June 28: Sharks in Port Lincoln

One of the few areas in the world to shark cage dive is located in Port Lincoln, South Australia. This was about a six hour drive from Elyse’s apartment, but her family’s home is located in Port Lincoln so we left the night before. Although I did not shark cage dive, Elyse and I still visited Port Lincoln and spoke with one of the workers. I decided not to shark cage dive because of the expensive price and the chances of seeing any sharks were slim that day since shark seeing is not guaranteed with the purchase. 

            The company, Calypso Star, have advanced eco certification. This shows their ability to safely interact with the sharks while creating a deeper appreciation through tourism. The company is CO₂ neutral and fully offsets any CO₂ they will produce. They reduce carbon emissions by maintaining the boats to be in top shape, limiting air conditioning, having a combination tour not just one, and other ways.

            Elyse’s school, Flinders University, has a research group called the Southern Shark Ecology Group or SSEG. SSEG researches various information about sharks. Their goal is to research how humans and the climate threaten the animal. They also examine their movement patterns and work to assess the conservation status of different sharks. The company supports the research group and uses their findings to better understand the sharks’ movements. There is controversy whether or not shark cage diving is ethical, but the sharks are not harmed in any way and the findings are used for research purposes. Also, it is extremely beneficial for sharks when humans develop a better appreciation and understanding of them. The company also supports SARDI and CSIRO. The research is an ongoing process to help the public realize how misunderstood this animal is.

       They shark dive at the Neptune Island Marine Park and within their 25 years of experience, they have a perfect safety record. When shark diving, they use natural fish to attract the sharks which increases the interactions amongst the species! They also have professionals on board to make sure the sharks remain safe and do not run into the sides of the vessel.

            

This is from the Calypso Star Facebook page since I did not shark cage dive myself.