Please Help save our Sharks!

Shark dives are similar to big game safaris, but having a safer record.

Condolences to Markus Groh's family. Having spent time shark diving in the Bahamas I know first hand what a thrill it can be. After hearing of this unfortunate incident I am very afraid for the sharks. The general public is very uneducated about these magnificent animals and how critical they are to the sustainability of the ocean.  Close encounters with these animals help educate people about them and show that they are not just cold-blooded killers. I look forward to the day when I can join Jim Abernethy for a trip aboard the Shearwater.

Please allow Jim Abernethy and company to continue to take divers on this type of scuba trip. What better way to promote tourism for the Bahamas, but also to educate and support shark protection around the globe!

I have taken a number of dive trips with JASA and also have done a number of uncaged shark dives without any incident.  I have found JASA to be a safety conscious and diligent dive operation and continue to use them to date.

Save the sharks, save the natural ecosystem or it will be us who will need to be saved.

Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures is the safest diving company I have ever worked for, during my time there Jim taught me every thing I know about safely being in the water with sharks. And I passed on my knowledge with many other divers that would never have thought it safe to do so.

I have never done Jim's trip but I know lots who have and they have only good words for the degree of professionalism, safety and conservation awareness apparent in the way Jim runs his boat. While any death is a tragedy, we all dive with sharks knowing the very slight risk of an accidental bite or the far more likely possibility of a simple dive emergency that could happen anywhere.  Jim's trips have provided some of the best interaction and imaging opportunities ever and as such reach out to the public in books, magazines and other media to far beyond the experiences of those on the trips.  This and the issue of the protection of the local population of sharks Jim visits, must be a serious conservation issue.  What will happen to the sharks now? The whole thing smacks of a knee-jerk reaction and ignores the simple fact that any diver on Jim's trip is far more likely to be killed or injured driving to the jetty than during any interaction with a shark. The only difference is that the public and powers that be accept that risk without question. Like it or not, in the current absence of any government interest in seriously protecting sharks, shark tourism is a way of giving them a commercial value and keeping them alive.If anything ever happened to me on a shark dive I would be extremely saddened if it resulted in any impact on the animals or responsible operators such as Jim.  I speak as someone who has just returned from diving with Great Whites in poor visibility with no cage and I am still here...unsurprisingly. You have my support Jim, regards, Cliff Beard.

I am a member of the British Society of Underwater Photographers and travel all round the world taking underwater photos. I have just come back from South Africa where we encountered Great white, Tigers, Raggies, and many more sharks. Sharks need all the help they can get to lose the image of human killers and this ban is just reinforcing what people think. I know so many people that have been on Jim's trips and have experienced many sharks up close. His trips have come very highly recommended by many of the photographers I know. Please don't let one accident, ruin the pleasure for so many others. Diving has its hazards as we all know. Sharks are an extremely small risk to death compared to the other hazards in diving, so we do need to keep this in context. I look forward to this ban being reversed and to be able to come shark diving in the Bahamas in the very near future.

I was with Jim Abernethy & co. one year ago and... It was an incredible experience; the sharks are natural slow motion, just the opposite to the image of the typical aggressiveness...

Leave the sharks alone please.

1116 Jeff Joel, Boca Raton, FL, USA

I have personally dove with tiger sharks cage free and have never felt like I was in any danger...do not ban shark dives in the Bahamas!!

1115 Ted King, Anaheim, CA, USA   
1114 Victor Peddemors, Sea Predator Research Unit, Sydney, NSW, Australia

As a researcher with over 20 years experience in taking tourists and colleagues shark diving in various educational and/or research trips off the KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa, I have experienced a vast array of potential 'issues’ regarding diving with sharks using bait as an attractant. However, the over-riding conclusion from my research indicates that the baiting has very limited impact on shark behaviour. Inevitably the educational opportunity gained for shark conservation far outweighs any negatives that may occur from time to time. I therefore urge the Bahamian government to allow continuation of shark diving and to remain a leader in international efforts to educate the public about sharks through allowing their interaction as per previous years.

1113 David Grimes, Clinton, UT, USA   
1112 Not publicly disclosed               
1111 Alice Trosch, DAN, Towson, MD, USA

My husband and I have both dived with Jim Abernethy. We can attest to the fact that Jim Abernethy is very conscientious about dive safety during his dive trips. We look forward to our next shark diving trip to the Bahamas.

1110 Sean Murphy, Reef Dawg Scuba Training, Vero Beach, FL, USA

Those who understand sharks know we’re the threat, not the sharks themselves. Fins up to your efforts.

