Know your stuff (1)

Shark Types

                                         

(many different shark types)

There is a wide range of different sharks that inhabit Earth's oceans. So it is important for you to understand what shark you are approaching.You can find some good information on the different types here.

Do not stereotype!

Stereotyping all sharks as ferocious predators is very wrong especially when the largest of sharks, the Whale Shark, is relatively harmless to humans. While another of the largest sharks, the Sixgill Shark, lives too deep down in the ocean to have much human encounter.

It's us not them

Shark Attacks!

                                           

                                                          (breaching great white shark)

Okay, so it is true! there have been a few recorded shark attacks on humans over the years. However, most of the time, this happens because humans place themselves in front of a shark while it is hunting. All one has to do is to look at other wild animal attacks on humans and the reasons for them to realize that there is nothing especially fearsome about a shark's behavior. A little research can go a long way in helping a person understand these predators of the ocean better 

Preventing a shark attack

Simply follow these steps to keep yourself safe:

1) Stay in groups and do not wander away from your companions, since sharks are more likely to attack individuals.
2) Avoid being in the water during early morning and late afternoon, since sharks actively feed at those times.
3) Never go into the water if you are bleeding, even if the cut or injury is minor. Sharks possess very keen senses, and blood could attract one from several feet away.
4) Don't wear shiny jewelry when in the water. The glisten mimics fish-scale sheen and visually labels you as shark prey.
5) Stay away from sport or commercial fishermen when in the water, as their catches could attract sharks.
6) Avoid wearing brightly colored clothing in murky waters, since sharks easily perceive color contrasts.
7) Refrain from excessive splashing, which could mimic the movements of injured or disoriented prey fish and animals.
8) Sandbars, steep drop-offs and estuary inlets tend to be shark hangouts, so avoid swimming in these places.

Let's understand eachother

WHY ARE YOU SCARED?

                                         (underwater videographer and a great white shark)


Start off by taking this survey, Why do we fear Sharks, and let us know how you feel about them initially!

Why we should not fear them:

While it is true that sharks are fearsome predators, the idea that they will take anything and everything is uneducated and the understanding that we humans are on their food chain is simply wrong. Perhaps some research will help ease your mind on the matter, read more on the subject here