!
---------- Post added October 24th, 2013 at 01:22 PM ----------
@ Wingy: As long as there are proven fact that the internal tracking systems are not causing any damage to the sharks .. I think I’m okay with them. BUT, still I’d think that the animals themselves wouldn’t like having some foreign objects attaching to them … would you?? I also believe that shark scientists already know the migration patterns and nursery areas of these sharks from the data collected over the years .. are they using these information wisely? Do we still need more??
---------- Post added October 24th, 2013 at 01:31 PM ----------
@Bob: My theory
Tagging GWS and causing damage to the sharks is 100% BAD.
Baiting/chumming GWS and changing their relationship with divers (not proven) has it’s pros and cons. It has been a controversial subject for so long.
I’d love to dive with the GWS (any sharks) in their natural habitat if given a choice, trust me!!! But my personal feelings are that interacting with them is important if we are to learn more about these species. Only by learning more about them will people begin to understand that they are not monsters. I grew up eating shark fin soup at wedding banquets as I’m Asian Chinese; and has no clue then on the cruelty in shark finning. But now I love sharks! I have done a few chumming shark dive expedition and have taken photos of these beautiful animals and show to my friends to discourage them from consuming shark fin soup. Now, with a photo of myself swimming with a GWS has convinced many of my friends that Jaws is not the man-eating machine.
$$$$ .. Yes!! I paid top dollars to dive with them!!!
In my experience, not all shark expedition leaders are doing it for the money. I have met many shark enthusiasts who love sharks and are doing the chumming activities to promote the sharks.
Eli, from Shark Diver Magazine, for example has been given lectures in schools, educating little kids to help them overcome the curse of “Jaws” and to love these animals.
The numerous sharks that I have dived with during these activities were relaxed and ever so graceful. No word can described the incredible joy and breathtaking moment locking eyes with a GWS.
End of the day, we have to remember that we are in their environment. It’s not our playground, it’s their home. We have to look after the sharks and their environment. We have to respect them!!!
I say here publicly. If I die when diving with sharks, don’t blame the shark! Same goes for diving .. don’t stop diving!!