Shark tourism

Shark tourism is a form of wildlife tourism that involves tourists visiting areas to observe or interact with sharks. This form of tourism has grown in popularity over the years due to the increasing interest in marine conservation and the thrill of encountering these creatures in their natural habitat.

History

The history of shark tourism can be traced back to the late 20th century when the first commercial shark diving operations began. The industry has since grown, with numerous locations around the world now offering shark tourism experiences.

Types of Shark Tourism

There are several types of shark tourism, including cage diving, shark feeding, and shark watching.

Cage Diving

Cage diving is a type of shark tourism where tourists are lowered into the water in a protective cage to observe sharks up close. This form of shark tourism is particularly popular with Great White Sharks due to their size and reputation.

Shark Feeding

Shark feeding involves divers feeding sharks in order to attract them for tourists to observe. This practice is controversial due to concerns about altering the natural behavior of sharks.

Shark Watching

Shark watching is a less intrusive form of shark tourism where tourists observe sharks from a boat or from the shore. This form of shark tourism is popular in areas where sharks regularly come close to the shore.

Impact on Conservation

Shark tourism has the potential to contribute to shark conservation by raising awareness about the threats facing sharks and generating revenue that can be used for conservation efforts. However, there are also concerns that some forms of shark tourism, such as shark feeding, can have negative impacts on shark behavior and ecosystems.

Popular Locations

Some of the most popular locations for shark tourism include South Africa, Australia, and Hawaii. These locations are known for their large shark populations and established shark tourism industries.

See Also

• Wildlife tourism
• Marine conservation
• Ecotourism