Why you should not fear sharks

Sharks are older than dinosaurs. And there over 500 species of them. The majority of them live in warm, shallow coastal waters. Or deep, colder oceans. The terror of sharks is shared by millions. But we pose more threats by accidentally catching, illegally hunting and poaching them. See why you shouldn’t fear sharks, but respect and protect them instead here…

Get Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Are sharks dangerous?

Only three species of shark are considered to be dangerous to humans. These are the great white shark, the tiger shark. And the bull shark. These large predatory sharks are found in waters shared by people so this increases the risk of an encounter.

How many people die from shark attacks?

The average number of people killed each year by sharks is estimated to be between four and six. And that’s all over the world. The number of shark attacks in 2016 was recorded at 81. Less than any fatalities from car accidents or heart attacks. You actually have a one in 3.7 million chance of being killed by a shark.

Why do sharks attack humans?

The chances of getting attacked by a shark are extremely low. Research has shown that people aren’t intentionally hunted for food. Although theories have suggested that mistaken identities are the cause for attack from below the water, it’s thought that most are investigations using teeth.

Why are sharks afraid of dolphins?

Sharks hunt on their own. Dolphins travel in groups. And will rush to defend each other when a shark poses a threat. Dolphins can move quickly, and are extremely agile. The dolphin snout can be used as a thick, bony battering ram to cause serious internal injuries to any attacker. Large orcas will hunt great white sharks when food is scarce.

How many sharks are killed per hour?

11,000 sharks are killed every hour. And that works out at 100 million sharks being killed over a year. Higher estimates have given that figure to be 270 million sharks killed annually. Mainly for soup.

Be Shark Savvy

Harmless sharks include three of the largest species. The whale shark, basking shark, and megamouth shark are all filter-feeders. And they live on a diet of mainly plankton.
Sharks have highly refined senses. Electromagnetism, taste, sight, smell, hearing, and touch are all used to make them skilled hunters. As top predators they keep in check populations of prey species to keep the ecosystem balanced.

If you swim in the ocean you need to:

• Keep away from spots that are notorious for large sharks
• Swim in groups
• Avoid swimming at twilight or at night
• Only swim in clear water
• Not panic, splash, or kick if you see a shark

Why Sharks Need to be Protected

Once you know that sharks don’t pose a threat, and are vital for the health of the world’s oceans and eco-systems you’ll be interested to know that:

• Sharks have the job of grooming marine populations so they don’t overpopulate
• They kill sick and weak fish that could otherwise spread disease
• A strong immune system means they are resistant to cancer and this discovery can be used in medical research for cancer cures
• They have their own personalities and temperaments, depending on the species
• Because of the fin trade many species of shark are now listed as endangered
• The loss of sharks would have a massive negative impact on oceans eco-systems

Shark Tourism and Conservation

Millions of pounds are now being spent in island and coastal economies encouraging the idea that sharks are worth more alive than dead. The introduction of shark conservation measures is spreading awareness. And many restaurants are now taking shark fin soup off the menu.
Some marinas have outlawed the landing of sharks. And shark fishing is becoming increasingly operated with catch and release principles. Shark focused marine reserves have been set up with the aid of international trade agreements.
Specialised fishing gear is being used to catch potentially dangerous sharks and move them to ocean areas with fewer swimmers and surfers. Shark working groups are continually educating the public. And shark sightings are being closely monitored and reported. Infrared cameras mounted on drones are the latest technologies being used to provide extra information on shark tracking.

Get the Experience of a Lifetime

Bull shark diving with Koox Diving is an adventure not to be missed. Advanced Open water certification is what you need to take part. Bull sharks can be large – weighing up to 130kg and reaching lengths of 2.4m. And they’re commonly found in the reefs of the Caribbean waters.

You’ll be picked up and taken to the perfect dive spot. In the early morning you’ll see stocky sharks with broad, flat noses that resemble a bull. Hence the name. The sharks are all in their natural environment and you’ll be filled with that adrenalin rush as you safely get up close and personal!