Hawaii Shark Encounters - An example of Sustainable Eco Tourism


Sustainable Practices

    Our tour is inherently low impact; much less than any diving or fishing operation. We go to the same site, three miles off shore and turn the engines, where we are able to observe a population of animals that has always lived there. We don't catch sharks. We don't troll, therefore not wasting fuel or polluting the environment. We don't touch any reefs. We don't anchor. There is absolutely no impact to the environment. We let people climb into a cage to see the sharks in their natural environment. The sharks come and go as they please. The only impact we have is on the psyche of the guests. They eyes are opened and they change their mind about sharks and the importance of a healthy ecosystem forever.

The Shark Encounter Builds and Promotes Environmental Awareness

    During the tour we have a captive audience. The guests are presented with facts about shark biology and behavior, as well as information about other ocean creatures such as Whales, dolphins and turtles and Hawaiian Culture. Much of this they can observe in person during the tour. We discuss the demise of sharks due to shark finning and over fishing, and educate our guests on the crucial role sharks play as a top predator in a healthy ocean environment. We especially emphasize the fact that we cannot have a healthy ocean without sharks, as they control fish populations and keep the oceans clean. We pick up floating debris. We also ask guests to note and report animals with hooks in their mouths and old fishing lines choking part of their bodies (which we see almost every day). At the end of the tour we hand out information with more information on how to get involved in non-profit organizations and tips on what each individual can do to help.

A Positive Experiences for Everyone

    Every person that steps off our boat leaves with a new appreciation for the ocean and a deep respect of sharks. Having a personal encounter is the most powerful lesson that will stay with them forever. No matter what attitude they brought with them at the beginning of the tour, once they enter the water and see the peaceful and graceful way the sharks swim through the open blue water, they can't help but replace their false images of the "Jaws" monster. They also have a chance to see the many fish that will also visit the site, such as Mahi Mahi, tuna, barracuda, opelu, dolphins and whales.

    Always, they are deeply moved by the serenity of the clear blue ocean of Hawaii.

Financial Benefit for Conservation

    A portion of our proceeds goes directly to non-profit organizations to support shark research, educational projects and legislative efforts to strengthen ocean conservation. We also directly contribute to a program that supports independent shark research on the North shore of Oahu.

Financial Benefit for the Local Community

Not only do we provide jobs to local residents, we also make a point to send our guests to the businesses in Haleiwa, after they leave the tour. We offer free educational tours to the North Shore schools and have special educational programs that include school presentations as well as field trips.

    We donated money to Waialua High School to start a Marine Science Program and are offering ongoing help through donations and fund raising efforts to expand the program. We are in the process of implementing similar programs in other local schools.

Raising Awareness for a Better Way of Life - with nature, not against nature. The Hawaiian Way of Life.

    Every day we take out guests from all over the world and show them that Hawaii is still one place where ocean creatures can find some protection and live in a natural environment. It sets an example of what can be done when nature is not overpowered by humanity. This goes along with the fact that the North Shore has many other examples of living green and that the community truly is attempting to live with nature, instead of battling nature.

    We also try to convey the deep spiritual connection people of the islands have with the ocean and hope to give guests a new perspective that can improve their own lives.

    We don't have to preach. Just simply giving people a chance to enter the blue and be in the ocean leaves them changed forever. Every day the experience with the sharks inspires young people to dedicate their careers to ocean sciences and marine biology, or to simply live with more care and love for the environment.

    It also leaves people humbled and aware that life is about more than just their own concerns.