Oahu Shark Cage Dive - Tour Hawaii We had the "A team" at 7:00 am. It's those playful and curious dolphins that can leap out of the water and spin in the air sometimes 5-6 times around in one jump. Severe lacerations to right leg above ankle, also resulting in broken bones. By: Kona Snorkel Tours. Hawaii. Unfortunately, sharks are being slaughtered at an outrageous and unsustainable rate of 100 million a yearyes, 100 million. On top of all that, your family and friends will love to come visit you, and there is plenty to do along the island. A misnomer, the locale is lovely, yet its name is not derived from any shark sightings but rather a rock formation that bears an uncanny resemblance to the species dorsal fin. Stopping by to say, "Aloha" Let me begin by saying that I believe I'm the perfect person to write this, simply because I always tell it like it is. Join Kona Shark Diving for the adventure of a lifetime off of the coast of the Big Island for either an open-ocean Kona shark Diving trip or a Kona shark viewing trip from the comfort of our boats. Let us take you 3 miles off the fabled North Shore of beautiful Oahu, where you can see several shark species in their natural habitat from the safety of our cage. Meeting place will be at the Haleiwa Small Boat Harbor, North Shore, Oahu: Meet on the left side of the harbor next to boat launching ramp/loading dock. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. But do you know who you can trust to provide the best possible experience? During the summer months, you can see plenty of dolphins dancing around the boat. Considered a provoked incident. Bitten on both legs and right hand; loss of lower part of right leg. At Go Adventure Hawaii, we specialize in making your shark encounter dreams come true. The final reason is very simple: Hawaii iswellHawaii! Considered a provoked incident. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. For our guests that get in the water safely with guides leading every part of the dive, we promise the experience of a lifetime! We saw a shark, lots of fish, some of them native only to Hawaii. Puncture wounds with slight avulsions to inner right thigh. Annotated list of shark attack cases in the Hawaiian Islands 1779-1996. We had the 10 AM trip this morning but we're able to head out a little earlier because all three parties showed up early. First documented and confirmed bite by a cookiecutter shark on a live human. Shark bit tail of surfboard after apparently becoming caught in leash. A Hawai'i Island man is sharing his incredible survival story for the first time after he was attacked by a tiger shark while spearfishing off the Kohala coast Sunday afternoon. Your safety is our first priority. Sharks are the apex predators that maintain a balance in the oceans ecosystems and are necessary for our oceans survival and ultimately for mankind. Swimming Encounters - Adrenaline Extensive laceration to right inner calf, minor lacerations and puncture wounds to right shin and ankle. Islandview Hawaii | Shark Diving in Oahu, HI Considered a provoked incident. Trip Times Daily Shark Diving Trips are currently offered from 1pm - 5pm ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Shark bit right side of surfboard as victim was sitting on board. It costs about $250 per person to experience swimming with sharks with this company. You go out to a predetermined area with your tour group and get into the cage when its your turn. A woman in Hawaii was hospitalized Tuesday after what officials believed to be a 10-foot tiger shark bit her while she was swimming off the coast with a tourist group. person grazed by a shark), nor incidents classified by the International Shark Attack File as boat attacks, scavenge, or doubtful. Tooth fragments recovered. A Modern Story: The Shark God Came to Watch, close encounters between people and sharks, Hawaii, Anaehoomalu, approx 170 yds from shore, Maui, Khei, Keawakapu, approx 50 yards from shore, Kauai, Lhue, Kalapak Beach, 15-20 yds from shore, Oahu, Kaaawa, Razorbacks, approx. Our Captain David and guide Ephram were both very friendly and taught us a lot about the sharks and waters we were in. The most popular of our adventures, our Kona Shark Diving charter takes you an easy 3 miles offshore into the shark-filled waters off Kona Hawaii. Kailua Kona, Hawaii USA, 2020 KonaSharkDiving.com | All Rights Reserved, highly skilled and experienced shark divers. No injury. Tiger shark, length estimated at 15 feet. This is their story! Deep laceration to lower right calf, smaller lacerations to right ankle. Maui, Khei, approx 0.5 miles north of Kalama Beach