Ocean Ramsey and a big shark
As a sea lover, I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean. I want the creatures that live in the blue depths to exist peacefully and freely. Today, I’m writing this post as a small voice speaking up for some of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators—yes, I’m talking about sharks. Especially the large ones, like tiger sharks and great whites, whose reputations have sadly been ruined by movies and media.
If you’ve ever watched shark-themed films where they’re portrayed as terrifying, man-eating monsters chasing humans down just to kill them—please consider watching the Netflix documentary Shark Whisperer. It presents a much more truthful perspective. Yes, sharks are predators who have lived on Earth for millions of years, and yes, their jaws can be powerful enough to harm or kill. But they are not malevolent. They do not hunt humans for sport. We are not their natural prey.
If you take the time to watch the documentary—or at least the two short YouTube clips I’ve shared below—you’ll see something truly surprising:
Sharks can respond to kindness and compassion, just like other animals. There is no need to harm or kill them out of fear.
🎥 Diver removes hooks and befriends sharks
🎥 A 20-year friendship between diver and shark
“There is no fear in love.”
— 1 John 4:18
That verse echoed in my heart as I watched Ocean Ramsey swim side by side with sharks, gently touching them. And in those videos—sharks resting calmly on human laps, leaning in for gentle touches, returning again and again—not for food, but for trust. Even the most feared creatures respond to love when it’s offered with sincerity and patience.
Top 5 Shark Myths (and the Real Facts)
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MYTH: Sharks want to eat people.
FACT: Humans are not on their menu. Most bites happen out of curiosity or mistaken identity. -
MYTH: All sharks are big and scary.
FACT: Most shark species are small, shy, and avoid human contact. -
MYTH: Sharks are ruthless killers.
FACT: On average, sharks kill fewer than 10 people per year—humans kill over 100 million sharks annually. -
MYTH: The ocean would be fine without sharks.
FACT: Sharks play a vital role in keeping marine ecosystems healthy and balanced. -
MYTH: Seeing a shark means you’re in danger.
FACT: Most sharks pass by without harming anyone. Staying calm and aware is usually all that’s needed.
How to Avoid Shark Encounters
If you want to reduce the chance of encountering a shark while in the sea, follow these tips:
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Avoid swimming at dawn, dusk, or night.
These are peak feeding times for many sharks, and visibility is lower. -
Don’t wear shiny jewelry or bright contrasting colors.
These can resemble fish scales and attract attention. -
Avoid entering the water with open wounds.
Sharks have a powerful sense of smell and are drawn to blood. -
Swim in groups.
Sharks are more likely to target lone prey. -
Stay near the shore.
The farther you go out, the higher the risk—and help may be far away.
What to Do If You Encounter a Shark
Shark encounters are extremely rare—and usually harmless. But in case it happens, here are calm, respectful steps to protect yourself without harming the shark:
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Stay calm and don’t thrash.
Fast, panicked movements can attract attention. -
Keep your eyes on the shark.
Eye contact signals awareness. Turning your back may invite closer approach. -
Maintain a vertical position.
This makes you appear larger and less like prey. -
Back away slowly—don’t splash.
Move calmly toward the shore or your boat. -
If it comes close, defend with control.
Use your fins, camera, or stick—not your fists—to redirect the shark gently by pushing its snout, eyes, or gills. -
Don’t block its path.
Give the shark space to move. Trapping it may increase stress and lead to defensive behavior.
Want to Help Sharks? Sign These Petitions!
Sharks are in urgent need of protection. Their numbers are falling fast—and we can do something. Signing a petition may feel small, but it adds up to global pressure for real change.
🔗 Ban the use of fishing nets that trap and kill sharks, whales, seals, and dolphins
🔗 Ban the international shark fin trade
🔗 Create more non-fishing zones for sharks to safely reproduce and thrive
Please remeber that the ocean is the home of sharks. They’ve lived there long before us. They have the right to be there, so we should learn how to live beside them in peace.We can share this planet with animals. It’s not too difficult to do—just a shift in heart, and a willingness to understand.
Written by: Me & Echo
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