American Morning
Shark attack victims push for shark protection
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/07/16/mike.coots.surf.art.jpg caption="Mike Coots, who was attacked by a shark while surfing off the Hawaiian island of Kauai in 1997, now surfs with a prosthesis after losing his leg in the attack."]
A group of shark attack victims is lobbying Congress this week to protect the very animals that attacked them.
Two of those survivors, Mike Coots and Debbie Salamone, spoke to John Roberts on CNN’s “American Morning” Thursday.
John Roberts: What are your personal experiences in terms of shark attacks? Mike, tell us what happened to you.
Mike Coots: I was bitten by a shark in Hawaii a few years back. And just realizing that they play such an important role in our marine ecosystem. People ask me all the time, “You must be so mad at sharks, you must just hate sharks, do you want to kill sharks?” And stuff like that. I've just come to realize they're out there, they predate the dinosaurs, and we’re in their environment. I have no hatred whatsoever for the animal and feel they really play an important part in our environment.
Roberts: A little more detail on your attack. You were surfing off of Kauai. What happened?
Coots: It was early in the morning in October. I was paddling out with some friends and it was pretty quick. I paddled for a wave. The shark came up from under me and grabbed my leg and did the rag doll thing. It was over quicker than I thought. And it was done. I looked at my leg and my leg was completely gone. Went to the beach and my friend tied a tourniquet, stemmed the bleeding and saved my life. They took me to the hospital. I woke up from surgery, went through rehabilitation and back in the water.
Roberts: What about you Debbie? You were in the Canaveral National Seashore in Florida. What happened?
Debbie Salamone: Right. I was just wading and all of a sudden, a shark came up from behind me and grabbed my foot. There was a bit of a struggle and I was able to get away, but it severed my Achilles tendon and tore my heel loose. So same thing as Mike: rehabilitation. But I’m just as good as new now.
Roberts: It was a long time for you to go back in the water after several operations and rehabilitation. How did you feel about sharks right after your attack?
Salamone: I was not a big fan of sharks, I have to say. It took me a while to get over somewhat of an animosity. I saw it more as a test of my resolve because I felt very strongly about the environment before this happened, so I was able to really see this as a test of my commitment to my feeling for environmental conservation. As a result, I sought out work with the Pew Environment Group, which has a big emphasis on marine and a committed global shark conservation campaign.
Roberts: That is a big turnaround in attitude. This week, you and seven others went to Congress to lobby them for a bill that would ban finning. Tell us what this is and why you are so against it.
Salamone: Shark finning is a very brutal process where they slice the fins right off the shark. Oftentimes, the shark will be dumped back into the water, even alive. It’s a very profitable business. These fins can bring up to $300 per pound and we are losing enormous amounts of sharks to this practice. Up to 73 million sharks every year are killed just for their fins. And we’re hunting some of these species to extinction. It's going to have dire consequences for the entire ocean ecosystem.
Roberts: Mike, do you think you bring an instant credibility to this issue because of your experience?
Coots: Yeah. I think just the irony of the situation makes for wonderful press. But who else for an advocate for sharks than someone who's been bitten by a shark? I think it's a great idea and I’m glad to be a part of the Pew Environment Group and hopefully we can make a difference in Congress.
Roberts: So in other words, I guess, the issue is bigger than the two of you, right?
Coots: Yeah, it’s way bigger than the two of us. It's absolutely incredible, just the amount of sharks being killed.
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Anyone interested in this topic should read Peter Benchley's non-fiction book, "Shark Trouble." He vividly explains why we should care about sharks and why it would be Very Bad if they were hunted to extinction.
Yeah.
Just know this: all the animals that are hunted for sport will become severely threatened, endangered, or extinct in the future years. It happens with every animal: the big cats, passenger pigeons, whales....etc.
What I say is just for people to QUIT hunting! Play some football instead! Hunting for sport isn't a very good thing for our environment.
And Tom: Sharks killing seals is part of the food chain. It happens in nature! God created it this way, so just let it happen. When the seal population goes down, take them to zoos and captivity to breed them, then send them in the wild again!
Hunting for sport is a whole different thing. It's not part of the food chain! It's not part of nature! Sure, the indians and some early colonists did it, but they NEEDED the animal's parts!