1109 Cliff Roberts, SSI instuctor, White Lake, Mi, USA   
1108 K. Story, INTL               
1107 Gregg Miller Azusa, CA, USA

My condolences go out to Markus and family. My dream is to dive with the big ones, Sharks get a bad rap. Thanks

1106 Greg Machak, PADI, Wilmington, IL, USA

Please keep cageless shark diving open to us. Thanks for your consideration.

1105 Tyler Bohanan, North East, MD, USA   
1104 Not publicly disclosed                       
1103 Mark Caffrey, Orlando, FL, USA   
1102 Micheala Harmer, Eastbourne, East Sussex, UK

People get killed every day in cars and by people. Diving with sharks is no more dangerous than that and the people who do it know what they are risking. i could get knocked over by a bus tomorrow

1101 Not publicly disclosed
1100 James Barefoot, Lake Worth, FL, USA
1099 Gary Adkison, Coconut Creek, FL, USA

As a former supporter and 17 year member of the BDA, I want to acknowledge their past insight and integrity over the years by being the global pioneers in shark conservation and education!  It is imperitive now at this critical time that the BDA does not lose sight of the bigger picture in shark conservation, awareness and tourism by imposing a knee-jerk decision on an operator in the Bahamas who has an exemplary safety record and who has enhanced the awareness of  the plight of sharks globally as well as supported the Bahamian country as a whole! Continue to be wise in your decisions as you have always displayed that same wisdom in the past when pertaining to the sensitive issue of shark encounters.  The world is watching.....  

1098 Isaac Pearson
1097 Terry Boychuk, Cartier, Manitoba, Canada       
1096 Paul Horscraft, Sheffield, UK

I had the privilege of diving with Jim in the Bahamas in December 2006 and it has always been my intention to return and dive with him again. His energy and enthusiasm are boundless and his operation is a magnet for all shark fans all over the world. The only reason I went to the Bahamas was to dive with Tigers with Jim. The only reason I would return is to dive with Tigers and Jim again. This unfortunate accident should not prevent other divers from experiencing the ultimate shark experience. I respectfully request that the Bahamas Diving Association reverses its decision to stop organized shark diving so that I can return to the Bahamas and dive with these magnificent animals again. The message that this ban sends out will reinforce the misconception that sharks are merely killing machines waiting to eat us. Shark populations around the world are in crisis. At the current rate of slaughter many species will become extinct, and a knee jerk reaction to a tragic accident will only worsen their plight. I feel that the Bahamas Diving Association and the Bahamas Government have a duty to try and protect their shark population and promote shark diving not ban it. My hope is that they will see sense and allow grown up divers to make up their own minds about diving with sharks.   

1095 Serre Marie-camille, Paris, France       
1094 John Bibeau, Monrovia, CA
1093 Marc Arnel, White Plains, NY, USA       
1092 John Kilpatrick, Waco, TX

A total ban would be a severe overreaction   

1091 Not publicly disclosed

Please stop this madness!!   

1090 Mark Thurlow, Encinitas, CA, USA

Jim runs one of the most responsible shark diving operations in the world. While the accidental death of anyone in this sport is tragic, it should not be followed by over-reaction.   

1089 Bartosz Krzyzaniak
1088 Not publicly disclosed                       
1087 Steve Buffalin, Buffalin Inc., Scottsdale, AZ,USA   
1086 Not publicly disclosed
1085 Not publicly disclosed
1084 Nigel Marsh, Brisbane, Qld, Australia   
1083 Not publicly disclosed                       
1082 Christopher Bostwick, Corpus Christi, TX, USA

Even though these Fierce Predators have a name of death associated with them due to books and movies, the rate of incidents with scuba divers who encounter shark aggression is very low.  Approximately .03 per 100,000 events.  Other more SAFE sporting events have a significant higher rate of mortality.  Even being a pedestrian crossing the street has a higher rate of death.  This type of diving has its calculated risk and is usually conducted by very experience humans under the supervision of very seasoned professionals. More harm can be accomplished by abolishing this type of activity.  This type of activity helps educate the general public and further enhances research and studies of these magnificent creatures.

1081 Not publicly disclosed                       
1080 Mike Salsido, National Health Bureau, Redondo Beach, CA, USA   
1079 Brendal Davis, Shark Revolution, Delray Beach, FL, USA

Protect the sharks by letting the public see they don't represent man-eaters

1078 Silje Holte                   
1077 Walter Shoup, Westminster, MD, USA   
1076 Pete Delgado, Florida Frogman Inc., Miami, FL, USA   
1075 Jennifer Whitehouse, Shark Diving International, Marina del Rey, CA, USA   
1074 John Manzano, Shark Diving International, Culver City, CA, USA   
1073 Lance Acquasanta, Shark Diving International, Marina del Rey, CA, USA   
1072 Not publicly disclosed
1071 Not publicly disclosed
1070 James Nisbet, Apopka, FL, USA 

It is my life goal to go on a shark diving excursion. While this is an incredibly tragic event, life must go on.  Divers know the risks at hand when they enter the water, so we cannot blame mother nature for this unfortunate event.  As a shark enthusiast, I beg of you to please continue dives in the Bahamas

1068 Christian Dimitrius, Canal Azul, Sao Paolo, SP, Brazil

We support shark diving and work on a daily basis to change people’s perceptions about sharks !!!

