1. DIVING WITH SHARKS SOME SAFETY TIPS SARASOTA FINS © 2015 www.sarasotafins.weebly.com

2. The following contains lists of basic principles that, if followed, will not only decrease your chances of encountering a sharks during your marine activities, but increase the odds of a safe ending for both the shark and humans, should you ever meet the world’s largest predatory fish.

3. KNOW THE RISKS ACCOMPANIED WITH SHARK DIVING  Sharks are wild animals, and sometimes can do unpredictable things. Depending the shark, the threats can be different (i.e. you have to watch our for a whale shark’s tail knocking you unconscious, but you have to make sure a tiger shark doesn’t chomp on some part of your equipment).  If you are not fully aware of the risks accompanied with shark diving, it’s probably best you don’t do it.

4. KNOW THE ENVIRONMENT YOU’RE DIVING IN  If you are diving in a known shark-inhabited area, it is always a good idea to carry a pole (even a PVC pipe will do) to use in case you need to fend off some curious sharks.  Be able to identify areas that can aid you in case of an encounter with a shark (i.e. a bottom with large rocks? Ideal to hang on to if a white shark is near the surface and by your boat).

5. ENTER/EXIT QUIETLY  Loud, erratic movements are likely to increase the shark’s curiosity, draw it closer to you and possibly send signals similar to an injured or distressed prey.  Instead of “jump in” to dive, how about rolling into the water (more silent)?  For exit, try not to splash too much while trying to get into the boat.

6. AVOID MURKY WATERS  Ideally, you want to see things while you’re diving. And we’re not just talking about sharks here.  Make sure visibility is rather good so you can be alerted to a shark’s presence well in advance to take precautionary measures.

7. KEEP GROUP NUMBER SMALL  Stay in a group- many sharks like to single out solitary individuals so stick with your buddy at all times.  A big group will be hard to keep track of. Try to keep group numbers smaller than 10.  Make sure your group stays together at all times, especially when sharks are present.

8. MAKE SURE YOU’RE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS  Make sure all of your group sees all sharks present. You can do this by tapping your buddy’s shoulder and pointing to the shark. Once your buddy have give the “ok” signal to signify they have seen the shark, make sure others see the shark as well. Alert ocean users around you in a calm manner.  Some sharks, especially in low visibility waters, can “sneak up.” Make sure none do by being aware of your surroundings (and not having your attention on, say, gobies throwing sand out of their burrows. I get it, it’s cute. But you’ve got bigger fish to watch.).  If you and your group feel uncomfortable around a shark, leave the water in a calm, swift and smooth manner. If the sharks are near other ocean users and you feel like it could be a problem, alert lifeguard or shark spotters (if your area has either).

9. OBSERVE THE SHARK’S BEHAVIORS & KNOW SHARK BODY LANGUAGE  Although sharks can’t talk, many can let you know when they’re tired of you being in their space.  Know the sharks you may encounter and see if they exhibit any of the follow aggressive behavior.

10. HOW TO LEAVE IF SHARK SEEMS TO GET AGGRESSIVE  Do not panic! Panicked, erratic movements may send signals similar to an injured or distressed prey.  Stay as calm as you can and smoothly swim away from the area.  Make sure you keep an eye on the shark at all times, so as not to lose it and suddenly have it appear in front of your face in the opposite direction (it’s not a pleasant scenario).  Use any equipment (like a camera) to create a “barrier” between yourself and the shark.

11. A SCENARIO + TIPS Oh crap! You’ve just encountered a great white shark, which is circling your boat with curiosity. What do you do?  Stay motionless on the bottom until the shark eventually leaves. In a group? STICK TOGETHER.  Once the shark leaves, quietly make your way up the water column, keeping all eyes on all possible directions (including down).  Surface as a group, back to back.

12. INFO FOR SPEARDIVERS  Understand that spearfishing is a high-risk activity when it comes to sharks. To decrease this risk, don’t dive/shoot fish close to big shark “hot spots.”  Only shoot fish in good visibility. That way, you can see if a shark is coming and take evasive action (surrender your fish! Your life is more important than your stash of fish!).  If diving from shore, keep your fish on a long stringer or buoy, so it’s not attached to you (which is just asking for trouble). If possible, try to remove the wounded or dead fish quickly from the water.  If a shark get too interested, use whatever inanimate equipment you have to fend off the shark.

13. INFO FOR BODY SURFERS/SURFERS  Despite the odds being low that you will encounter a shark while surfing, these activities do carry the risk of an unplanned encounter.  Try to use beaches with trained lifeguards or shark spotters. (Does your beach lack that? Suggest it to someone in charge.) Surf during the time these people are on duty; familiarize yourself with their signals and flags.  Take time to research if there has been any shark activity in the area recently.  Avoid surfing when the water is too murky for shark spotters/lifeguards to see (usually a black flag is flown).  Avoid surfing when bait fish, game fish and dolphins/porpoises are around. This could alert a shark’s curiosity.

14. DID YOU KNOW?  MYTH: When a dolphin/porpoise is around, a shark is absent. Sharks and dolphins/porpoises eat a lot of the same prey animals, so their presence does not indicate the absence of sharks!

15. INFO FOR KAYAKERS  Avoid areas that are known to be frequented by sharks, such as where they may congregate.  When approached by a shark, stop paddling and sit still.  Try to use a larger kayak (some sharks like to have an investigatory bite).  Paddle in groups (if going alone, let people know where you’re going, when you are leaving and when you plan on being back).  You could use your paddle to tap the shark on the nose if too close, but it may result in the shark biting it.

16. INFO FOR FISHERMEN  Do not throw chum/excess bait into waters where people are swimming.  Do not fish in heavily populated beaches where there are other ocean users.  Do not have your dead/injured fish on your person, as it may attract sharks.  Do not fish during dusk/dawn (a time sharks are known to be active).  Do not fish in murky water (you want to be able to see what you’ve caught).  Know your fishing laws (i.e. if you have caught a sawfish, release it back into the water as it’s against the law to keep and alert authorities).

17. SHARK DIVING = CITIZEN SCIENCE SharkBaseSharkBase is a global shark* encounter database, helping map the distribution and structure of shark populations worldwide. Log your shark sightings with SharkBase to help scientists better understand sharks! *includes all sharks, rays, and chimaeras