Stewart Island locals fight to ban shark cage diving

Stewart Island locals are scared. They’re desperately calling for government regulation of shark cage diving as some have noticed the great whites are becoming more aggressive 😱🦈

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[stephencook]

They’re not blaming the cage diving company for attracting the sharks. They’re blaming the cage diving company for changing the shark’s behavior.

[blueheelersunite]

I couldn't agree with you more. There have been studies overseas which definitely attributes Cage diving as dangerous

[happyandblessed]

There are loads of videos of poor Sharks getting stuck in cages and thrill seekers being bitten.
I think it's cruel and it should be banned.
It's not a spectators sport and these animals should be respected as the wolves of the sea.

[BonuxCouleur]

I feel for this man because he is fighting against a business and politicians are judged on their capacity to safeguard business and local employment. Money makers if you will which is fair enough. So what he probably has to do is try to get the regulators to follow the Australian example and create laws for cage diving operators to be obliged to operate 70ks off shore. Aussies use motorized cages now to fish for shells, I would definitely invest in one in this area.

[lifeisgood]

Good points made by the locals but great white sharks have always been around that area. The location and food source probably so theyll always be there. You cant go to a popular shark area and then think you should have the right to dive for paua and be able to swim. Better to ask to build a barrier or gate a section of the beach for swimming because shark cage businesses benefits the economy more than those locals complaining. With a place popular for having great whites no one should be using an inflatable boat, that should be banned.

[ConmouZ]

Who counts sharks into human populations 🤦🏼‍♂️

[brandonrichmond]

What about the fishing boats that have been illegally dumping unwanted by catch over board attracting sharks for years ?

[thatfishingfella]

Just paid $500 for a shark cage dive last week mate, definitely worth your grandkids legs

[BonuxCouleur]

"No one is responsible" I am not buying that one second, when you go to a construction site, the site manager is by Law responsible for visitors to follow the safety procedure, you have to watch an introduction video with safety regulations. I cannot see how it would not fall under Work Safe Govt simply because it is "cage diving". So what.

[bricky]

the locals r overreacting, its not like anyone has ever died as a result from a shark attack off stewart island and its not their water, those companies are allowed there and they dont interfere with the sharks, only showcase and educate ppl on them

[mollybaker]

I think everyone can have their own opinion. But I think that man is forgetting you cant make a animal stay in a certain area. Sharks are naturally curious and will come closer to shore where there is activity and schooling bait fish tend swim closer to shore as there is more resources for them. Also breeding grounds tend to be closer to the shore as it’s safer from other predators and strong currents.I could go on and on. Just remember it’s the sharks home so swimming in their home always has its risk regardless if your shark cage diving or swimming :)

[rndomst]

Are the locals upset that they missed the boat on this entrepreneurial cash cow?

[aaronbarlow]

Just don't go in the water. Watch Netflix on the couch.

[capitainebonhomme]

I thought sharks didn't like cold water !
so much for me feeling safe swimming in the ocean during the winter months !😮

[trollfeedingbot]

Unfortunately tourist dollars mean more than your lifestyle to the government.

[Anthony-fdlz]

They'll get Hungry when the boats leave. No swimming signs where predators are sighted, (yes of humans Barry.) Haven't you seen jaws? C'mon if 100 sharks were near your beach you can't say swim and enjoy New Zealand
Just save a life.

[Antipodean]

The old fella with his flanny done up is grasping at straws when saying the pointers regard boats as a feed. Pointers have been stealing fish from boats/fisherman since the dawn of time. Pointers are aggressive apex predators, been on earth for millions of years, it's an aggressive animal for surviving this long. If I knew there was 100 pointers there, I'll know not to go diving there or go out in a tiny boat

[nicknick]

You're not supposed to feed the bears

[F-or]

The kiwi way.

Anything to make money.