Sharks are not these man-eating creatures a lot of people make them out to be.  We lose more people each year going sky diving, bungee jumping, and during other activities as well.  We need programs like this to help us continue to understand sharks.

Sharks need our support

Thanks for all you do.

Please continue to allow shark divers, through responsible and concerned operators like Jim Abernethy, enjoy the creatures of the Bahamas.

1050 Elizabeth Bradshaw, Palmdale, CA, USA

Shark Diving is amazing, please don't stop it.  Sharks are wondrous creatures and deserve to be cherished for uniqueness and part in our eco-system!

1049 Dick Tineo, Brooklyn, NY    USA

My deepest condolences to Markus Groh family and friends

1048 Venky Ra, Chicago, IL

It is too bad that Markus had to succumb to injuries. Shutting down something just because an accident happened will prevent advancements in the field. If people stop trying once they fail, then humanity will be far behind than where we are today. Let us learn from this experience and safeguard ourselves better while continuing the wonderful work we do in the field.

1047 Walt Stearns, www.UnderwaterJournal.com, FL, USA

Banning shark diving in the Bahamas makes no sense and would simply incite a trend that we may not want to see happen within the diving community. So what is really considered safe?

1046 Not publicly disclosed
1045 Not publicly disclosed

Ever since JAWS, I'm terrified, yet love sharks.  Can’t wait to make dream come true...swim with sharks. They are beautiful creatures.

1044 Pamela Bradley, Vero Beach, FL, USA
1043 Craig Parker, Adams, Hollywood, CA, USA
1042 Brant Shenkarow, San Anselmo, CA, USA

The BDA is an important contribution to human appreciation of our natural world.

1041 Jennifer Vyhnanek    , Eden, NC, USA

I have love and respected sharks since I was a little girl. I have studied them only in books and every documentary I can get my hands on. I would give anything to go on a dive and see a white shark face to face. I am trying to save money so one day, I can go to the Isle of Guadelupe

1039 Rachal Kennedy

Sharks are beautiful creatures and people just need to be educated about them, and they might realize there is no reason to be afraid of them.

1038 Danny Tuten
1037 David Tonetti, Torrington, CT, USA

I would first like to say I am truly sorry to hear of the sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

1036 William M.    Buff, Woodbury, NJ, USA

Please keep this going!!!

1035 Krista Volk, Meridian, ID, USA
1034 Debbie Lee, Vancouver, BC, Canada
1033 Jennifer Seda
1032 Frederick Lawrence, Venice, CA, USA   
1031 Alan Kempner, Sacramento, CA, USA

I should make my own decisions as to what risks I take.  I know the risks involved in cageless diving, and accept them gladly and without reservation.  Please do not interfere with this magnificent shark experience.

1030 George Booth, San Antonio, TX, USA

Please keep allowing divers to experience sharks swimming and feeding in the wild. People will learn that they are not to be feared as the movie Jaws suggests. Of course caution needs to be exercised. Do not feed the sharks or attack them. Take photos and enjoy the experience.

1029 Dr Larry Holtfrerich, State Line Chiropractic, Leawood, KS, USA

One incident should never prevent the countless thousands of others from benefiting from this miraculous adventure. We are all aware of the risk associated with any activity we elect to participate in. Those who have been injured or killed would never want this opportunity taken away from us.

1028 Keith Brooks, St. Clair Shores, MI, USA

Keep up the good work!

I care for the fate of sharks because of the shark dives I have done.

People need to be truly educated in sharks that they are not the enemy. It is man who is their enemy.

One unfortunate event should not condemn the activity. If that was the case we should all be living in plastic bubbles. Live is about experience and interaction. To take that opportunity away from everybody is a true crime.

There is risk in everything we do.  Diving itself entails risk.  Let divers decide for themselves if the reward is worth the risk.  Do NOT ban this activity.  Don't bow to hysteria.

I have done the dive with Jim Abernathy and many other shark dives across the world.  They are educational and needed to keep the public aware of the importance of sharks in our oceans.

1015 Not publicly disclosed                       
1014 William Groth, BCCI Construction Company, Castro Valley, CA, USA

Business Owner, Shark diving enthusiast.

I think they should continue so there is a less amount of poaching and a respect for these animals.  I think this is the best thing they ever started was the shark diving expeditions!