Sharks are in much more danger from humans than we are from them. Shark finning is a very wasteful practice which will end up destroying the marine environment. We do not yet know or comprehend the damage that could be caused by this wasteful practice. Sharks are magnificent creatures and do not deserve the pain and agony they suffer through shark finning. Sharks are not a threat to humans.....do you ever see sharks coming up on land, slicing off our hands and feet and leaving us in the desert to die??
Tom from N.Y., I like your style.
There is already "Shark Protection" practices in place...It's called LAND!!!
I must agree with the points made about dumping good shark down the drain. If I killed it and its an animal I'll probably try to eat it or extract something from its "Majestic" Form.
I appreciate animals, and I appreciate their taste and the things we can make out of them.
As for the children. I thank god every day that my forefathers started to dominate nature long ago. Otherwise there would be many animals just killing us all the time in the woods. Now the trees are lined up in neat rows and the animals are caged for our entertainment. Is it not wonderous the things we can do.
This report is nothing to shake your fist at, goes heads and tails above all others, isn't worth losing your head over and does nothing to help find Nemo....
Tom from NY: You are unreal. Human life > Animal life? Who told you that? God? People like you always remind me of the old saw – If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem. You aren't PART of the problem dude, you ARE the problem.
Viagra is Tiger penis soup. Where do you think western medicine comes from Honkeys.
I think that shark hunter is correct. This planet belongs to us now for power is quite simply the first virtue. I care not for other life, unless I know them personally. Humans First. We should be dominating this planet. I feel that there is a place for nature and that place is "within our complete control". Many will say it is not possible, however if you look at what we have done...Mount Everest was once insurmountable and now there is a line when you get to the top. One day we'll hollow it out and turn it into apartments. We are deeper in the ground and the ocean than ever before. We are one giant monster and I am proud of what ever have done. The very electrons that surround everything serve me as I type this out to you.
Its all necessary and we shall eat, ravage, and reproduce as we were programmed just as any other competing organism.
Perhaps we shall even conquer death. Then we can tear ourselves from this world and take others.
As the man on the Oatmeal Box says: GO HUMANS GO!
I have no clue how jhr's comment was posted and some others which are totally racist. However, to the ignorant few out there, shark fin soup is not eaten as an aphrodisiac. The soup is just eaten to promote general health and well being.
Moreover, at least the animals that are killed are used, unlike how in other cultures, an animals death is merely for sport under the name of "population control". Before you begin criticizing the over thousand year practice of other nations, you should take a good look at your own.
Tom in NY – Every animal or insect on our planet is important. Sharks are like the garbage trucks of the oceans. Every species has a significant part whether as predators or target.
Nature is cruel. Sharks eat seals and while we might not like it, that's just the way it is. Humans eat animals. That's also cruel.
I applaud these folks for standing up for the sharks. We swim and snorkel and dive in their backyard. We take a chance and sometimes we get hurt or killed. That's life.
I'm happy to see many of the comment reflect that most of us do 'get it', how important every species is and the lost of one because of man's involvement is very disturbing. If you don't 'get it', then at least try not to 'contribute to it'.
Every seal I've ever known deserved to get eaten by a shark.
Tom from NY – hopefully you live in some isolated part of NY like Rochester, with no plans to leave – EVER. You are a complete waste of space. What a total ignoramus.
Can someone please explain why protecting the shark is helping the environment? These things are at the top of the food chain. That is equivalent to saying the lack of human activity is disruptive to the ecosystem.
The environment will get along just fine without sharks. Those who study these things have yet to give an environmental impact study as to what would happen if their numbers dropped significantly.
Why can't you say the same thing about us? Look what we do to beef cattle, pigs, chickens, turkeys, etc.
Everybody needs to eat, Tom.
What do seals do to fish?
It's called the food chain.
While we're saving the sharks, let's all make a bonfire and gather around and smoke some hasish. You guys are all dumb. The argument that we "are in the shark's own backyard and deserve what is coming to us if we invade their space" is the same reasoning those hillbillies use to shoot or kill anyone who trespass without question. Also, yes sharks were here before us so we should "concede" the waters to them? That doesn't make sense. The Native Americans were here in the Americas first, so let's give them back the land.... No? I didn't think so.
Alistair is the only one right here. Crying over sharks please.
To those who act like sharks are so important, how have so many species of animals become extinct, and yet life still goes on? This pattern seems to tell me if every shark died today, life would still go on.
