Shark bait
Ocean and shoreline watermen and waterwomen have an obligation to be stewards of our ocean. Native Hawaiians and long-time ocean users have learned from our kupuna and from years of ocean use to respect all creatures of the ocean and to recognize the ocean food chain. The habits and role of each species are learned.
That acquired and learned knowledge produces the conclusion that the environment must not be disturbed so that our keiki will enjoy the same ocean we do.
Federal and State laws prohibit shark feeding to create a viewing site in the ocean waters of Hawaii. We know that our sharks congregate at a feeding site and during non-feeding periods they forage for food. Regular shark feeding increases the shark population in the general area. The increase in shark population causes the area of shark foraging to expand. Expansion means sharks move closer to surfing venues and areas used by divers, spear fishermen, swimmers, snorkelers and other ocean users.
Furthermore, feeding sharks acclimates them to humans and this causes them to lose their natural fear of humans.
It is critical to see the big picture: Drawing sharks closer to shore will inevitably result in more shark attacks. It’s not a matter of if it will happen– in areads where illegal shark feeding is occurring it is a matter of when. The negative psychological effects on ocean users who are in ocean waters where shark feeding is taking place should also be considered. Would you like your son or daughter to surf or dive near waters where illegal shark feeding is occurring?
Areas of Australia use shark nets to protect ocean users. Those areas are less popular for tourism. Is it in the best interest of Hawaii to risk creating a similar negative image? More important, how do we as a community console a family who has a member maimed or killed by a shark? It is simple and clear, shark tours, which rely on shark feeding in the waters of Hawaii, have to be stopped.
George Downing
Honolulu