1011 Brooke Swanson                   
1010 Jerry Killinger, Gainesville, GA, USA,

I have been diving with various shark species in the Atlantic, Pacific and Caribbean. As tragic as this accident was, it was still just an accident. I encourage you to not overreact to this situation.  The benefits of shark diving experiences far exceeds the small risk that we willingly take when we go into the water with these magnificent creatures.

1009 Andre Hall, Oak Forest, IL   

I have studied sharks my whole life and have found that when encounters do happen they are rare, this is just one of those times, and I hope you please keep this diving educational experience open to those interested. 

1008 Not publicly disclosed                       
1007 Alberto Zaballa                   
1006 Jim Donovan, Recreational Diver, Longwood, FL, USA

Please refrain from changing cageless diving regulations. Jim Abernathy's Scuba Adventures taught my wife and two teenage sons to dive, I would ... and have trusted my familiy’s life to them on many, many dive trips and will continue to do so. A top notch outfit with top notch people.

1005 Linda Anderson, West Chicago, IL    , USA   
1004 Melissa Duda, Uniontown, OH, USA

There's a risk we take every time we get in the water to see these magnificent creatures! I haven’t been to the Bahamas yet to shark dive but, this doesn't stand in my way! I will be there someday soon!

1003 Cornel Fox, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Sincere condolences to the Groh family. We, as divers, understand the risks/reward proposition of this amazing activity, and we hope that this unfortunate incident does not force unwanted action by governments and prevent others from sharing this amazing experience.

1002 Allen Smith, Raleigh, NC, USA

There is always an inherent risk being a Scuba Diver. This was an unfortunate accident.

1001 Linda Reese

I did the shark dive in the Bahamas.  One of the best experiences of my life.

1000 Tobias Parikh, Rostock, MV, Germany

Protect the sharks or die trying. If the sharks are extinct in your area, your community will loose a lot more than only the sharks. Think about it. Before it is too late.

999 Brian Raab, Up Link America inc., Furlong, PA, USA

I have been on many shark dives in the Bahamas and know first hand how safe it is to dive in that environment. This unfortunate accident was caused by a Shark making a mistake. Please don't penalize me or my fellow divers for a Shark’s Mistake.

998 John Krzyzanski, Fremont, CA, USA

We must continue the shark diving, at least for the benefit of the sharks.

997 Carol Schoelch, Saint Louis, MO, USA

By keeping cageless diving an option, you ensure future generations of shark lovers.  To love something, you have to have encounters with it, not just watch from a cage.  They are not the mindless killers many have labeled them as.  It's time to change that!

996 Janet McLoughlin, Farmingdale, NY, USA   
995 David Tinoco, El Segundo, CA, USA

Please preserve current shark diving policies!

994 Nathan Whitehead, PADI, Janesville, WI, USA   
993 Jennifer Mayfield, A1ScubaGear.com, Trevose, PA, USA   
992 Daniel J. Howard, PADI Retailer, Lyon, IL, USA

The Bahamian Government needs to not react negatively based on a couple of operators that have alternate agendas. I would have not been to the Bahamas as frequently or brought the 100+ divers if it weren't for Jim Abernathy. He truly put the Bahamas on the diving map..

991 Alan Brandon, A-1 Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Adventures, Trevose, PA, USA

When I first heard about this incident I too was misguided by irresponsible news reporting and believed that this Dive Operator put a blemish on good diving practices. After taking a moment to review the "facts" I believe in what these guys are doing, believe they did the right thing, and ALL divers must take responsibility for "RISKS" of their own behavior and interaction with wild animals.

990 Suzanne Brandon, Tropicana, Bayonne, NJ, USA   
989 Robert Goodman, USA   
988 Nadine Johnson

SAVE THE SHARKS!!!!

987 Sian Paul, Dorking    Surrey, England   

I have dived in Tiger Shark Beach, Bahamas and had the best experience. Never once did I feel threatened by the sharks and they seemed just as happy to have the company of me too! For education and the future of the oceans and of mankind we need to have these experiences to appreciate how important sharks are.

986 Not publicly disclosed                       
985 Mark Sanders-Barwick, Teddington, Middlesex, UK
984 Not publicly disclosed                       
983 Lucas Boychuk, Dive Zero Productions Inc.               
982 Stephan Whelan, DeeperBlue.net Ltd,  London, UK   
981 Chris Clarke, Save Our Seas Foundation       
980 Robert Balouskus, Xcel Wetsuits, HI, USA   
979 Tommy Barnes Elkridge, MD, USA   

Being able to dive with dozens of sharks in their own environment is one of the most beautiful and amazing events I have ever experienced.

978 Christophe Cogez, Montigny les Cormeiles, France

Shark protector for years now I was taught diving in San Salvador - Bahamas.

977 Not publicly disclosed

Sharks are an important part of our ecosystem, and we are destroying them!

