InTheDrink
Contributor
Hi, I posted this in marine ecosystems and had no response so posting here instead on the assumption that my post was in the wrong forum rather than offensive - if it is then I'd be keen to understand why. My experience with sharks is limited so I am very much learning about how best to interact with these beautiful creatures so I may make some novice/stupid statements/questions.
I am going to Egypt in few weeks to The Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone.
One species of shark I might be privileged enough to come across is the Oceanic White Tip, which I understand can be somewhat inquisitive. Whilst I'm relishing the possibility of this experience, I'm also interested to learn what is the best way to manage any particularly close encounters.
For example, I wish I had a decent camera with big housing as that would seem a good buffer between me and it. I just don't think my Canon compact is going to cut the mustard on that front, unless it has a particularly sensitive front tooth or something.
So, the obvious. Keep fingers/hands/extremities to myself. Keep colours neutral. Keep an eye on any visitor.
But if one is coming in close, should one be vetical? Horizontal and giving them fin tips? How about Octopus? If one bumps and is acting a bit too aggressive would a blast of an Octo be a deterrent or simply agitate it further? How about a firm push with my rattle?
Are there any good references/links to how to conduct oneself with curious sharks like these? I'll be carry a rattle, a torch (and maybe a knife if knives are allowed: they're not further north IIRC and in any event, unless I was getting attacked I would never draw a knife on a shark and if I was getting attacked I'd likely not be focusing of finding my knife
) - is there anything else worth carrying? Apart from spare underwear.
I'm probably being a big cissy and getting up close and personal will be tremendous pant filling fun, but any top tips/thoughts out there gladly lapped up. I may not even bump into one, but if I do, and it bumps into me, I'd like to know what the best posture is to take.
They look like such magnificent creatures, what with their entourage of pilot fish. I truly hope our paths will cross.
TIA,
J
I am going to Egypt in few weeks to The Brothers, Daedalus & Elphinstone.
One species of shark I might be privileged enough to come across is the Oceanic White Tip, which I understand can be somewhat inquisitive. Whilst I'm relishing the possibility of this experience, I'm also interested to learn what is the best way to manage any particularly close encounters.
For example, I wish I had a decent camera with big housing as that would seem a good buffer between me and it. I just don't think my Canon compact is going to cut the mustard on that front, unless it has a particularly sensitive front tooth or something.
So, the obvious. Keep fingers/hands/extremities to myself. Keep colours neutral. Keep an eye on any visitor.
But if one is coming in close, should one be vetical? Horizontal and giving them fin tips? How about Octopus? If one bumps and is acting a bit too aggressive would a blast of an Octo be a deterrent or simply agitate it further? How about a firm push with my rattle?
Are there any good references/links to how to conduct oneself with curious sharks like these? I'll be carry a rattle, a torch (and maybe a knife if knives are allowed: they're not further north IIRC and in any event, unless I was getting attacked I would never draw a knife on a shark and if I was getting attacked I'd likely not be focusing of finding my knife
I'm probably being a big cissy and getting up close and personal will be tremendous pant filling fun, but any top tips/thoughts out there gladly lapped up. I may not even bump into one, but if I do, and it bumps into me, I'd like to know what the best posture is to take.
They look like such magnificent creatures, what with their entourage of pilot fish. I truly hope our paths will cross.
TIA,
J