This entry was posted on Sunday, June 22nd, 2008 at 2:16 am and is filed under Adventure Cruises, Snorkeling, Snuba. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Photo courtesy Dr. Jack Randall
For many, just mention the word ’shark’ and images of the star of that big blockbuster hit in the 70s comes to mind. Yes, you know the one. The 20 + foot robotic, rubberized fish that scared millions and made even more for the writer and all involved, JAWS. How very interesting that Peter Benchley later said writing that book was one of the largest mistakes of his life and he became a huge advocate for saving a quickly dwindling worldwide population of great white sharks.
I suppose the thought of being chased and bitten by something is a large fear for many. Even your local postman will attest to having a phobia along those lines. You have also probably heard that one has a better chance of being killed by a falling coconut, than being bitten by a shark, providing you spend much time sitting under coconut trees. More people die every years of bee stings than there are folks bitten by a shark. The odds of being bitten by a shark are astronomical. If truth be known, you have a darn good chance of being bitten by any little fish out there if you are feeding fish, or snorkeling by someone who is. Most folks entering the ocean now days have the proper ocean ettiquette drilled into them by rental shops, and most snorkeling vessels’ conscientious staff is well versed in these rules as well. I had a cute little boy ask me once if there were a place where he could hug and pet a shark. (Absolutely adorable thought!) I suppose that would be a sure-fire way to receive a love bite if there is one.
So, will you even see a shark? Divers know the answer to that better than most. Not if the shark sees you first! In all the years that I’ve lived in the state and dove, snorkeled, boated, and swam, I have seen a shark, while in the water, only once! That small reef shark was accompanied by two others and all were cruising the sea floor in search of a yummy octopus, lobster, or reef fish. It was very disappointing since taking a picture of retreating tails is not my idea of the great photo. There are several dive spots where, although not guaranteed, a diver may get lucky enough to see, and maybe photograph a reef shark, your best bet would be at our local aquarium if you want a sure thing.
Many of you are probably breathing a big sigh of relief if you are coming to Maui to snorkel, and that is quite alright. However, the sad truth is that our planet’s shark population is under threat of becoming extinct in our lifetime, and that is something none of us want to have happen. Sharks play a vital role in the balance out in liquid space. Some shark species will eat carrion (dead, rotting animals), while others are specialists in turning over rocks in search of octopus and lobsters. Some eat other sharks, rays, turtles, and even sea birds. Sharks are a fascinating animal to study. One of the best things about sharks, especially for children is, it doesn’t matter what they are doing: sleeping, hunting, or just cruising around, they look cool just doing it.
Will you get to see a shark in Hawaii? Probably not. Grab your gear, camera, and no feeding the wildlife. You will be sure of observing colorful reefs, many types of little fish, and if you get lucky, maybe a turtle! See you out there.
July 3rd, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Sharks in Hawaii | Maui Snorkeling Trips…
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July 3rd, 2008 at 5:13 pm
Sharks in Hawaii | Maui Snorkeling Trips…
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