Episode 5 of Pat Callinan’s 4X4 Adventures was certainly a nail biter! My stomach was churning with nervousness as I watched Pat head further out into the deep blue, on the boat in search of sharks. Hold on… The boat was searching for sharks?! Yep – our Patski was bravely embarking on a shark dive! If you missed this episode last Sunday you can catch up on your MR4X4 App or on 10Play.
Pat’s shark dive
Most people are surely aware that if you’re wanting to participate in a shark dive, you aren’t going to DIY the experience. You’ll need to find a reputable company that knows what they’re doing and most importantly, can ensure your safety in the water. Pat’s dive was with Calypso Star Charters, a company located in Port Lincoln, South Australia. They use natural fish berley to attract Great White Sharks to their boat at the Neptune Islands Marine Park. No previous experience is necessary.
The price you pay to see Great White’s in the flesh is $560, which includes the $41 Visitor Use Fee payable to the Department of Environment and Water (DEW). In the event that you don’t get to see any Great White Sharks on your trip, the company will provide a $300 voucher to return within 12 months from the date of your unsuccessful tour. If you don’t want to plunge into the cage, you have the option of simply watching from the boat. Although Calypso Star Charters encourage everyone to give it a go, there’s no pressure.
Sharks existed before humanity
So after watching Pat jump into the cage and plunge into the sea to observe these creatures, it got us thinking about sharks. These magnificent creatures have patrolled the oceans for more than 400 million years. You might be surprised to learn sharks are older than both trees and dinosaurs! I certainly was.
According to Australian Geographic, there are 400 species of sharks found worldwide today, with roughly 170 of them inhabiting Australian seas. The most threatening species you may find on the Aussie coast is The Great White. The very shark that Pat was in the water with!
Look after the sharks
The Great White Shark was declared a protected species in 1996 by the NSW Government. This means it’s illegal to harm or have a significant impact on Great White Sharks in the Aussie waters. It goes without saying, but it’s also illegal to keep or sell shark parts including fins, teeth or jaws without appropriate approval. Great White Sharks also have protection status in South Africa, Namibia, Malta, the Maldives, Mexico and New Zealand.
One way you can ensure conservation of these great creatures is to reduce marine debris. This is anything from plastic bottles, to net cut offs. Plastic pollution is an ever-growing threat, thus the implementation of BYO reusable bags at Woolworths, paper straws and so on. We need to do our part and protect the ocean inhabitants from harmful rubbish.
Are you planning a shark dive soon? You’ll have to let us know how you get on if you do! Always feel free to shoot us a private message on Facebook or Instagram for a yarn.
