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What Are We Learning From Sharks
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The main purpose of our shark dives is observation, the first step into scientific discovery. Over the 50 years we have been scuba diving with sharks, there has been a lot of confusion and misunderstanding. As a direct result of these organized shark dives, we have learned more in the last 5 years than in the previous 45. Other than providing a food source, Stuart Cove and his team are doing everything possible not to interfere with the natural behavior of the sharks. You are cautioned that these are observations and not conclusions. These behaviors may not apply to sharks of different species in other parts of the world. Often what we are finding, is contrary to what we previously thought about sharks and occasionally, myths are being exploded.
Myth: Sharks are naturally aggressive toward divers.
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Aggressiveness is one of the most complex and difficult of all shark behaviors to analyze. Ask any fisherman or spearfisherman and he will attest to the aggressiveness of sharks. Shark aggression toward scuba divers is extremely rare. They are normally very cautious around divers in open water. We are finding that shark behavior toward divers is directly related to the diver behavior toward sharks. The most dangerous shark underwater is one that has been caught by line or has been physically harassed in some other way.
When sharks are being fed, they will search and "sniff" among divers for the food but, unless they are taught to do so, they will not normally feed directly from a diver.
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Myth: Sharks don't learn, but operate on instinct.
The previous answer already addressed this myth. We doubt very seriously that sharks can be taught complex behaviors like dolphins, but they sure learn bait box behavior in a short time. If we can modify a shark's feeding habits from what they have developed over millions of years, who knows? Perhaps we can teach sharks other things, too.
Myth: Sharks are unpredictable.
The catchword for sharks has always been that they are unpredictable. So is the family dog. Unpredictable is a relative word. We are finding, with both Reef and Silky Sharks, is that they are probably no more unpredictable than most wild animals and certainly are in line with most marine species. We have watched them display expected behavior time and time again.
Myth: Sharks will eat anything.
Maybe, if they're starving, but under normal circumstances sharks probably have more discerning tastes than previously thought. The well fed New Providence sharks have turned into real food critics. For example, they definitely prefer Wahoo over Barracuda and Barracuda over jacks. They like grunts and snappers the least. We find it interesting that our regularly fed sharks will not accept rancid food.
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Myth: Free swimming sharks must keep moving.
Well, we know about bottom dwelling sharks such as Nurse Sharks and about "sleeping sharks," certain species that lie in caves, caverns, and potholes for short "naps". But, did you know that sharks can be put asleep? Although this is an induced behavior, I think it is one of the most important discoveries made by Stuart Cove and his team. "Tonic immobility," as it is called, is accomplished with a deft maneuver, holding and curving the shark's tail, turning it over and holding the dorsal fin with the other hand. The shark then relaxes and can be held still for a period of several minutes without harm to shark or diver.
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Myth: You can't dive safely with sharks when they are feeding.
This is the last great myth. Fifty years ago it wasn't safe to go diving because of sharks. Twenty five years ago it wasn't safe to go night diving because of sharks. Granted, if you told us ten years ago that groups of sport divers would be intentionally baiting and chumming for sharks underwater as an organized activity, I'm not sure I would have believed it.
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