This looks to be another great step .. Oahu is set to ban shark feeding in popular diving areas. While this is a set back to the diving industry this will be immensely helpful to the conservation of sharks. At least the diving industry can make up it’s losses, sharks however cannot. They have become increasingly subject to what humans do in their oceans and have no choice but to attempt to survive.
“(Shark feeding) raises public safety concerns for ocean users, is disrespectful of Hawaiian culture, alters the natural behavior and distribution of sharks, and may be disruptive of ocean ecology and the natural environment,” Councilman Charles Djou said.
Reasons why shark feeding is dangerous:
1. Poses a threat to sharks natural processes
2. Threat to the ocean ecosystems
3. Threat to swimmers/surfers nearby (sharks associate humans with food and become less wary of us)
4. Offensive to native Hawaiians who consider sharks sacred
Here’s a link to the article, it’s a must read!!
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: hawaiian culture, sacred sharks, scuba diving, shark dangers, shark feeding |
I am so happy to hear that! Please do not feed the fishies!
What I don’t understand is how it will be a setback to the diving industry! As far as I am concerned, the less fish feeders in the water, the better. And then maybe we could actually get to see some fish!
This is a great point. I never really focused on the impact and possible implications of FEEDING sharks, since I was always so focused on FINNING sharks. Are there bans in other waters besides Oahu?