976 Not publicly disclosed
975 Not publicly disclosed
974 Brittany Kohlschmidt, Huntington Beach, CA    , USA   

I am a surfer and most people would think that sharks and surfers don't go hand in hand. And they don't. But we recognize that we are stepping into their territory. It would be unfair and unethical to disregard them because of our selfishness. I believe The Bahamas Diving Association is doing a great thing for these natural predators. They are shedding a new perception on sharks and taking away the misconceptions many people have because of movies like "JAWS".

973 Jacob Thompson, West Palm Beach, FL, USA   
985 Jacob Thompson, West Palm Beach, FL
984 Brittany Kohlschmidt, Huntington Beach, CA, USA

I am a surfer and most people would think that sharks and surfers don't go hand in hand. And they don't. But we recognize that we are stepping into their territory. It would be unfair and unethical to disregard them because of our selfishness. I believe The Bahamas Diving Association is doing a great thing for these natural predators. They are shedding a new perception on sharks and taking away the misconceptions many people have because of movies like "JAWS".

983 Not publicly disclosed                       
982 Not publicly disclosed                       
981 Not publicly disclosed                   

Sharks are an important part of our ecosystem, and we are destroying them!

980 Christophe Cogez, Montigny Les Cormeilles, France

Shark protector for years now I was taught diving in San Salvador - Bahamas.

979 Tommy Barnes, Elkridge, MD, USA   

Being able to dive with dozens of sharks in their own environment is one of the most beautiful and amazing events I have ever experienced.

978 Robert Balouskus, Xcel Wetsuits, HI, USA   
977 Chris Clarke, Save Our Seas Foundation               
976 Stephan Whelan, DeeperBlue.net Ltd, London, UK   
975 Lucas Boychuk, Dive Zero Productions Inc.               
974 Not publicly disclosed                       
973 Mark Sanders-Barwick, Teddington, Middlesex, UK
972 Murat Demirag, cKc Divers Dive Center, Izmir, Turkey
971 M. Meesh, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
970 Crile Crisler, Norfolk, VA, USA
969 Clay Coleman               
968 Not publicly disclosed
967 Not publicly disclosed
966 Not publicly disclosed
965 Not publicly disclosed
964 Dale Turanski Kelowna, BC, Canada
963 Not publicly disclosed   

Going to the Bahamas next month to specifically view the most beautiful creatures in the world!

We have to STOP Finning Sharks and to STOP Sales Shark Products right now.

It is really sad that a diver has been killed whilst diving with sharks.  It would be a great pity if all the pioneering work done to educate the public ceased - maybe the Bahamas Diving Association could ask the family of Markus Groh for their opinion - he obviously loved sharks.

I have only been diving for a few months now, dream of diving with sharks in the Bahamas. The main reason I wish to visit.  Keep the shark diving around!  Tim

I support Shark Diving but NO shark feeding

The last time I looked, the Bahamas was not part of the State of Florida, nor the United States for that matter.  I urge the Bahamas Diving Association to stand up for your sovereignty and for the rights of responsible divers and most of all for the sharks.  They are one of your best assets and deserve your protection. 

Divers know the risk.  Let the divers decide.

KEEP ON SWIMMING!

I've always been fascinated by sharks - they are incredible creatures and I'd love to see one of these majestic creatures up close.  Failing that, I'd like to make sure those that are still with us can continue despite the onslaught of man!

I know many people who have gone on Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures trips and had a very safe and awesome experience.  Diving is a hazard... as is almost anything we do in life, including going to work on a freeway.    He runs a very safe operation.

I believe that it should be done properly with reputable professional operators. I have completed these dives on many occasions some in Rowatan Anthoney's Key and had no problem. We stayed at the bottom until the professional guide analyzed the   sharks and then motioned us to swim in a certain area.  Very nicely done and when the feeding was to start he backed everyone up and then opened the pvc plastic container on the bottom floor (in sand) away from everyone.

I was a scuba instructor for years, and took hundreds of new divers out for their first open water dives with Jim Abernethy.  His emphasis on safety combined with an infectious love of, and respect for, the sea made him my first choice every time.  I fully support a diver's right to embrace life and adventure and risk as Mr. Groh did and choose to participate in cage-free shark diving.  My sincerest condolences go out to everyone affected by this tragedy, as they also do to those who die in car races, rock climbing, sky diving, motorcycle accidents, or any other activities that involve increased risk.  Let's not make it worse by using this incident as a reason to limit someone's right to adventure.

I am a photojournalist who strongly supports Jim Abernethy and his operation. 

This is so sad.

