Snorkeler Killed by Sharks in the Bahamas

[itsmeok]

It is funny - but if you go looking for something to support your belief - right or wrong - you will find it. Keep an open mind...

I'd like to think I am keeping an open mind hence the request - one link I found below. Be good if you could respond with whatever it is that is backing your viewpoint. Note that this report comes across as balanced to me and calls out the pros and cons - e,g, it calls out the risk to divers involved with shark feedings, increased risk of inbreeding in the shark population etc.. It call out "risks" of shark feeding to attacks but offers no empirical evidence (under "Potentially Negative Effects") - e.g. more attacks. I'm keen to learn so if you have evidence please share it...

from the report....

"Humans are soon associated
with food and otherwise wary, distant sharks no longer
hesitate in approaching humans and even entering into
close contact with them. This significantly heightens the
risk of accidental biting (e.g. a shark biting a diver’s limb
that it mistakes for food) or intentional biting out of
domination or territorial instincts"

- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266318997_Pros_and_Cons_of_shark_feeding

 

[chillyinCanada]

it isn't my contention, what I linked clearly showed an increase.

In that case, the website is contradicting itself.

 

[Steve_C]

One piece of data means nothing but - shark bites are up in NC this year. I belive we may have already met last years number. All have been shallow water.

 

[Sam Miller III]

Question
How many of you posters
1) Have ever personally experienced a shark attack ?
2) Have lost a close friend to a shark attack?

SDM

 

[Fastmarc]

Interestingly I just saw another report this morning of a spear fisher who was attacked a couple of days before saying in the interview that he believes sharks are associating humans with food because of the shark feeding going on there.

Shark attack victim shares harrowing story of survival

This is the 1st time I've seen this mentioned on main media.

 

[Fastmarc]

A quote:

"Hernandez blames the recent attacks in the Bahamas on popular local shark-feeding businesses that let tourists have close encounters with sharks.

"They're associating humans with getting food, and it's making it very dangerous to be in the water, whether you're spearing or you just happen to be snorkeling near where they're feeding them,'' he said.

 

[cerich]

yes to both

Question
How many of you posters
1) Have ever personally experienced a shark attack ?
2) Have lost a close friend to a shark attack?

SDM

 

[johndiver999]

I suspect that there may be 2 or 3 factors to consider.

Shark populations in Florida - both gom and Atlantic are way up.

Hand feeding sharks most definitely alters the shark’s behavior.

And possibly a third, with prey species
Populations being down so much that much more
Restrictive regulations are deemed necessary, it might cause some sharks to alter their feeding behaviors and become more aggressive?

The last idea is very speculative, but probably not as much as the menstral discharge theories discussed earlier.

 

[Sam Miller III]

@cerich
It would be most educational as well as interesting to share with the board about actual shark attacks rather that the current speculation so rampart on this thread

Please post when, where and what kind of diving you were doing when you experienced your shark attack (s)

Also your friend or aquatnace who was attacked

It would be appreciated by all..

SDM

 

[Dan]

Question
How many of you posters
1) Have ever personally experienced a shark attack ?
2) Have lost a close friend to a shark attack?

SDM

None, but curious Lemon sharks came over closely to see if I have some snacks for them when I dove with the guys who were catching lobsters and lion fish, as shown below (around 2:17-2:30). I was ready to shove my camera to it, but it veered away.