I understand how people can love dogs/cats, they can be loving animals, but sharks just swim aroud looking to bite/kill something. Why so much love for them? They are vicious creatures, check out what they do to innocent seals.
Grilled shark is yummie ...
China is polluting the planet, don’t’ want to curb CO2 emission, exterminating marine life, oppress ethnic minorities, oppress its own citizens,…and entire West is turning a blind eye to all that, because of their purchasing power…Well we don’t deserve anything better if we easily sacrifice our morality, our principles, our planet’s future for the power of China’s consumer market.
Tom, it is people like you that are running this beautiful planet into the ground.
I'd rather 203843084238409283 sharks die, then 1 human. Human Life>Animal Life.
Sharks are dangerous, violent creatures who have killed/maimed 100's of people. 8234390 animals have gone extinct, yet something else takes over their part of the food chain and life moves on. So even if every shark was eliminated, the world would not end. It didn't end after thousands of species have died out. I don't see the value of having something around that can kill our children/family/friends.
Go ahead and get angry, but I actually care about humans, not animals that can kill humans.
mike at 417pm: you need to get a clue. there are quotas for a reason, not just to put fishing families out of business. maybe the government should just let all fishing families fish their hearts out until the stocks are so depleted that there are no more fish to fish? don't get me wrong, my heart goes out to those families that have been fishing for generations and suddenly have to find another means of income mid-life. but responsible fishing is also important too and the stocks have to be protected so that they are still there in future generations. the real problem is when a country enforces a quota and then international boats continue to fish in your waters thereby continuing to deplete stocks...
Finning is without a doubt one of the most horrendous things I have ever seen in my life. I simply cannot comprehend how people are able to do this to living creatures. Personally, if I step on an ant it sends shivers down my spine. To be able to mutilate such a majestic creature as the shark is just beyond me.
Something needs to be done about this horrible practice. I forget the name of the documentary about shark finning, but I saw it recently and I was in tears. I could not believe what I was seeing.
I wish there were more I could do to stop these savages.
I'm a shark, and I don't much care for humans. I find them rather bony and bitter. Unfortunately, because of my cholesterol problem, I can't touch the plump ones.
We are systematically destroying our planet and the species, including humans, that inhabit it. When will we learn that we need to co-exist with all species? The ocean is a shark's natural environment. If we choose to go swimming in it, you take a chance of being bitten by a shark. If you don't want that, swim in a pool. I swim in the ocean with the understanding that something could happen to me; and if it does it is my fault because it is my choice. Finning sounds barbaric. We need to learn to love nature in all forms; fear it if it is truly dangerous and respect that fear and stay away from the danger. I live in South Florida...I am not about to go swimming where there might be water moccasins. I do swim in the Keys where there are sharks and barracudas. You take your chances. We are so blessed with this Earth we have been given; please respect it, take care of it and do not destroy our children's futures.
I expected to read a lot of comments about how much sharks are insignificant to the planet but am pleasantly surprised to see that a lot of people think otherwise. Millions of sharks are killed every year in various ways, but one thing all these deaths have in common is humans. I was fishing in FL last month and my mother caught a baby shark .She was annoyed at me for cutting the barb off so I could easily remove shark from hook, but I knew this would cause less damage to the shark. Sharks should be revered, they are VITAL to the planet. Shark tournaments should either be done away with or catch & release. It is a waste when a shark is killed just so it can be weighed. Most sharks aren't eaten but just either dumped dead back in the ocean or as Dolber said, in a dumpster. What a waste.
Well said JT.
I'm really glad to see this happen. You can't destroy the top predator of the ocean and expect it to be okay.
Education is the key here and I'm sorry to say that Asian Markets are killing many species, not just sharks. Rhinos, Whales, Moon Bears, and Tigers to name a few have all been hunted for their medicinal properties and cultural folklore (many of these because they are considered aphrodisiacs).
Until you educate the consumer then the demand will always exist. Have to really start with kids. Unfortunately I don't think these species will survive another generation.
Good work PEW for the great idea and thanks to CNN for reporting on this.
Tedra, maybe you'd be employed if you'd stop screwing around on the internet.Ever think of that, crybaby?
