Bill introduced to prohibit shark feeding in federal waters

[Pipehorse]

@johndiver999

Yeah, not going to take your lead in personally. You obviously did not understand the question I was posing. That might be a result of my less than stellar writing skills. I do have pretty good reading comprehension though. In post #8 it seemed like you are arguing against feeding sharks?

Because it is unwise, dangerous and unnecessary to artificially aggregate and feed dangerous wild animals (alligators, bear and sharks, for example) and train them to associate humans with food.

Yet in response to my query you wrote.

"Shark Dives" are critical for the protection of these beautiful and ecologically ESSENTIAL species. We must reach the public (and especially divers and fisherman) to help them understand that sharks are intelligent, graceful and a beautiful part of our natural world. Healthy marine ecosystems, especially in warm water, always have an abundance of shark species present.

My point is/was if a person thinks IT IS DANGEROUS to feed a grizzly bear (something I find painfully obvious), why would the same person think IT IS NOT DANGEROUS to feed a Tiger Shark? There is a paradox, dichotomy here that baffles me entirely. It has nothing to do with my understanding of the ocean or sharks, but far more with my lack of understanding in fellow human beings.

 

[NothingClever]

I doubt it, but here is my best effort in those regards:

Do you know nothing about the ocean or sharks?

"Shark Dives" are critical for the protection of these beautiful and ecologically ESSENTIAL species. We must reach the public (and especially divers and fisherman) to help them understand that sharks are intelligent, graceful and a beautiful part of our natural world. Healthy marine ecosystems, especially in warm water, always have an abundance of shark species present.

The most viable way to provide this information to the masses is to have them enter the water with these wonderful creatures and actually look into their eyes. They need to see for themselves how graceful, peaceful and harmless sharks really are.

We have had thousands of safe encounters with the local sharks and anyone who thinks they are something to be feared (or killed) is ill-informed. They just needs to be awakened to the reality that humans are not on the shark's menu. The overwhelming fear so many people experience is from sensationalized movies, TV shows and the lack of direct contact with sharks. If we are to ensure effective means for shark conservation, it is essential that we stem the tide of ignorance, prejudice and fear which our culture has been burdened us with for many decades.

The reality is that shark populations are down all across the world's' oceans and we must do everything in our power to effectively enlighten people about these essential, yet vulnerable species!

Shark diving is a critical component of our efforts to protect the sharks.

It has NOTHING to do with any financial gain we may derive while sharing what we love with others.

Transparent rationalization of profit.

 

[tekkydiver]

From Copilot summary:

A bill has been introduced in Florida that would prohibit shark feeding in federal waters—except when done for fishing purposes. The legislation, known as HR 3831, was introduced by Florida congressmen Daniel Webster and Darrel Soto. It specifically targets shark diving operations by banning the practice of introducing food or any substance into the water to attract sharks for observation or photography. However, it does not prohibit feeding sharks to kill them, meaning the fishing community is explicitly exempt from this restriction.

This bill, if passed, would effectively shut down shark diving tourism in federal waters off Florida, a move that has raised concerns among dive operators and conservationists.

100% all for it!!! Sooner rather than later!!!

 

[tekkydiver]

I also vote with my fins. However, I don't think the State can pass laws to be upheld in Federal waters. A bit of an over reach, n'est pas? I think Randy and company are safe.

FWIW, I opposed the shark feeding ban in state waters. It's a hyuge ocean. It's hard enough for dive-ops to make a living. Why make it any harder?

Because it is unwise, dangerous and unnecessary to artificially aggregate and feed dangerous wild animals (alligators, bear and sharks, for example) and train them to associate humans with food.

Plus it puts the sharks (and other predators) into danger when they come too hard and too fast at the wrong people. The State of Florida will destroy dangerous predators that have lost their natural instincts, as will some private citizens. It is exploitive of the sharks for financial gain.

I also vote with my fins. However, I don't think the State can pass laws to be upheld in Federal waters. A bit of an over reach, n'est pas? I think Randy and company are safe.

FWIW, I opposed the shark feeding ban in state waters. It's a hyuge ocean. It's hard enough for dive-ops to make a living. Why make it any harder?

Yea... Shark Diving.... ask Randy... What could go wrong????

 

[mcohen1021]

im wondering about the specific definition of feeding. Would bait triangles be banned? its at attractant, not feeding...

 

[NothingClever]

Would bait triangles be banned?

Hopefully so.

 

[mattfish]

They should definitely ban baited shark dives. They should also ban all shark fishing in federal and state waters.

Stop killing the sharks, and you won't have to bait them to bring the leftovers in to see them.