Disturbing Bimini Dive

[shark_chica]

Agree with the above. To be honest, I would avoid any and all of these 'trip to the zoo' dives. The beauty of diving is exploring and seeing the unexpected. Sitting like a mong while some bored DM flings fish at the marine life is not my idea of an 'experience'. Also, whatever they tell you, it's pretty dubious what benefit any of it is to the animal or to conservation in general. Report it and hopefully it will stop, although looking at the money involved that's doubtful

I agree, I didn't do enough research and will avoid these types of dives in the future. Definitely a learning experience.

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I can't find the agency they are linked to, it doesn't seem to be Padi or SSI

Dive certification agencies have no power, or likely ability, or interest, in policing dive ops for anything outside the actual training aspect. Even them 6, 7, and 8 star operations.

Did you follow Wookie's input re: contacting the proprietor? What was his response?

 

[shark_chica]

Dive certification agencies have no power, or likely ability, or interest, in policing dive ops for anything outside the actual training aspect. Even them 6, 7, and 8 star operations.

Did you follow Wookie's input re: contacting the proprietor? What was their response?

I emailed the company about a week ago, no response. And now looking more throroughly through reviews, it seems they never respond to divers concerns.

 

[shark_chica]

Dive certification agencies have no power, or likely ability, or interest, in policing dive ops for anything outside the actual training aspect. Even them 6, 7, and 8 star operations.

Did you follow Wookie's input re: contacting the proprietor? What was his response?

I also tried to talk to him (or even someone in management) while I was there and was shrugged off.

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

I emailed the company about a week ago, no response. And now looking more throroughly through reviews, it seems they never respond to divers concerns.

That's probably why Wookie threw in the direct email address for the owner.

Customer service inquiries may likely be answered by staff, depending on size of operation.

 

[shark_chica]

Have you reported this to the authorities.

I honestly wouldn't know where to start.

 

[Blackcrusader]

I honestly wouldn't know where to start.

Email them this thread.

 

[Allen-1]

Email them this thread.

Not sure who “them” would be; guessing/betting OP doesn’t know either. Suggestions??

 

[OMyMyOHellYes]

Not sure who “them” would be; guessing/betting OP doesn’t know either. Suggestions??

The Scuba Police. Nassau Station.

 

[johndiver999]

Have you ever cut up a shark? Have you seen all the mating scars that happen on many sharks?

Seriously, they are extremely tough.

I think it is hilarious that people pay money to watch divers artificially alter the behavior of sharks with food (which most definitely endangers the sharks when they come near spearfisherman) and then complain about a tiny bit of rough handling. The whole feeding activity is abusive to sharks yet some shark hugger wants to complain about the most innocuous portion of the underwater circus - that they bought tickets for? LOL.

Don't forget what is common practice. We use fish as means of amusement and food and sometimes even bait. We torture them all the time with hooks and bait and haul them through the water and eventually to the surface and take pictures of them and sometimes release them with significant damage-frequently the damage is fatal - yet it is considered good sport (fishing). Why not complain to the authorities about this activity? Clearly it is much "worse"? Or are the primitive fish more worthy than the more advanced ones?

I've seen sharks bleeding badly and still come back searching for food; a few thumps on the head are probably foreplay in the shark world.