Shark Feeding Debate
The debate about the safety of shark feeding by dive operators rages on.
On one side are the dive operators and shark feeding enthusiasts. On the other side are the conservationists.
Dive Operators
The dive operators and shark diving enthusiasts argue that shark feeding actually helps to protect sharks because shark feeding dives demonstrate that sharks are not mindless killers bent on attacking humans in the water.
They argue that shark feeding does not alter shark behavior and does not increase the risk of shark attacks on people.
Conservationists
On the other side, conservationists argue that shark feeding actually increases the danger to both people and sharks.
Their view is that shark feeding results in sharks associating food with humans which in turn increases the risk of humans being attacked by sharks.
They also argue that sharks becoming accustomed to close contact with humans makes them more vulnerable to being caught by fishermen.
Recently conservationists in Maui scored a victory in their fight to stop shark feeding. The Maui County Council banned shark feeding tour operators on four Hawaiian islands – Maui, Molokai, Lanai and Kahoolawe.
Shark feeding was banned in Florida in 2001.
To Feed Or Not To Feed?
Where do you stand on this issue?
Do you agree with the dive operators and shark feeding enthusiasts that shark feeding is actually beneficial to sharks?
Or do you share the view of the conservationists that shark feeding is dangerous for both sharks and people and should be banned?
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{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Although I would agree with a ban on shark feeding, looking at the few scientific studies that have been carried out, they demonstrate that feeding does not actually alter shark behaviour.
This is a study done by the Shark Foundation: http://www.sharkfoundation.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=137&Itemid=45
That indicated no change in shark behaviour based on feeding.