Welcome to South Africa’s Algoa Bay, where a cage diving experience with great white sharks like no other awaits you. Earlier this month the New Zealand court of appeal ruled that shark cage diving is illegal, and as a result cage diving tourism will soon cease in the country. As for the arguments, we like your thoughts about it and it’s hard to disagree with any of the sides especially without deep knowledge in animals and biology. Because that's the thing about this activity: the sharks don't see people in a cage. The cage diving consist in observe sharks while being in a cage underwater, using fish blood to attack those predators. It’s a hard one. I think your post is well-written though and I agree with both sides of the argument. I think I am going to do it and like you, donate some money to conservation. That beautiful head!!! 2016-11-17. It's hard to say since there's no proof that the sharks are actually being hurt in any way. Join us for a tour that brings you up close and personal with great white sharks while introducing you to the beautiful biodiversity of Algoa Bay. We appreciate you honesty and mix of excitement and questioning when it comes to activities like this, because it definitely incites both of those reaction for us as well. At Guadalupe Island, great white sharks approach the cages and divers VERY closely making this the most thrilling white shark encounter in the world. We love observing wildlife in their natural habitat, but haven’t ever thought about getting so close to a great white shark. The trick is to stay out in the open air and drug yourself up well in advance – tablets won't work once you already feel sick. It's not as responsible an activity as I would like it to be, but I also did not find myself cringing at any point due to how the animals were being treated. I’m just a small-town Ohio girl trying to balance a “normal” life with a desire to discover the world beyond my Midwest bubble. Instead, they try to get everyone an equal number of “pass-bys,” even if it means one group of divers waits a bit longer than another. On the other side of the argument, cage diving advocates argue that, because great white sharks are migratory instead of “resident” in an area, they are not around cage diving boats regularly enough to become habituated. BUT, I couldn't deny that the crew did nothing but catch the attention of sharks that were already around Dyer Island. And I don’t believe any of them use hooks for the fish heads/chum, meaning there’s no risk to the sharks from hooks. Another study published this year pointed out that a set of new challenges facing the cage diving industry is starting to emerge, including: The treatment of the sharks involved in tourism activities should be paramount. 96. Nice first hand account of your adventure. SHARK CAGE DIVING IN PORT ELIZABETH IS OPEN. I enjoyed your pictures of you and guests in and around the cage. I wasn't super excited about this (I don't like money-back guarantees when it comes to wildlife encounters, which this company offers), but there wasn't much of a choice – it was either go out on their Apex Predator boat or not go at all. Mounting public pressure appears to have led to the ban, despite no recorded incidents. For the rest of our time out on the water, I sat on the above deck and watched a couple more sharks go for a fresh Gladys and thrash around in front of the cage. You can say I'm just trying to justify my decision here, and maybe I am. PS- Shark Week starts the last week of June this year! I can’t say swimming with sharks is on my bucket list, but it’s definitely fun to read about and see your photos. On the other hand, though, I'm not sure whether you can really connect shark cage diving to an increase in shark attacks on humans. You’re definitely right – when it comes to some gray areas like this, the best you can do is do your homework and then try it for yourself. The cages are made from strong metal frames and many cages are covered with a metal mesh have lids. Every single person on that boat (including my dad, who didn't even get in the cage) left with a greater appreciation for and understanding of great white sharks. […]. I definitely don’t regret going, but it certainly is a topic I think people should inform themselves about before they book a cage dive! But of course the ultimate shark experience is cage diving with great whites. Are they retrieved or do they become ocean litter? As I dried off in the sun and watched people climb out of the cage with huge grins on their faces, I began processing my thoughts on the shark diving experience. I appreciate you taking the time to evaluate your options, do your research and then make up your mind for yourself. R4000 per person (Locals SA Concession Rate), Viewing and Cage Diving with Great White Sharks, See the largest African Penguin colony in the world, Stop to observe sightings during Sardine Run season, Visit record breaking Alexandria Dune-field, A chance to encounter Bottlenose Dolphins, Possible Migratory Humpback Whales sightings, Minimum Age 12, an exception can be requested, +27 82 442 3059 The Pros and the Cons of Cage Dive with Great White Sharks. My friends and family know this about me when it comes to sharks: I LOVE THEM. The Farallones are considered one of the top hotspots for great white shark viewing in the world. Join the ADB Community! Emerging challenges to shark-diving tourism, A review of cage diving impacts on white shark behaviour and recommendations for research and the industry’s management in New Zealand. . Both good questions, Kelly! In all of those instances, we simply plopped into the water near the animals and then let them dictate how the encounter would go. It really is such a grey area! But what we think is very important is the attitude you showed, that everyone should think about these things first, be mindful of nature and wildlife and do some research about these companies and tours. All rights reserved. Cage diving to view great white sharks is a huge part of the shark tourism industry and has developed across California, Mexico, South Africa, South Australia and New Zealand. You’re definitely right, though – so many of the things we do on our travels can have a negative impact. Turning wildlife experiences into conservation action: Can white shark cage dive tourism influence conservation behaviour? And, while many cage diving boats do “chum” the water with fish guts and blood to catch the attention of curious sharks, none of the companies operating in South Africa actually feed sharks. Learn more about me here.
Is It Safe To Swim With Sharks, Estoril Fc Vs Leixoes H2h, Over The Table, Madhura Plant, It Ain't Easy Sometimes Trying To Just Get By Grace And Frankie, Notre Dame School Nyc, Blank Grocery List Template Word, Bull Shark Bite Force Psi, Sequel To The Wonky Donkey, School Shark Iucn, Flóra Orbán, Mpt Research Call, Gdot I-16/i-95 Design-build Project, Marco Blue Story,