CITA Water Sports Sector Responds to the Death of Steve Irwin
The death of Steve Irwin is a tragic loss of a passionate environmentalist. His "don't try this at home" approach was somewhat controversial, but was effective in capturing the hearts and minds of millions and served a popular educational purpose.
It must be known that not all stingrays are the same, and there are about 200 species of stingrays in the scientific order Myliobatiformes. While Australia is home to some of the deadliest creatures on the planet, many of their less harmful cousins of similar common names live in the Caribbean and other parts of the world. Such are our southern stingrays, in Cayman. In any event, Irwin's death is very much a "freak accident" that is not likely to be repeated...
Stingrays use their venomous barb only for self-defense from their natural predators. If a stingray is forced into a corner by an over-enthusiastic snorkeler or diver, the stingray will feel threatened. The barb in a stingray can take a long time to grow, and it is therefore thought that the use of this barb is only as a last resort, i.e., in situations where the stingray is in fear of its life.
The effect on local tour operators to Stingray City and Sandbar is expected to be minimal. The short-term effect is more likely to be with snorkelers rather than divers. Divers tend to be more informed about marine creatures and have a better understanding of hazardous marine life.
As operators, we allow the stingrays to come to us; therefore, the stingrays are not threatened and not aggressive. Yet, being used to both divers and snorklers, the stingrays at Stingray City and Sandbar will closely interact with visitors in a positive manner.
In the last 25 years, over 10 million visitors have experienced the Cayman Islands' stingray attractions, and there has never been any critical injuries or fatalities.
Stephen Broadbelt Chairman, CITA Watersports Committee
Source: CITA Watersports, DAN
The death of Steve Irwin is a tragic loss of a passionate environmentalist. His "don't try this at home" approach was somewhat controversial, but was effective in capturing the hearts and minds of millions and served a popular educational purpose.
It must be known that not all stingrays are the same, and there are about 200 species of stingrays in the scientific order Myliobatiformes. While Australia is home to some of the deadliest creatures on the planet, many of their less harmful cousins of similar common names live in the Caribbean and other parts of the world. Such are our southern stingrays, in Cayman. In any event, Irwin's death is very much a "freak accident" that is not likely to be repeated...
Stingrays use their venomous barb only for self-defense from their natural predators. If a stingray is forced into a corner by an over-enthusiastic snorkeler or diver, the stingray will feel threatened. The barb in a stingray can take a long time to grow, and it is therefore thought that the use of this barb is only as a last resort, i.e., in situations where the stingray is in fear of its life.
The effect on local tour operators to Stingray City and Sandbar is expected to be minimal. The short-term effect is more likely to be with snorkelers rather than divers. Divers tend to be more informed about marine creatures and have a better understanding of hazardous marine life.
As operators, we allow the stingrays to come to us; therefore, the stingrays are not threatened and not aggressive. Yet, being used to both divers and snorklers, the stingrays at Stingray City and Sandbar will closely interact with visitors in a positive manner.
In the last 25 years, over 10 million visitors have experienced the Cayman Islands' stingray attractions, and there has never been any critical injuries or fatalities.
Stephen Broadbelt Chairman, CITA Watersports Committee
Source: CITA Watersports, DAN