You people all need to get a clue, the problem we have in the fishing industry today is we have to many people like the ones on here posting about commercial fishing who just don't know any of the facts. The facts are here in the U.S. we do have strict quotas which have and are continuing to put many generations of families out of business. Finning is illegal by the way in the US however you can cut all the fins you want as long as the body is landed as well under the quotas set fourth by National Marine Fisheries Service. The commercial seafood business is the lifeline to many generations of families along small coastal towns in the U.S. and has plenty of its own sceintific research that it has paid for, to try and keep green folks that just hear about asians eating shark fin soup from putting them out of business. So before all you folks start with how bad commercial fishing is do some research and not just what you see on animal planet.
Watch Sharkwater http://www.sharkwater.com/
Amazing documentary, but it makes you really despise being part of the human race. We are a pretty twisted species.
"There are these things called shark attacks, but there is no such thing as a shark attack. I have never seen a real shark attack. I know you’re making a weird face as you’re reading this. OK people, a shark attack is not what we see on TV and what people portray it as.
We’re humans. We live on land.
Sharks live in water.
So if you’re swimming in the water and a shark bites you, that’s called trespassing. That is not a shark attack. A shark attack is if you’re chilling at home, sitting on your couch, and a shark comes in and bites you; now that’s a shark attack. Now, if you’re chilling in the water, that is called invasion of space. So I have never heard of a shark attack." -Gilbert Arenas (Washington Wizards)
Shark Hunter: I like your use of reverse psychology.
China needs to lead the ban on finning as their the number one consumer.
If they refuse than the world needs to intervene.
This is beyond being worried about being politically correct.
Ban or Boycott.
I like shark fin soup – it's delicious. Surfers are stupid – dressing like like seals (in wetsuits), then crying when getting bitten.
I'm sharks are getting some positive press rather than the usual 'killer shark' press. The public needs to be educated about the various types of sharks and that not all are killing machines. actually, none are killing machines – they just act by natural instinct. If one person does something bad it doesn't make all people bad, but if there is one shark attack, suddenly all sharks are bad...
Shark finning is a serious matter. I work with sharks and they are more afraid of us than we are of them. But think about it: Sharks live in the enormous oceans and most have not seen a human so do you think they know what we are when they see us? They assume we are food. The biggest sharks (ie great whites, tiger sharks, etc) loooove to eat seals and to see what looks like an injured seal (ie a surfer splashing around at the top of the water) looks like an invitation to a great meal. When they bite into the diver, they realize it is not what they expected and they are out of there almost as fast as the human would like to be. Also, some sharks, especially tiger sharks, are very curious and will inspect strange things with their mouths. But have you ever seen their teeth?? I wouldn't want to be bitten by a shark, personally. But the ocean is their domain. Would you play in the middle of a pride of lions?
Sharks don't eat people, at least not live ones. They problem comes when you lose an excessive amount of blood. More people are bitten by other humans than by sharks. More people are killed by coconuts, elephants and vending machines than by sharks...
A good quote to go by is by Baba Dioum: In the end, we will only conserve what we love. We will only love what we understand and we will only understand what we are taught. It's so true...
you want protection from sharks? stay out of the water.....its their home not yours idiot
lets just ban idiots
You all are missing the real point. Sharks are our natural enemy. It's them or us. Sharks must be eradicated, erased from nature, and their memory should be violently suppressed and forgotten.
It is written in Scriptures, Gospels 32:14 - "Yea, do not harken unto the shark, for he is your enemy. Shun him, drive him from the seas. He is the darkness upon the water."
You people disgust me. You will destroy us with your mamby pamby opinions! I'm gonna order three bowls of shark fin soup ... just to upset you all.
Finning should not be banned a lot of animals are being killed but with this we get a 2 for one deal. Sharks are dangerous and the amount of shark attacks must be mitigated regardless of their "human nature."
Did you know that vending machines are responsible for more deaths a year than sharks? True story. Not to mention, dogs kill several hundred thousand people a year and what, five shark related deaths? We really need to rethink our priorities.
Remove the sharks and you take a link out of the web of life and that leads to problems for the earth and its inhabitants. People have to understand that you take risks in all walks of life, walking, swimming etc. That is just part of living in this world!
Sharks have a role in the survival of mother earth and so do humans!
The big fish eats the little fish FOR DUMMIES!!! I think they may have a new title coming soon!!!
What would happen to the ocean if we kill all the sharks ?
I always get such a kick out of the anti-business sentiment I see on stories like this.
I assume you all are posting using your inexpensive dial-up connection on your 10 year old Mac from your hippie commune while pedaling a stationary bike to supply the energy?
