A top shark expert has identified key tips to avoid becoming fish food this summer.
Kathryn Curzon, the former international editor for The Scuba News New Zealand and co-founder of Friends for Sharks, outlined some simple tricks to remember when entering the water.
The experienced diver and writer previously lived in South Africa working with sharks and offered the tips for some extra piece of mind when entering the water.
Kathryn Curzon (pictured) outlined simple tricks to remember when entering the water
The top shark expert identified key tips to avoid becoming fish food this summer
It’s commonly understood many species of sharks hunt at dawn and dusk but Ms Curzon said choosing a time carefully to soak in the sea salt can be vital to avoiding predators.
‘By only diving in good light conditions during the day, divers can avoid sharks natural hunting times and ensure they are clearly seen; meaning less chance of a diver surprising a shark or being mistaken as a food object.’
Often when a shark sees a new object to investigate, they’re hesitant in their approach.
The shark-enthusiast made a point it is best to go diving with a group, especially when venturing to the depths of the ocean without a guide.
Choosing a time carefully to soak in the sea salt can be vital to avoiding predators
The experienced diver used to live in South Africa and worked with sharks
‘Diving in a group is a great way to ensure there are always pair of eyes looking for sharks and monitoring their behaviour, whilst also keeping an eye on other divers.’
As a trained scuba diving instructor and great white shark safari guide Ms Curzon knows all too well the vigilance required for venturing into the deep with dive gear.
The colour yellow is widely regarded as a ‘no-go’ as it is known to attack lurking predators.
‘Shiny cameras and jewellery, which can be mistaken for fish by a shark, should also be avoided,’ she wrote on Stuff.co.nz.
She said divers should consider keeping cameras close to their body and be aware that ‘the noise and light of flashes can attract sharks to investigate camera equipment closely’.
The shark-enthusiast made a point it is best to go diving with a group
Another tip she made sure to note was anyone who takes to the water with the intent on spearfishing, to make sure their catch bag isn’t kept to close.
Sharks maybe attracted to the blood in the water and divers run the risk of being bitten.
On that note, it is also a good idea to stay away from fisherman, or areas where sharks have been known to actively hunt.
She says water viability is another aspect to be aware of citing: ‘Diving in low visibility increases the chance of a shark not being able to identify a diver clearly and so potentially mistaking it for a food source.’
According to the international Shark Attack File in 2016 there were 84 unprovoked shark attacks worldwide.
Ms Curzon said the incident rate for attacks is much lower than what people suspect and through her own experiences of diving with sharks she has learned they are much calmer than first thought.