As visitors to the oceans, we have to accept a great deal of the responsibility for shark attacks.

I had read, and also heard about chumming being a contributory factor in shark attacks. There is however little evidence to prove or disprove this theory. It's just a theory built from obvious logic and the experiences of shark scientists.

Chumming is the practice of dumping dead fish and guts (chickens and other meats are used too) over the stern of a boat to attract the hunting sharks, however, it's more common now to use a heavily scented chum in a strong bucket (4-5 gallons) which is dragged behind the boat for hours on end. This has been very affective in all shark activities whether it's fishing, tourists looking at great whites/tigers or even for scientific research purposes. The simple and logical theory of attacks on humans by sharks involving chumming, is simply the presence of chum in the water with divers/tourists. This encourages sharks to feed with people in the water close by, all be it in cages. I feel that this is point is strengthened when a shark is teased. The chum is not always made available to the predator and is a tease. Not a good idea with a superior killing machine. A shark follows the scent of the chum only to find humans in cages or a tasty meal dangling from a boat. Of course there's going to be a hunger powered aggressive reaction. Personally I think there is some truth in this theory. Fisherman will (and do) argue that on return to port after fishing they are effectively chumming by dumping fish guts etc. whilst cleaning their catch. But they don't of course get in the water with any predators that are trailing along behind them......

Fishing.

Chumming of course is not entirely to blame. It's no secret that all oceans are over fished, this greatly affects everything in the sea.

If there's a shortage for a season or two, this can drive larger predators closer to the shoreline to hunt. The food chain below the waves is never ending, meaning that a penguin or seal not getting enough food in one region could effect the existence of a single celled organism miles down in the abyss thousands of miles away, and as incredible as it may seem this is how life exists on this planet. It's not split into little areas of good and bad food supplies, what happens in one continent will eventually effect another even though it make take many years to come to our attention, by which time it'll be too late. There are many marine biologists that have been looking at this for many years, but unfortunately studies and gathering information take time. Sadly putting the issues forward and proving to governments and fishing communities can take just as long. Some countries are banning fishing in certain areas and fish stocks do get a chance to recover, but it does need the whole world to take action to get a more acceptable result.

I'n not going to bang on about global warming, it does exist through natural causes as well as from human ignorance. The warming does have a profound effect on food supplies and breeding habits of the whole planet. Shifting currents and melting ice are a major issue. An iceburg recently moved trapping seal colonies and starving them of essential food. Whilst we can all play a part in slowing the warming effect, it's going to keep going.

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