You all whine about business and then use the fruits of capitalism to do it. You do know what that makes you, I assume? Starts with an 'h' if you need a hint.
And by the way, I do applaud these two for their commitment to shark conservation. You CAN be a capitalist and a steward of the environment despite what your bozo college prof has been telling you.
My thoughts exactly George and Bob! And if Tedra is so worried about the economy, you better worry about the loss of ecosystem because its already affecting jobs!...Are you an anchor Tedra? Just curious.
What about chicken? Do they deserve to live one on top of the other, fed hormones, and then mutilated? huh?
I think Alistair was being sarcastic. Also, dp – when you call someone an idiot, make sure you don't sound like an idiot yourself. It's "YOU'RE," not "your."
Finning? Never heard of this but it is horrible- what are the fins used for? Are they eaten? Why not keep the whole shark for the meat in that case? Can somebody please explain...
Land Sharks are dangerous.
Alistair was obviously joking...
All I can say is, it's about time. If you've ever seen any of these "finning" videos, you would scream in sadness and disgust. What mankind has done to this planet is a disgrace, and unfortunately, as technology advances and makes life a cake-walk for us, it makes life horribly difficult for all other life here. Just think of how far we've come in the short span since the invention of electricity to now, compared to millions of years ago B.C. up to that point when the world was changed. Life, all life, should have an equal chance to prosper and enjoy the planet. Let's not forget that, as our faces are burried in our computers and cell phones; don't ever forget to look around you and see how beautiful nature truly is.
dp no, you're a moron. First of all, it's "you're" and not "your". Secondly, it's called sarcasm. (in regards to Alistair)
I totally agree that sharks require protection. There should be a law against shark fin soup, as the cruelty routinely exhibited in this process is incredible.
Pretty sure (about 100%) Alistair was being facetious (i.e., sarcastic, humorous, amusing).
Why are we afraid of sharks?
Most shark bites are treated like any other wild animal bite – a dog bite for example. If you're really afraid of being bit by a shark, don't go into areas where they reside. The same can be said for hunters being attacked by bears or wolves.
I think we're lacking a general respect for all living creatures – especially those who reside within the marine ecosystem. Not only should we care and protect sharks because of their benefit to mankind (in regards to checks and balances in the largest ecosystem on the planet) but because we have a responsibility to do so.
Education is key in eradicating hate of the unknown. Understanding sharks and their role in our world will help people become more compassionate towards keeping them here.
Kudos for running this story.
I don't believe in "finning" either. However, do the math. Do kill 73,000,000 a year would take 46,794 people working 6 days a week and "finning" at least 5 sharks a day. Just not credible.
Its true that the ocean is their home not ours. They are just trying to eat like the rest of us.
I think we could use more sand sharks, since they eat all the garbage that settles to the bottom of the ocean. Although I agree we are short of Land Shark – seriously sad about running out of that.
So, who are the biggest consumers of Shark Fins? The same Wealthy Chinese who nearly wiped out the Tiger population until Viagra came along?
It's a niche market, and we can attack that demand. However, I doubt if a US law will do that.
The brutality of the fishing community towards sharks makes me physically ill. Yes, they sometimes (but rarely) attack people. These are predators! Should we wipe out all the world's lions because sometimes when people venture into their turf they might attack the people?? Of course not. Nor should we dismember said lions and leave them to die a slow, painful, traumatic death. The same holds true for sharks. The human community has villified these beautiful creatures for far too long – they are not evil, they are doing what they must to survive. We should help them – including banning the barbarous practices like finning!
As an avid scuba diver I frequent the ocean enviroment as much as I can. Needless to say that ours as well as the worlds fishing policies have greatly diminished the marine life. 30 years ago the waters were teeming with fish of all sizes , but as we continue to develop new techniques in fishing (long lines and drag nets) we reduce the sea life not to mention the coral which many call home. For some reason we think that there is an endless abundance of everything to satisfiy our demands. Wake up world ..... it doesn't happen that way. The people in forest products replant trees so they have a renewable resource. We don't do that with our oceans. Maybe sharks need to eat more people to get their attention.
