Only a few dwellers of the deep strike as much fear and fascination as the sharks killing people. For decades, sharks have been the rebels of the seven seas thanks to sensationalized stories and stereotyping from movies and novels. The classic picture painted by the minds of seafarers has had the sea monster feared rather than revered giving their rep an injustice. Let’s set the record straight and dive in to find out if sharks are truly the grim reapers that they are or are they just misunderstood?
The Non-Human Diet – Sharks killing
The mere thought of sharks killing people can make an exciting blockbuster, but contrary to popular belief the sea creature is on a non-human diet. They attack humans due to poor water visibility and the urge to take exploratory rites. They mistake humans from their usual prey, which in most cases, fish or seals. Once they realize it’s not their usual diet, they’ll just leave you alone.
Victims or Suspects?
We humans flatter ourselves by thinking sharks lurk by the waters as we get our tan or while we playfully splash water in our bikinis. To be honest, they’re not that interested. In the year 2016, only sharks killing four shark-related deaths have been reported. This is nothing compared to how sharks are killed by the millions. A “shark attack” would only end up with a few hundred stitches or a loose leg or arm. Sharks don’t get that lucky when it comes to being stalked and hunted by their most formidable predator. They get finned then thrown overboard to drown, bleed to death or get eaten by other sharks.
Or Cops?
Being the apex predators that they are, sharks brings the marine ecosystem into full-circle by keeping the fish populations in check. Fishes then would overgraze and destroy large sections of the oceans. The marine realm would be in complete chaos. Sharks are keepers of the peace and order underwater. They sustain species diversity by eliminating the weak and the sick as is with keeping the equilibrium in the food chain.
Silver Bullet Solution
Explore universal shark populations and consider shark-human interactions and their influence on history and culture. These creatures are rapidly becoming endangered, and some are on the verge of extinction. If sharks were to vanish from the world’s oceans, the environmental consequences would be colossal. Our actions have directly, and indirectly, caused this injury; it is now up to us save them. Divers associate sharks with death because of sensationalized stories passed on over the years. Let’s not forget that the ocean is their natural habitat. We are only uninvited guests. Is it really fair to give them a bad rep?
Just Breathe Better Underwater
SIGN UP NOW MORE DIVING COURSES