Shark Affection: Why?

Welcome back to the channel and welcome back to the incredible Tiger Beach in that Bahamas. Today, I want to dive into the fascinating topic of showing affection towards lemon sharks and tiger sharks.
Let's start with this remarkable video of the renowned shark expert, Jim Abernethy, gently interacting with a lemon shark. As you can see, he's even able to carefully pick up the shark, an invaluable skill when removing fishing hooks from these animals.
Now, some might say, "No way! Leave them alone!" But here's why we engage in these interactions in highly controlled, professional situations - and that's the key. We have undergone countless hours of extensive training to understand shark behavior and ensure the safety of both the animals and our team.
When you're in the presence of these majestic creatures, you're entering their world, and anything can happen. That's why we approach every encounter with the utmost respect and caution.
Here at Tiger Beach, we view our interactions as a crucial interface between humans and sharks. For far too long, these incredible animals have been portrayed by much of humanity as mindless, vicious killers. But if our responsible interactions can shatter even a few of those misguided perspectives, it's absolutely worth the effort.
Make no mistake; this is dangerous work. We are highly trained professionals, but the risks are ever-present. I would never recommend these interactions to anyone who isn't fully devoted to the study and conservation of these animals. It's not something to put on a bucket list.
People often express immense love and admiration for gentle giants like manatees, and rightly so. We should never touch or disturb them in the wild. But sharks, despite their perceived fearsome nature, are equally deserving of our respect and protection.
Sadly, some have even commented that a hooked shark deserves its fate. But imagine the outcry if a land animal had a hook in it.
So, that's the reasoning behind our affectionate interactions with these incredible creatures. If you appreciate our mission, please subscribe to our KZbin channel and follow us on Instagram. And if you'd like to learn more about forging connections with sharks, check out this video...

[@a.e.l.5364]

I think the sharks look at the affection (especially rubbing and scratches) as a type of preening. The trained shark divers give them benefits like getting hooks out, and soothing rubs and scratches.

[@pamelapope859]

I agree 100% I admire everyone who is able to do this kind of work. I love sharks

[@spaceshark]

As people watch and react to this video - I want to make sure the following point is made: this is the first time people are seeing something like this with a shark - but it takes a pioneer like Jim Abernethy to show it can be done - and to make the point that sharks need to be seen differently. Which brings up Stingray City in the Cayman Islands - it is the premiere interface between people and marine animals - it generates tourism dollars for the Cayman Islands and inspiration for tourists. It's estimated that each living Stingray brings in $500,000 a year to the Cayman Islands. I've documented the scientists who work there (the longest running annual marine survey on the planet each ray is chipped like a dog or cat). Even with all the tourists touching and interacting with the rays, the population thrives - and was even fine during Covid when no one was there. A living shark divers can see - and perhaps interact with - is worth more than a dead shark. I hope this video has helped make that point.

[@zodiaczodiac3013]

Warum greift der Hei dich nicht an?

[@mochiboy7750]

why would it attack? We're not their food source​@@zodiaczodiac3013

[@ravenfoxwild5200]

Beautiful ❤ so very miss understood❤ Keep uo the great work❤ Prove to the world we need to learn to appreciate these wonderful predators ❤

[@spaceshark]

thank you.

[@denisegomes601]

You guys are amazing in caring for these beautiful beings. It's such a joy to watch your videos. I thank you on behalf of the sharks ❤❤❤

[@spaceshark]

🙏 thank you

[@user-if7nu7yx4k]

Я радуюсь за вас,что вы очень отважные.У акулы появились новые друзья❤

[@bransonc5559]

Sharks are like vultures of the ocean/strategic hunters.. imagine our land without vultures or scavengers to clean up the carcasses of the fallen… it’d be very fowl to live on land🤷🏻‍♂️

[@spaceshark]

exactly...

[@pamelapope859]

I don't know why people would call sharks killers and monsters, Man kills more people than sharks do and I would trust a shark more than a human. When you swim in the ocean you are the shark's home and people should respect the ocean and the sharks. I hope and pray that someday people will take some time out to learn more about these magnificent and beautiful animals. I love sharks and hope to one day go abroad on a dive boat so I can see one.

[@spaceshark]

Thank you - I grew up wanting to do this… you’ll do it. It’s critical work. 😎😎🦈😎😎

[@pamelapope859]

@@spaceshark The work you do is critical. With all the finning and just the killing for sport has gotten way out of control. I want to do my part to try to help save them somehow. I am bound and determined to see one and I will do it. Thank you so much for all you do for sharks. I have been doing a lot of research on my own and have learned so much.

[@pamelapope859]

@@spaceshark I sure will. I am bound and determined to do this. I want to go see my Emma, Well, Jim's Emma lol. I wish she was mine lol. It will be a real blessing and a dream come true😄

[@MauroMeneguzzi-tf2jf]

Eles são animais incríveis lindos no mar parece que ele está sentindo uma sensação de um amigo seu lado 🆗️🇧🇷👍😁❤️🚹🐋

[@spaceshark]

Thank you so much