Jaws! Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

Heya,

Here we have a photo of a Great White in the bay of Gansbaai.
I know: Usually I should not post any animal photos here but I want to use this photo to discuss the issue of the Shark Cage Diving trips that are becoming more and more popular in South Africa.

These trips bring 5 to 20 people on a boat to reef in the bay of Gansbaai where those people have the chance to jump into a cage and have a closer view to the sharks.
The big question is: Is it good or bad?
On the one hand, these trips are very informative (at least mine was) and it could help to encourage people to stand up for the protection of sharks. Sharks are a highly endangered species and they should be protected.
On the other hand, to get the sharks to the cages a bait is used. So it could happen that these sharks get used to humans (especially to the feeding) which could increase shark attacks on humans.

I am very indifferent. I can understand both views and I still do not have a conclusion what is best.
What I can say is that the trip was nice. It was informative and it was an incredible experience to see these creatures. But I would not do it again. It is simply too expensive from my point of view. For the same money I could do 3 decent scuba-dives including the equipment.

What is your opionion?

I posted another photo as a workshop showing the boats of several tour operators who offer these shark cage diving trips.

Sne011, xramm has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

Lucalain (1734) 2008-12-21 11:30 [Comment]

Show Comment

sanguo (117) 2008-12-21 11:30

Hi Kevin,
I think it is too dangerous to sharks associate humans with food. The sharks may be protected by appropriate different campaign. Let's protect the humans from shark attacks.
The foto is very nice. Dinamic and powerfull.
Ciao.
Andrea

bokaie (129) 2008-12-21 18:39

Hi Kev
Nice shot, very clear under the circumstances.
I think whatever we do we must not forget that these animals are preditors and with our level of intellect compaired to theres we can safely say humans are the ones who are in the wrong. after all the shark is only following its instinct and can not reason with probles but we can.

Sne011 (3101) 2008-12-22 1:00

Hallo Kevin,
Great close up, but I'm shivering, frightened to death hehe, I'm terrified of sharks and snakes, but at the same time attracted by the sharks, although I could never jump into that cage. I agree that endangered species should be protected, humans too, but we can protect ourselves in a way. On the other hand, sharks are monsters and they attack even without provoking them, so using a bait in this case is not a problem, I mean, I don't see how this can raise number of shark attacks. That's how I see it.
And once again, I love your photo, colors are superb and I like sparkling water. Attractive shot, you're very brave! :)
Have a nice week and happy holidays!
Sneza

hdl (6735) 2008-12-22 4:23

Hi Kevin. Very impressive shot. I liked reading your comment. Personally I don't think you should give tourists the chance to go cagediving with such dangerous sharks. Furthermore, it is always difficult to differentiate the professional, serious companies from the ones who are out for a quick buck especially for the unexperienced tourist. Sooner or later accidents will happen. This is not something for a thrill-seeking first-time or second-time diver; sharks are unpredictable and very strong animals. You have a very good point in stating that sharks should not be made too familiar with human presence and the association with feeding/food. As a summary I would say that it is ok to take tourists on boat trips to see sharks but not diving (with or without a cage). Diving amongst dangerous species should only be possible for trained and experienced divers that know how to handle a possible crisis situation. So, that is my opinion. Best regards.