While similiar to invasive swim with the dolphins programs, “swimming” with sharks can have a negative impact on already depleted shark populations. Most fish and marine mammals rely on sound for communication, navigation, or detection of predators and prey. Loud noise like boat motors travels very efficiently underwater and can affect large areas. The effects of noise on sharks can range from changes in behavior to physiological damage (hearing loss). Sharks are also negatively impacted by boat traffic and the debris and pollution left behind—all leading to serious ramifications for shark populations.

CBS News did an in-depth report in June 2006 about swim with sharks programs. It detailed the problem of sharks growing increasingly accustomed to the presence of humans and learning to associate people and chum (food). As a result, local human populations may be put at risk while simply trying to surf or swim. As one South African local said, “Putting chum or bait in the water is domesticating a wild animal. It’s common knowledge: Don’t feed wild animals. Why is this the only wild animal you are allowed to feed in Africa, is a great white shark? It’s bizarre.” Indeed, shark attacks used to be virtually unheard of in the region. But there have been six in the past two years, and three people have died—two of them swallowed whole. As is often the case, many people blame the sharks for these incidents, and countless sharks have been slaughtered in “retaliation.”

People who care about animals and nature should shun any swim with program or touch tank display.

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