I dont understand the short-sighted mindset of some people *cough* Tedra *cough*. Perhaps millions are unemployed but you have to think to yourself, what is the greater issue at stake? There are billions of people on this planet not just Americans. We are currently in a tough financial spot but we can not keep pillaging and exploiting our environment citing the value of our fragile economy as an excuse! That is a classic "Me first" philosophy at work and it is that same mindset that drove us to this situation. A very good example of this narrow mindset is the fishing industry for the last 10 years. Despite warnings from the scientific community to set quotas the industry has been fishing to the limit of whats possible every year with diminishing returns. Their reasons for non-compliance? The costs of cutting back on catches would be too harmful to their business! Yet these quotas were being set not to harm the industry but to keep them from fishing themselves out of business. It seems as if nobody wants to think more then one fiscal quarter into the future. The simple truth is that if we don't address the environment problem today, our children will not have much to work with tomorrow.
Ever since I saw "Jaws" as a kid, I have been terrified of sharks, but the thought of whacking off their fins and leaving them mutilated in the ocean is horrifying. I admire surfers for their bravery--it FREAKS ME OUT to be in the ocean...which is why I stay in the surf and enjoy the beauty from the beach. I'm a vegetarian but I appreciate that people might like shark fin soup....but at least there ought to be humane ways to complete the process! And although I'm scared of sharks, I can certainly appreciate their skill at doing what they do. Yikes.
Mike Coots and Debbie Salamone are to be applauded for supporting this cause, of course John Roberts and Kiran Chetry manage to negate the imortance of this issue my making very uninformed comments about sharks, would Ms. Chetry be less likely to drive a car than swim in the sea since her chances of being hurt or killed in a motor vehicle accient or being attacked by another human are much more likely than a shark attack.
Of course Shark Finning should be banned – there is no debate!
We can all do something as individuals to help reduce the slaughter of sharks that is simple and easy – Next time you go to a Chinese, Asian, or seafood restaurant ask if they serve any form of shark.
If they do serve shark, ask to speak to the manager and explain to them your feelings and the effect it is having on the world-wide shark population and the ocean environment.
Tell them in a nice way that you can no longer eat at their restaurant and that you will tell all your friends not to eat there as well. Leave the restaurant and find somewhere else to eat. Tell your friends to do the same.
If enough people complain, it will have an effect. Hit them where it hurts – in the wallet.
Alistair what type of sharks do we have enough of? There are alot of sharks out there that only a few hundred or so are still left of their kind. Many sharks are on the brink of dissappearing from the planet and that may completely destory ecosystems which in turn could effect the fish we eat from the ocean. If you live on this planet it effects, maybe not today but it will. And it's simple things that can be done to fix the problem by educating these other cultures about this or making harsher penitlies for these crimes.
I am so glad CNN reported this story! It is time for steps to be taken to stop shark fishing! There are no regulations to monitor or hold these people accountable! In 2007 a documentary "Sharkwater" was released by Rob Stewart. I would that everyone watch recommend this film! It certainly provides perspective.
Sharks are a vital part of the ocean ecosystem and the web of life. When will we all learn that what we do affects everything, we, humans have become too large of a biomass to not have an impact. We need to fight for their survival and eliminate shark finners and poachers.
I applaud these shark-bite survivors in their efforts to save sharks. Sharks are predators, and when we enter their territory, we have no reason to expect them to act as anything other than what they are. I work with aggressive dogs and have been bitten on a few occasions. That's MY fault == I know the risks and as a result I have gained a deeper appreciation for all wildlife. People must be educated to understand the importance of ALL creatures, not just the cute fuzzy ones.
easyridetx:
Di you even read this article? (Or just the Headline?)
sharks have every right to be in the ocean.. humans do not,..
increased shark attacks are a product of over fishing. Remove th efood source and sharks are going to adapt and fill there bellies with whats available.
It all comes down to being smart, but captialism and the our modern society has thrown intelligence out of the equation.. It all about making money and costs
I am so glad that CNN ran this story! Steps need to be taken to get control of this situation! There is absolutely no regulation of this fishery and the horrific practices of shark finning should turn the stomachs of all human beings. There was a great documentary filmed in 2007 by Rob Stewart called SHARKWATER. I would recommend this film to everyone. It certainly provides perspective.
Tedra...you are the typical human. Think past yourself and the human civ. just for once. Ponder how stupid you sound. Money vs. Vitality of the Living World. Typical moron you are.
Hey easyridertx your statement is right on. ......
Since the public shool system and most modern day parents dont teach "common sence" anymore, we will need to idiot proof evrything.
