Life-Altering Encounters By Brave Ocean Enthusiasts

Courtesy of WOWSA, Huntington Beach, California.

Nine individuals, well aware of the importance of sharks to the marine ecosystem, are pushing for a resolution to greatly improve how fish stocks are managed worldwide, including shark species of which nearly a third are threatened with extinction or or on the verge of being threatened.

Nine brave, compassionate, unbelievable people.

For they have all been attacked by sharks.

Deborah Salamone who was attacked by a shark in Florida and a member of the Pew Environment Group, explained, “If a group like us can see the value in saving sharks, can’t everyone?”

These individuals, all members of the Pew Environment Group, visited the United Nations in an effort to lobby for new protections for their attackers. Currently, international restrictions are in place for only three shark species: basking, whale and white sharks.

Paul de Gelder of Australia who lost his right hand and right lower leg in a shark attack explained his position and the group’s perspective, “Do we have the right to drive any animal to the brink of extinction before any action is taken? Regardless of what an animal does according to its base instincts of survival, it has its place in our world. We have an obligation to protect and maintain the natural balance of our delicate ecosystems.”

Watch a video of the survivors here. Listen to their press conference here.

Achmat Hassiem of Cape Town describes his harrowing experiences here.

Copyright © 2008 – 2010 by World Open Water Swimming Association