Park and 200 yds from shore, Maui, Khei, approx 0.5 miles north of Kalama Beach Park and 150 yds from shore, Oahu, Haleiwa, approx 3 miles from shore, Hawaii, Kealakekua Bay, approx. But it's to swim with the smaller Hawaiian Spinner dolphins (Nai'a in Hawaiian) that numerous tour operators and dolphin guides take tourists out every day. Kauai, Poip, Shipwreck's Beach, approx 50 yds from shore, Hawaii, North Kona, Kkio Beach, approx 125 yds from shore, Oahu, Kawailoa, "Hulton's"; approx 25 yds from shore, Oahu, Makaha Beach, approx 30 yds from shore. Considered provoked due to activity. This company charges around $100 to $120 per adult diver and around $60 per child diver. Hammerhead Shark Dive The Hammerhead Shark Dive originates in Maui County, but you take a charter to the open ocean near Molokai and dive 40 to 100 feet underwater. The Significance of Sharks in Native Hawaiian Culture, Shark Myths: The Truth About These Beautiful Creatures, The Fascinating Story of Humpback Whales in Hawaii. All Rights Reserved. We pride ourselves on the opportunity to change peoples minds with one close encounter at a time. Which state parks should I visit in Hawaii? This is an amazing place to swim freely with sharks of all kinds because of the team of people that work at One Ocean Diving. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. The cost of shark diving with this company is about $225 per person. And respectful of the sharks. So, now that you are armed with the inside knowledge of the whereand what type ofshark encounters are among the tops in Hawaii, all thats left is to put your brave, adventure face on and literally dive in. Unattended gill net nearby. But do you know how to tell the difference between a smooth hammerhead and a scalloped one? There are very few places in Hawaii that offer cage diving since it is not the best way to interact with sharks due to needing to use chum to attract the sharks. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Guadalupe Island, Mexico. No experience needed, all gear provided, sharks seen every trip or your money back! Safely bringing divers face to face with Hawaiis Apex Oceanic Predators! Just two weeks ago, the couple posted a YouTube video of the mum-to-be at 38-weeks pregnant interacting with dolphins in the sea. Kailua Kona, Hawaii USA, 2020 KonaSharkDiving.com | All Rights Reserved, Want to see sharks but dont want to go in the water? And thanks to the captain and his first mate for keeping an eye on our 5yo while we enjoyed the sharks. Ocean Ramsey swims with a great white shark . However, the wound characteristics were determined to be inconsistent with a shark bite, based on analysis by the International Shark Attack File. On your tour, you get to encounter our three main species: Galapagos, sandbar, and tiger sharks. Sand Bar Sharks (left) & Galapagos Sharks (right) will be the most common open water sharks you'll see on your shark cage diving adventure. In this area, there are Tiger Sharks, Whale Sharks, Makos, Galapagos, and more. Hawaii Swimming Legacy Join us as we educate you on the importance of the oceans ecosystems, the vital role sharks play in oceans, and how they affect us directly. Fatal. They are most commonly seen at 110 to 225 feet (33.5 to 68.5 meters). Avoid swimming in the dark or twilight hours - this is when sharks are believed to be most active. Kona Shark Diving Tours is made up of a team of highly skilled and experienced shark divers who have committed their lives to bring awareness and compassion to the oceans most misunderstood species. As you may have seen before, this chum is able to attract any sharks that may be in the nearby area. Lacerations to lower left torso and right thumb. Hawaii Shark Encounters: Cage Dive. With trained professionals and the right equipment in place, you dont have to worry about getting hurt in the water. Severely bitten on right buttock; also lacerations to hands when victim reached for shark's mouth. The Best Places to Swim and Cage Dive With Sharks in Hawaii Swimming with sharks, such as shark cage diving, is very affordable given how extreme and unforgettable the experience can be to some people. Many people have asked about them. The super-clear water here makes it one of the world's best places to photograph great white sharks. We will be going back!". In 1937, a schoolteacher on the island of Maui challenged a group of poverty-stricken sugar plantation kids to swim upstream against the current of their circumstance. No cage is used and the sharks will come close, giving our guests the shark encounter of a lifetime! Once the cage goes into the water, all