Not sure what has happend yo society, but it seams like we have become ants. What I mean is, have you ever put an object in front of a line of ants??? The ones that are behind the object are lost until one brave sole finds a route around.
Tedra Ulmer and others really need to start thinking about the big picture. Yes we have high umemployment right now but at the rate we are changing the environment and its natural ecosystems unemployment is going to be the least of our worries in the future.
To Alistair- your comment shows your ignorance
Alistair: your a moron.
I think people who protect Sharks after being almost eaten are dumb. I also think it's dumb to play in a Sharks backyard. If you're going to jump in with the lions don't expect any compasion as your meat is being stripped off your bones while you're still alive.
When sharks attack humans, or anything else for that matter, it is because we are in their environment. To hate sharks for doing what they do is silly. Its like playing on the interstate, getting hit by a truck, and hating all automobiles for it!
Well said. Animals are just that. We should respect, but not hate or fear sharks. We all share the same world.
Of course the shark attack victims want to save sharks. The more sharks in the water, the more chance that someone else will get bit and that levels the playing field in surfing competitions for those original shark victims.
This is trypcal of the Media and the un-educated to pull the JAWS movie into the equation. Coots and Salamone may have done their best to promote Shark conservation but until the protection of these preditors become common place, some people wil still see the Shark as an boogie-Man. conservation groups must keep the spot light on what can happen if Sharks are no longer around. Nice work in part of the Pew Environment Group.
I am glad these people have been able to get past their fear and/or animosity regarding sharks. It reminds me of Steve Irwin and how people were killing rays in retribution for his death; which is the last thing he would have ever wanted. After all, it is not as if these sharks came to their home, kicked in their door and bit their legs. They were in it's home and it was doing what it has been designed to do by nature.
Larry- I ouldn't have said it better myself!!!
You are 100% correct Larry, we are imploding and no one seems
to know or care about it. Greed, greed, greed. It's disgusting the way
we kill each other and God's beautiful creatures he gave us to enjoy
and respect.
You guys are so right! No matter what happens to the planet, making profit in business takes priority.
As long as asians think shark fin soup will stimulate their sexual desires sharks will remain hunted.
Sharks and so many other animals are endagered because of asian traditional medicine. Tigers are going to be extint in the wild because of their "medicinal " values. Bunch of hogwash. Yo Chinese guy – want a long lasting erection – try viagra, cialis, and leave the tiger penis soup alone.
peasants
We have enough sharks. We need to save and protect thoroughbred horses and pedigree dogs.
Humans cannot eliminate all danger to themselves, without literally destroying the entire ecosystem.
Case in point.....in a certain Asian country, the people have been killing owls for food. Now they are overrun with rodents. So......they have to educate the people that the owls do good deeds, in controlling the rodent population, and they should leave the owls alone.
Well......YEAH!
Yes lets post signs " IF YOU SWIM IN THE OCEAN YOU MAY BE EATEN " Do we need to idiot proof everything?
I live in Long Island and fishing is just part of our culture, but i do not agree with commercial fishing or the pointless killing of fish for the hell of it. Growing up here i remeber going to shark tournaments and just seeing hundreds of blue sharks tossed in the dumpster just for the sport of it!! I love fishing and ive even been shark fishing but i never keep any thign i dont eat and never keep fish under the limit. Being a fisherman i am still all for the baning of finning.
I am afraid in the current financial situation we really need to get our priorities straight–what do YOU want your tax dollars spent on? Let's ask some of the millions of unemployed!
George, you have to realize these people are not journalists: They are entertainers and no smarter than the typical entertainer. So while what they did was disappointing, they were fulfilling the stupidty present in their genes.
We have so screwed up this planet.
Money dictates our every move anymore, and it's going to lead to our demise.
I saw this segment this morning and was glad to see CNN reporting a story about shark conservation. The interview segment with Coots and Salamone was great. However, I was disappointed that Roberts and his co-anchor (where was Kiran Chetry this morning?) spiraled into a discussion about their "unnatural" fears of shark attacks and then brought the movie Jaws into the discussion. The two survivors they just finished interviewing are making a remarkable effort to promote the conservation of sharks, yet the anchors' discussion quickly degenerated to the all-too-familiar-in-the-media mindset of sharks being like the fictitious "serial killer shark" from Jaws. That kind of banter does nothing to help the cause that people like Coots and Salamone are working toward.