931 Amy Rubio, Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
930 Not publicly disclosed
929 David Guy
928 Tara Losoff, Brooklyn, NY, USA
927 Jessica Gilbank, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

The very first time I went diving, it was in Indonesia, and I went to an area that was filled with white and black tip sharks -- they are the most amazing creatures, so beautiful and peaceful - I was not concerned for a second, neither were the other 12 people in the diving party -- the area is frequented by divers daily, and not once have there been any problems. When I travel for diving, I will definitely only frequent areas that allow and offer diving with sharks.

926 Blair Niewoehner, Please help save our sharks. 

If they were to become extinct, the ecosystem would be drastically affected!

925 Flavia Eberhard, Delray Beach, Florida, USA
924 Sheree Chappell, Coral Reefers Dive Club, Miami, Fla., USA
923 Not publicly disclosed
922 Thomas Heckmann, German champion in underwater photography 2007, Gelsenkirchen, Germany

I did a trip with the Shearwater two times. Now I know what a shark is. Thank you Jim, your team is great.

921 Not publicly disclosed

Stop shark finning also!

920 Melony Smith, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
919 Colleen Lovell, Catatac Innovations, Gauteng, Sandton, South Africa
918 Rick Bergen, Peace River, Alberta, Canada
917 Rick Colman
916 Caren Emslie, United Arab Emirates
915 Not publicly disclosed

How are we going to learn more about these fascinating creatures if we can't interact with them?914 Chris Botha

This discussion is very important, and I am very glad to see how many people back Jim Abernethy and what he stands for.

The Marine Safety Group is out to kill a thriving industry in the Bahamas. They should not mess with the Bahamas.

Shark diving started in the Bahamas some 25-30 years ago (Stella Maris), other places followed suit, but the Bahamas have since become undisputedly the # 1 shark diving destination world-wide.

The Marine Safety Group will not have it their way. They underestimate the common sense of Bahamian government officials. Bahamians do not need to be told by foreigners with a self-serving agenda what they should do.

As this petition clearly shows, the Marine Safety Group also underrate the force of an international diving community that will not accept to be patronized by a few fanatics in the U.S. who seem to have lost all sense of perspective, if they ever had one.  

912 Dwayne Franks, SeaStars Productions, Valencia, Calif, USA

Lets all do what we can. I work in the Motion Picture and TV biz if you would like to hook up and do a project let me know.

911 Colin Embree, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
910 Garth Harms, PADI Dive master
909 Not publicly disclosed
908 Sue Chen Nova Ortho-Med, Inc., Carson, CA, USA
907 Katie Sills
906 Vassily Zavoico, Mclean, Virginia, USA

SAVE THE SHARKS!!!!

905 John Konst, Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada
904 Not publicly disclosed
903 Jennifer Wasik, New York, NY, USA
902 Not publicly disclosed
901 Not publicly disclosed
900 Duncan Brake, BBFS Sharklab, South Bimini, Bimini, Bahamas

Sharks do not have the same tactile means as ourselves to investigate a situation... Sharks will use their mouths to assess if something is viable to eat. Unfortunately this can be fatal for a human. This incident was nothing more than an unfortunate accident and when you immerse yourselves in their world we have to accept that incidents like this are a possibility. Banning and reducing shark dives and feeds will set us back years in reeducating the public on the vital role that these creatures play in our marine ecosystems, and changing the miss conception that these creatures are wild man eaters. This combined with the social and economic benefits that the Bahamas receive through shark-associated tourism should be taken into account before any decision is made.  

899 Vicki Davitt, Ireland
898 Thomas Duerden, Blue Planet Aquarium, Chester, Cheshire, UK

Responsible ecotourism is vital for the protection of sharks and the education of the public. I dread to think what would happen if shark diving operations were to close down in the Bahamas. The only reason the Bahamas is still regarded as a shark eden is because of the vested interest local people have in the survival of these animals. Without this protection the sharks’ days will be numbered as the shark fishermen move in to take their bounty. Markus Groh’s death was a tragedy, but I'm sure he would never want to see shark diving banned. People die when bungee jumping, fair ground rides etc and they don't ban these  activities. Every activity has a risk. I firmly believe the benefits to the environment and the local economy far out weigh the minimal risk associated with responsible shark diving.

897 Martin Heaney Douglas, Isle of Man
896 Muhammad Yawer, Alexandria, Egypt

I love diving with shark they are not that harm creators

895 Robbie Labanowski

Swimming with sharks in the Bahamas in 2001 began my life-long obsession and love of sharks - it has the same affect on thousands more.

894 Nina Lovell, Dorset, UK,
893 Jerry Kane, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, USA
892 Jean-Luc Guidoin, Le Plessis Robinson, France
891 Not publicly disclosed

A tragedy and my sympathy is with the family but please don't overreact the wrong way. You have a massive opportunity and responsibility to make something meaningful happen from this awful event and truly put the shark argument in the public domain. Good luck!