you have to do is sit back and watch the sharks! Hawaii diver captures rare great white shark encounter on video Unlimited access to premium stories for as low as $12.95 /mo. This company allows you to free dive in an exceptionally large tank with six different species of shark for about 45 minutes, and one person is allowed to watch you swim with the sharks free of charge. Severely bitten on leg from hip to knee; substantial tissue loss. Laceration and puncture wounds to left calf. Adding a business to Yelp is always free. Abandoned fishing net in channel. Lacerations to left side of face and tissue loss from left shoulder. There may be twenty sharks in all on the day you participate and many of them will be over 10 feet in length and many even larger. Examples of requiem sharks other than tiger sharks include gray reef, Galapagos, blacktip, blacktip reef, whitetip reef, and sandbar. Haleiwa Harbor, 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, Hawaii 96712, United States (808) 649 0018 Boats start everyday 6am in summer and 7am in winter. "Requiem shark" is used here to indicate a member of the family Carcharhinidae that cannot be identified with certainty, but tiger shark can be excluded. It is highly recommended to try swimming or cage diving with sharks in Hawaii. Can you guess the main reason people are hesitant to swim with sharks? More than just an adventure, this educational tour takes you into a world that few get to experience the open ocean world of sharks! Free cancellation: up to 72 hours before tour. There were about 5 scuba divers in totalmore, I did that boat ride just a few days ago and we got skunked for scuba diving with the manta rays inmore, offshore blue water adventure on our last day of our trip, to off gas after a week of scuba diving.more, My primary objective was to enroll in the "scuba diving discovery" program which is designed formore. They will swim around the cage, often very close. Our ancestors pioneered the shark tour industry in Hawaii to teach respect for our culture, the ocean, and its inhabitants. Feds seek rules for swimming with Hawaii dolphins No experience needed, all gear provided, sharks seen every trip or your money back! Shark bit off section of surfboard, left side of nose. Not only did we get to swim with sharks, which would have taken the cake, but we saw whales and got to hear them singing, too. No injury. And off the coast of Maui, there are plenty of sharks for you to scope out. Swim with Sharks (cage-free) from Haleiwa, Oahu By Island View Hawaii 120 reviews Recommended by 95% of travelers from $160.00 per adult Check availability Lowest price guarantee Reserve now & pay laterFree cancellation Ages 5-80, max of 6 per group Duration: 2h Start time: Check availability Mobile ticket English Features animals What's included White tipped reef sharks are named so because they stick to coral reef areas usually hiding during the day in coral caves or underneath coral ledges. There were 3 shark attacks on the Big Island that occurred while floating at Kahaluu Beach (a Big Island snorkeling spot) and scuba diving at Keahole Point (2). Each departing from Haleiwas small boat harbor, these encounters have guests first outfitted with all the necessary gear (snorkel, mask, etc. Kauai, Hanalei Bay, The Bowl, approx 320 yds from shore, Oahu, Lie, Pounders, approx one-half mile from shore. Lacerations to upper right thigh; defensive lacerations to right hand. Thank you for letting us have this incredible experience! Maui, Khei, Kamaole I; 20 yds from shore, Oahu, Kewalo; harbor channel 4-5 ft from reef edge, Kauai, Brennecke's Beach; 30-50 yds from shore, Maui, Olowalu; approx. Let us take you 3 miles off the fabled North Shore of beautiful Oahu, where you can see several shark species in their natural habitat from the safety of our cage. First incident in which species ID was confirmed by DNA. Swimmers and snorkelers are advised to not go in the ocean as . You may also see Silkies, Blue Sharks, and Hammerheads. For example, a good tour group knows how to keep you safe in the water. In fact, there are about 40 different shark species off the coast of Hawaii for you to discover! Lacerations to right knee and right hand. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. No injury. With over 250 days a year on the water, our shark experts have the specialized knowledge and experience developed over a 15 year period to help cater safe and unforgettable shark encounters for our guests. See sharks within inches of your face without needing any swimming skills. If youre going to plan a shark encounter, why not head towards the state many consider nothing short of paradise? PDF THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO - Manta Ray Advocates Hawaii Laceration and puncture wounds to left foot. How to swim with sharks in Hawaii (and why you should!) No injury; shark came from side and bit rail of surfboard as fisher pushed board into underside of approaching shark's snout. couldnt have asked for a better day! This company brings you three miles out to sea and into the shark-filled waters near Kona, Hawaii. Even our 8 year old got in the cage. Shark Cage Tours Hawaii - Swim Dive Sharks Best Encounters - Oahu North Office opens everyday at 7am. We loved it!! Portion of body board's left front corner removed. Incidents are added to this list after the Division of Aquatic Resources has completed its own investigation. Since Hawaii is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, there are many great locations available to swim or cage dive with sharks. You may see some different species of sharks, such as Sandbar, Hammerhead, Tiger, Mako, Galapagos, and Whale sharks, just to name a few. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. Plexiglass windows ensure an amazing, unobstructed close-up view on this Oahu shark. There are approximately 500 different species of sharks, and here in Hawaii we have about 40. Always swim in a group. Hawaii Shark Encounters: Cage Dive (Avail) Jump in the clear blue Pacific Ocean and come face to face with 5 to 15 foot sharks. Extensive laceration to left forearm; lacerations to left hand and thigh. North Shore Shark Adventures seems to be the most used cage diving company of the two available in Oahu. The Smooth Hammerhead Shark can be found around the globe in temperate and tropical waters. For example, Go Adventure Hawaii offers a Pelagic shark dive. Of Jacks crew KC seems to be the kindest, accommodating and mostmore, Scuba DivingSnorkelingWhale Watching Tours, My brother scuba dived, while my parents and I snorkeled. Your tour guide will provide a mask and fins. Thankfully, he survived and doesn't have any permanent damage to his leg. Lastly, Lanai teases its visitors who are in search of shark encounters with a spot called Shark Fin Cove. Because ofmore, Aquafarm tours, live, frozen or canned abalone retail purchase, wholesale live abalone, cooked seafood service on food truck, merchandise items selling, BBQ site.more, My sister went snorkeling while I went scuba diving and they made sure we were still able to makemore, SnorkelingScuba DivingBoat ToursKailua-Kona, What an awesome time! Dont fret: your trained safety diver guide will tell you what to do to stay safe inside the water. Learn more about close encounters between people and sharks. For example, Go Adventure Hawaii offers a Pelagic shark dive. No injury. Jump in the waters off the coast of Oahu and cage dive with some of Hawaii's most dangerous sharks. Maui, Ahihi Bay, Kanahena Point, approx 200 yards from shore, Hawaii, South Kohala, Hpuna Beach, 20 yards from shore. Hawaii Tiger Shark Tracking | PacIOOS Severe deep laceration and loss of tissue on right calf. Oahu's North Shore is home to a variety of shark species. On Sunday, an 8 to 10-foot tiger shark was spotted from Kaimana Beach in Waikiki. These beautiful creatures have been said to grow up to 46 ft, but it's safe to say that the average size is more around 33 to 39 ft. Sharks most often attack lone individuals. 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States, Click here to Learn more about shark dive tour, Click here to Learn more about coastal tour, Click here to Learn more about preparation, Click here to email contact@islandviewhawaii.com, Click here to view location 66-105 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712, United States. Not confirmed as shark bite, so not included in accompanying graphics. With this company, you get to take not one but two fantastic dives, and you can remain underwater for as long as your air tank allows. Further afield, there's another bucket list-worthy adventure like no other: swimming with manta rays in the warm waters off the Kona coast on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Big Island Snorkeling for Non-Swimmers #1 Kahalu'u Beach Park #2 Kikaua Point Park #3 Hapuna Beach Park #4 Spencer Beach Park #5 Richardson Ocean Park Beginner Snorkeling Is But One Itinerary Item Big Island Snorkel Tips for Beginners Be it planning your first trip to Hawaii or on your eleventh trip, a snorkeling refresher is always a smart idea. A fantastic day of ziplining, snorkeling, and enjoying a dramatic sunset dinner cruise. When you get in, these cages will be on the surface of the water, allowing for easy access. Next thing I knew I was surrounded by TWENTY, 15-foot Galapagos sharks that circled at varying depths. from: $ 99. no doubt, but also a relaxing and empowering one. Lots of sharks and clear water! 