Why riding whale sharks does not make you cool
by TheDorsalFin on Oct.06, 2009, under The Lighter Side
A video of some guy “riding” a whale shark hit Digg today. Sadly, this poorly-shot low-quality video will probably end up being viewed more times than some of the better whale shark footage that is already out there on the net, because it features "some crazy guy" and has already landed on Break.com, which has a fairly high number of viewers.
So, what’s wrong with a guy riding a whale shark? After all, a single human grabbing on to the back of a 40′ (12m) animal can’t possibly cause any physical harm to the animal can he? Well, probably not, but that doesn’t make the act any less disrespectful to the animal. I’ve seen people argue that if whale sharks really didn’t like people jumping on them, riding them, etc. that the sharks would just swim away. That might be true, but generally, whale sharks are on the lookout for food, and if they found a source of food, a pesky human might not trump the need to eat. Look at this way, if the only grocery store around had harmless gnomes, who climb on your back while you’re shopping for food, do you leave the grocery store hungry, or do you just put up with the annoying gnomes? I’d just tolerate the gnomes and not go hungry, but it wouldn’t make the gnomes any less annoying.
I can totally understand the temptation to jump in the water with a whale shark. I appreciate the experience as much as anybody. However, grabbing onto a whale shark is a completely different story (unless, apparently, you’re trying to impress your fishing buddies).
While it doesn’t really make the behavior in the video any less ignorant, at the end of the day, there are far worse things going on in the world than some guy harassing a whale shark. Most of us have done some ignorant and stupid things in our lives. I guess the difference is that most people don’t film those things and post them on the internet for the world to marvel at.
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Wild Aid shark conservation PSA featuring Olympic gold medalist Amanda Beard - The Dorsal Fin
October 6th, 2009 on 12:11 pm[...] TheDorsalFin on Oct.06, 2009, under shark conservation To counterbalance the stupid whale shark video posted earlier, I thought I’d re-visit one of WildAid’s excellent shark conservation [...]
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Whale sharks draw local tourists in Java - The Dorsal Fin
February 4th, 2010 on 6:22 am[...] While it’s great to see a positive interest in these animals, the interview with one of the tourists about her fears towards being near a “shark” (despite it being a filter feeder) is indicative of some of the common misconceptions that are out there when it comes to sharks, in general. Then again, the fact that the news anchor referred to the fish as “mammals” might serve as a better example of the lack of understanding towards these animals. My only other major complaint with the report is that the “tour guide” featured in the video is shown apparently attempting to ride a whale shark. [...]
October 10th, 2009 on 12:17 pm
Admittedly, it appears that the individual involved in this whale shark “ride” (and his friends) displayed less than a reverent attitude towards the magnificent fish, but it could have been much worse. In addition, I can certainly identify with the possibility of him being overcome with spontaneous enthusiasm. At the very least, the fishing party identified the species and didn’t attack it with some behavior reminiscent of Captain Ahab. The incident may not be worthy of praise, but perhaps infamy is a bit too harsh as well.
In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve been actively involved in trying to draw attention to the plight of whale sharks held in captivity at the Georgia aquarium where one can swim or dive with “the gentle giants” for a fee. The aquarium claims that its efforts promote useful research, but I believe that this interactive promotion is obviously exploitative and serves primarily to enhance attendance. It is my opinion that whale sharks, because of their migratory habits, are among the species that should be precluded from confinement by any aquarium intent on establishing a creditable level of scientific integrity. After all, we are not talking theme park here.
(http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/swimming_with_whale_sharks_at_the_georgia_aquarium/Content?oid=458484)
I’ve advocated for divers to resist this temptation and rely on the slight chance of a natural encounter in the open sea, an opportunity that I thought personally would never be realized. Much to my amazement a few months ago that exact scenario unexpectedly materialized.
While diving in Florida on a wreck I’ve frequented for years, a solitary twenty-five foot whale shark suddenly appeared. There were several divers in the water and the shark’s behavior was surprisingly social, as if seeking involvement. With both awe and respect the whale shark and divers began to interact. I could not resist the temptation to carefully touch, take hold and glide through the water propelled by the easy and powerful undulations of the shark’s movements. In the open water he was free to move on, but chose instead to repeatedly return motivated by what appeared to be his own curious nature. The shark was not feeding, but swimming effortlessly accompanied by his symbiotic following of remora and cobia.
Was my behavior and that of the other like minded divers involved questionable? Perhaps, but it may come down to attitude and intent.
Those I observed were gentle, respectful and cautious. If there were any displays of aggression or hostility they would have been quickly resolved. I would describe the encounter as both serene and exhilarating. A chance of a lifetime to interact with an animal I’ve admired and defended from afar.
Obviously a moment that won’t be forgotten and an opportunity to reach out to other divers, many of whom now have a new-found admiration for the species. Hopefully, they will recount their experiences with an attitude of respect that results in an increase awareness of perhaps a more significant issue; the plight of whale sharks held in captivity.