890 Nabil Fadlalla, Nautilus Diving
889 Tim Campbell, Cambridge, UK, cambridgerivertour.com

Diving with sharks is a wonderful experience. There is danger inherent in all parts of our lives. If someone is killed by a falling tree we don’t try to ban all trees...

888 Susie Figas, Hayward, CA, USA

Please stop the inflammatory publicity - risk is a part of everyday life.

887 Vincent Maida, New York, NY, USA
886 Joseph Scanlan, Marquette, Michigan, USA
885 Dani Pen, Lafayette, CA, USA
884 Not publicly disclosed
883 Mark Dawes, London, UK
882 Shirley Vaughan

Diving with sharks in the Bahamas was one of the most moving experiences I have had in the water.  They are magnificent.  All of us who go in the water are aware of the risks, and we can minimize them.  We continue to drive our cars, don't we? 

881 Not publicly disclosed
880 Ken Holliday, Northwest Scuba Ventures Ltd., Edmonton, AB, Canada

We should stop the shark feeding.

879 Greg Bennett, Toronto, ON, Canada

I agree with this petition wholeheartedly. The world needs to know that sharks are beautiful creatures. Preserve the current shark diving policies.

878 Richard Darmanin,
877 Claudia Ford
876 Nancy Holland, Madison, WI, USA
875 Not publicly disclosed
874 Ben Hudgins
873 Erica Palmer, Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas, VI, USVI

Reprinted from WetPixel , testimonial #130

As well, I like to express my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Markus Groh.
The turmoil and the statements in the German, Austrian and as well in the American media and internet are partly shaped by ignorance, stupidity and impertinence.

We divers, above all we shark divers, are a community where we know and understand each other very well. I did not know Markus personally, but I believe he would agree with the following sentences.

Until now my husband and I have been on three different trips with Jim Abernethy and we know the dive site well where the tragic accident occurred. I, and I think all the others as well, who have ever been on one of Jim’s trips, are conscious of the in my opinion relatively little, but always existing risk. We are accepting this risk like other people do in other type of sports, when we are entering the water. Jim can’t exempt us from this part of risk. His job is to create the surrounding conditions for these trips and to minimize additional risks. But he can’t scale down the risks to zero. These surrounding conditions, which are also viewable in these impressing statements above (at WetPixel), is Jim creating with a unique preciseness and enthusiasm while never upcoming habit.

I think, we all know, that we also could have an accident while we are diving with sharks, but of course generally during diving, what itself is much more dangerous in my opinion. This accident could have happened also to us. And of course it can happen again. But this should not be the reason to challenge these undertakings. Otherwise we have to challenge a lot of other things.
My husband and I have been diving at the most “shark places” on the world, with nearly every kind of shark you can meet during diving. With and without chumming. Many operators made a good job, sometimes very good and also some have been very bad. Nobody embodied more professionalism, knowledge, love and also respect for sharks than Jim Abernethy does. It’s tragic, that this accident happened just on one of his trips. I hope, that Jim although is continuing his trips and also is allowed to continue. Everybody, who knows Jim, knows how miserable he must feel now.
I hope, that the mourning of the family and friends doesn’t turn into angriness against Jim or sharks. I believe, Markus was on the wrong place at the wrong time. And we all are very sad about what happened.

Please do not encourage people to have a negative image of sharks. They are beautiful creatures.

864 Paul Smithson
863 David Denoon, Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland
862 Ahmed Mamdouh, Salec Egypt, Cairo, Egypt

Stay away from Sharks...

861 Marie Cachera, Brest, France
860 Kelvyn Parkes, Wales, UK
859 Not publicly disclosed
858 Jose Perez, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
857 Steve Tyler, Orange, CA, USA
856 Joe Romeiro, 333 Productions

Shark diving is important to science and the economic value of the Bahamas w/ out it, the Bahamas has lost something

855 Breanna Ondich
854 Theresa Karasek, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, Santa Barbara, CA, USA
853 James Perdomo, Coral Reefers Dive Club, Cutler Bay, FL, USA
852 Linda Smith
851 Peter Simpson, Sydney, N.S.W, Australia

Will we ban sky diving?? For it is a sport that has killed far more people than shark diving???

850 Tammie Mahmud Anderson
849 Marti Wheat, Jersey City, NJ, USA

I enthusiastically support responsible shark diving.

848 Grant W. Graves, Malibu, CA, USA

Please leave diving of all kinds unregulated.  It is much better to use education to help prevent accident than shutting things down.  Keep shark diving open.

847 Heather Watson

We shouldn’t stop people from being up close to wildlife because of an accident. More people die from coconuts dropping off trees! Should we ban coconut trees too?