2 Hour Chinaman's Hat Kayak will be the highlight of your vacation. Both reach up to 5.5 - 6 ft in length and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of them while scuba diving in the deeper coral reef areas. Giant great white shark thrills divers off Oahu - Hawaii News Lacerations to upper right thigh. Based on current information, we know that coastal manta rays can swim as deep as 700 feet (214 m), but it is believed they spend most of their time in shallower waters. The shipwreaks were cool, especially since the guides told us the stories behind the boats that sank. Fatal. Island of Hawaii(Big Island) And you thought bringing sand home in your shoes was the worst of your beach woes. 10 sharks became 15, and 15 became 20. No injury. "Best experience our family has ever had! Bitten on top of left foot and right shin. It mostly has to do with a little movie called Jaws. Book your Adventure, Location No injury. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. This one is the one that initiated the manta ray night dive tour. Another excellent choice for lake-lovers is Lake Waiau, which is located on the Big Island. Tiger shark, length estimated at 12-15 feet. And even tho it was little rough seas we were able to enjoy a lot! 7 places where you can swim with sharks | Expedia I was really irked becausemore, Take a ride in Konas new luxury pink limo!more, I did this because my husband and two kids were super excited about it and I have to admit, when I got on the submarine I was filled with a deep, overwhelming sense of dread at themore, So me and my friends bought tickets to do the snorkeling tour at 8am on Saturday. Bitten on right foot while snorkeling with dolphins. Cookiecutter shark, length estimated at 1 foot. The best area is around the edges of the bay where sea turtles, urchins, and lots . . No injury. In that case, you may want to go for a dive in Molokai! Manta Ray Night Snorkel and Dive (Kona coast) - Love Big Island Open in Google Maps. From the beginning" more. select a date below to book your reservation. In Hawaii, the juveniles stay quite close to the surface. Kona has year-round shark diving with some of the planets most iconic and awesome shark species including Tiger, Oceanic Whitetip, Galapagos, Hammerhead, Sandbar, Reef Sharks, Blacktips,Great Whites, Makoand more on any given trip. Dive Oahu with us in the winter months, to see whales, and if you listen closely, you can hear them singing. Molokai is Hawaii's fifth-largest island, and it is home to one of the best places to swim or dive with dozens of Hammerhead sharks. Oahu is the third-largest of the Hawaiian Islands. Galapagos sharks cruise in the ocean during a shark viewing expedition with Hawaii Shark Encounters off Haleiwa on Oahus North Shore. The day of snorkel me and my friends were running late due to one of the girls from the group takingmore, Big Island VIP is the #1 tour company specializing in only private, custom experiences since 2014. The cage has plexiglass windows, so you can be assured you are out of harm's way. A thrilling morning of Jurassic Ziplines, then, cool off at a secluded beach by Chinaman's Hat. 15 yds from shore, Oahu, Makaha Beach, approx 100 yds from shore, Oahu, Kaiwi Channel, approx 11 miles east-southeast of Sandy Beach, Maui, Honokwai, approx 120 yds from shore, Hawaii, Anaehoomalu, approx 35 yds from shore, Oahu, Kaiwi Channel, approx 12 miles east-southeast of Koko Head. The State of Hawaii Shark Task Force gives the following tips to reduce the risk of suffering a shark attack: Don't swim alone. Enjoying the ocean at Hapuna Beach State Park on the Big Island of . Another Oahu option is at Sea Life Park, where guests may step into a contained shark tank and spend 20 minutes viewing these amazing beings from behind a safe, steel net. Swimming With Sharks on Oahu's North Shore | TravelAge West Puncture wounds to right arm near elbow. Waikoloa offers the best snorkeling on Big Island Hawaii on the South Kohala coast. When they make an appearance, we get excited too. Hawaii Sharks | Incidents List We strive to make your encounter one of the most memorable experiences of your life. Excellent tour, saw lots of sharks up close, fantastic experience. Scuba divers and snorkelers usually encounter the mantas from the surface to 80 feet of depth. We focus on education and conservation to ultimately better the planet we coexist in. These companies have been doing this for a long time and can help you have the best possible experience. * Free parking is readily available near the dock. The actual act of swimming with sharks is also very safe, even if you arent a great swimmer. 