Shark Podcasts

The weekly podcasts deal with an array of questions revolving around sharks. A critical look is given from the viewpoint of an experimental shark behaviorist, conservationist, and professional educator to all aspects around them.

Episode 30: Noticing a shark

Whenever you notice a shark, be aware of its initial position: in front of you, to the side, or behind you. This is called the 'Origin,' part of the shark-human interaction concept ADORE-SANE. A shark's position relative to your body orientation, helps understanding its motivation and strategy.

Episode 29: Nervousness as part of ADORE-SANE

Whenever we get nervous among sharks, it seems that the animals are aware of that. At this time we can only guess how a shark is able to pick that up. Although we started to do some research on that topic in 2015 we are still far away to have a solid answer. Despite that there are some techniques to calm down when a shark is present, to have a good idea about the situation, what affects it the most and how to act or react when the situation progresses is still the best policy for every interaction with such an animal.

Episode 28: Understanding the situation you are in.

Understanding "S," the situation, of ADORE-SANE makes any interaction with a shark clear or at least one gets more sensitive to what the interaction might influence. Although "situation" is affected by all the other parts of ADORE-SANE, one can easily determine the most influencing factors by just looking around. The more one is aware what a situation with a shark influences the more enjoyable the interaction will be.

Episode 27: Don't swim in river mouths and estuaries

River mouths and their estuaries are one of the very few places where one should never go swimming, bathing or snorkeling. Due to the two different types of water mixing there and the dying off of plankton as a result to that, a lot of fish constantly swim in these areas which also brings in sharks. Considering the low visibility, together with the constant noise, a shark may swim right on top of a person before noticing. This episodes explains the most crucial factors when dealing with this type of water.

Episode 26: Swimming in the evening hours, what changes?

Swimming in the evening hours is no more dangerous than during daytime (when it comes to sharks) but a shark needs to get closer to check us out and that can increase a shark’s nervousness as well as ours (should we see the animal). Understanding how low lights influence approach patterns of sharks makes it easily understood why people are even more afraid of sharks during these hours than during daytime.

Episode 25: what to look for when at the beach

Whenever people are at the beach, they assume, since others are in the water as well, that no sharks are close by. Most of the time that is true but still: one has to look around, especially when close to or on a sandbar to make sure. Should a shark show up don’t try to get out of the water as fast as you can…

Episode 24: Freediving, part 2

Being among sharks while freediving is one of most incredible interaction with wild animals. But as thrilling and challenging some situations can be, it is important to always know how to withdraw should a shark come too close, or show too much interest. Likewise it is also paramount to know how to safely ascend with a shark in tow.

Episode 23: Freediving, part 1

Freediving is probably the most satisfying way to encounter large sharks. In order to make sure one can get closer, different dive techniques are described. The better a freediver is able to understand a shark’s swim pattern, and incorporate these dive techniques, the longer the contact time will be.

Episode 22: Snorkeling among sharks

Snorkeling can be used as the first conscious approach to get in contact with a shark. Whenever you attract a shark through snorkeling or possible end on top of one you can pretty much use the same techniques as a swimmer. Knowing what to do in close(r) vicinity of a shark is paramount to every successful encounter.

Episode 21: Swimming, techniques and recommendations

Swimmers attract sharks due to sounds created, as well as their position which is restricted to the surface. Unfortunately, swimmer hardly see these sharks since sticking one’s head below the surface won’t happen except for freestyle, but even there looking around is not a priority. In this episode a particual way of swimming is mentioned to increase field of vision, as well as other suggestions and techniques when sharks are close by, seen or not.