5 Best Big Island Beginner Snorkeling Spots You Shouldn't Miss List Price: $130: Price: $119 You Save: $11 (8.5%) best seller Honolulu. For example, you can expect to see Hammerheads, Tiger Sharks, Reef Sharks, and even Great Whites! Don't wander too far from shore. Not only do they know where to go for you to get the best view, but they can provide valuable information about the island and about your diving destination. An incident at Lahilahi, Mkaha, Oahu, on July 25, 2008 was initially reported as a shark bite. Worried about diving without a cage? Despite the high number of Tiger Shark sightings, our usual visitors, the Sandbar and Galapagos sharks, tend to be more timid and less consistent with their visits as they keep their distance from the Tiger Sharks. To discover how we can provide the experience of a lifetime, contact us today! Shark knocked victim and child off board, then bit side of board. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Severely bitten on left leg; loss of leg at knee; lacerations to both hands. Snorkel with pelagic sharks and other marine life alongside the original shark boat crew in the beautiful Hawaiian waters. Minor lacerations and puncture wounds to lower back. Which Beach in Maui Has the Most Shark Attacks? - Trip Support Shark Snorkeling without the Cage - Adventure Tours Hawaii Islandview Hawaii pelagic tours leaves Hale'iwa Harbor daily at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon, and runs 90 minutes long. In fact, these awesome tours are some of the most direct ways you can help keep these sharks alive! What did people search for similar to shark diving in Kailua-Kona, HI? Examples of requiem sharks other than tiger sharks include gray reef, Galapagos, blacktip, blacktip reef, whitetip reef, and sandbar. Tiger Sharks (left) & Great White Sharks (right) are the larger shark species that reside in Hawaii's open waters. This is one of the reasons that cage diving has become one of the best ways to encounter sharks. Bitten on left hand. Want to see sharks but dont want to go in the water? Explore Hawaii Hotel Deals & Specials Search Now. No injury. Daily Shark Diving Trips are currently offered from 1pm 5pm. I never wanted to get out of it. Not for the faint of heart! No injury; shark bit weight belt. Severe deep lacerations to right shoulder and underarm; minor lacerations to right arm and right side of face. Bitten on left leg just above ankle while night diving with a fish stringer on left side. Kona Manta Ray Night Snorkel on Navy Speed Boat. by Andrew The Hoth | Nov 4, 2022 | Uncategorized. Considered a provoked incident due to activity. This experience touched my soul. 700 yds from shore, Species unknown, length estimated at 6-8 feet, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Keahole Point, approx 1 mile from shore, Maui, Pia Bay, approx 20 yds from shore, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Kahaluu Beach Park, approx 1.5 miles from shore, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Banyans, approx 130 yds from shore, Maui, Lahaina, Mala Wharf, approx 200 yds from shore, Oahu, Kneohe, North Beach, approx 10 yds from shore, Hawaii, Kkio Bay, approx 500 yds from shore, Kauai, Waiokapua Bay; approx 100 yds from shore, Maui, Kanapali, Kahekili beach, 80-100 yds from shore, Hawaii, Anaehoomalu, approx 200 yds from shore, Maui, Honolua Bay, approx 20 yds from shore, Species unknown, length estimated at 6 feet, Hawaii, Puak, Kapuniau Point, approx 100 yds from shore, Kauai, Kekaha, Davidson's Beach, approx 100 yds from shore, Maui, Khei, Wailea Beach, approx 300 yds from shore. One Ocean Diving - Diving With Sharks, Shark Dive Hawaii After a year of stress, loss and uncertainty, a veteran travel writer feels hopeful again, at a place long close to the heart. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Join us as we sail to Turtle Canyon, a favorite hangout for the amazing Hawaiian green sea turtles known as Honu! If you are planning on vacationing in Hawaii in the future, or you have already bought tickets and are ready to go, you may be wondering what sort of activities you should try. We provide all the equipment you will need and sharks are guaranteed every trip or your money back! Much of this money gets reinvested into the environment to help ensure that sharks are healthy and safe.