846 Richard Oziewicz, Teslin, Yukon, Canada
845 Not publicly disclosed
844 Hannah Medd
843 Not publicly disclosed
842 Putra Sasano, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
841 Natalie McGovern, Wooburn Green, Bucks, UK
840 Michael Keller, , Brunswick, OH, USA
839 Maggie Boone, Miami, Florida, USA
838 Tyler Mahler
837 Not publicly disclosed
836 Ashley Fieberkorn, Longwood , Fl, USA
835 Sarosh Kumana, Foundation for a Suainable Future, San Francisco, CA, USA

I have done several shark dives. They were safe, fun and educational. Please continue to allow shark dives!

834 Ashley Fieberkorn, Longwood, FL, USA
833 Not publicly disclosed
832 Not publicly disclosed
831 Not publicly disclosed
830 Mary Calo, Stuart, FL, USA
829 Bill Teague, Canada

Stop trying to protect people from themselves. If anybody wants to feed sharks in their own habitat, they must accept the risk. Keep out of peoples lives.

828 Christina Williams, Deep Six, Stuart, FL, USA
827 Patrick Patty, China Grove, NC, USA
826 Paul Grieve, Queensland, Australia
825 Victor-Manuel Hernandez, Barcelona, Spain
824 Not publicly disclosed
823 Gregory Redfern

I certainly hope that this type of shark diving will be available for many years to come. I developed a whole new appreciation for sharks after diving with Jim and his crew. Safety is always primary, and the risks are clearly defined.  Sharks are AMAZING creatures, and need our cooperative efforts to allow them to thrive in our oceans.

822 Not publicly disclosed
821 Joseph Giandinoto, South Florida Divers Inc.
820 Mackenzie Pawliger, Miami, FL, USA
819 Not publicly disclosed
818 Larry Gibson
817 Not publicly disclosed

816 Martin Suter, Orlando, FL, USAJim Abernethy has done more to de-stigmatize sharks. His trips, as well as photos and films from his trips, have done much to convey the beauty inherent in Bahamian waters. Don't let competitors with their own agendas drive public policy. Let these trips continue!815 Not publicly disclosed

814 Gui Eberhard, USA

The accident was unfortunate, and my condolences go to the Groh family.  However, this is an amazing experience that should remain.  People take risks on their lives every day, and life can only be lived to the fullest by taking risks.  Shark diving is an amazing experience that allows humans to observe and interact with these incredible and misunderstood creatures.  I hope that this unfortunate event does not change the fact that this is an incredible experience that should go on.

813 Kathy Locke, Port Saint Lucie, FL, USA

Nothing is more thrilling then to view sharks in the open water.

812 Not publicly disclosed
811 Scott Stainforth, Pedreguer, Aicante, Spain
810 Ashley Risen, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
809 Stan Neill, Naui
808 Ashley Risen, Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada
807 Not publicly disclosed
806 Matthew Jones, Wichita State University, Wichita, Kansas, USA
805 Darren Evans, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

I have personally dove with Sharks in the Bahamas. It is imperative that diver education about these misunderstood creatures continues.

804 Not publicly disclosed
803 Debbie Mumford, London, UK

Misinformation spreads ignorance.

802 Ricky Bowen Jr., Plymouth, Indiana, United States
801 Larry Locke, Discover Cozumel, USA

Diving with sharks is not a problem.  The problem arises when a dive operator puts profit above diver safety.  I have done many shark dives and never once felt uncomfortable in any way.

800 Not publicly disclosed
799 Sean Walker, Sheffield, UK

We should all be doing as much as possible to save all sea life and fine and jail the people, companies, and countries that wish to murder our world

798 Ibrahim Tewfik
797 Not publicly disclosed
796 Alexandra Michell
795 Luke Coffelt
794 Richard Roth, Albuquerque, NM, USA
793 Naeem Elkedawi, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Hi . I am a scuba diving instructor from Saudi Arabia. I’d like to come some day to dive with sharks.

792 Not publicly disclosed
791 Per Lagerberg, Gothenburg, Sweden
790 Mikael Hadell, Liquidspace Films
789 Not publicly disclosed
788 Andrew Prins, Coral World USVI, St Thomas, VI, USVI
787 Tom Harris, Moreno Valley, CA, USA
786 Nansy Mackenzie, Miami Springs, Florida, USA

We have already decimated the shark population by 90%. This will only give rise to more fear and hatred of the incredible shark and soon there will be no more to worry about...

785 Dominick Macan, Dive Advice Travel, Valbonne, France
784 Michael Armentrout, Irving, TX, USA
783 Justine Schultes, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
782 Not publicly disclosed

One of the reasons I go to the Bahamas with groups of divers every year is to see the sharks! Banning Shark Diving is not good for the island!

781 Ralph Oberlander, Dover, NH, USA

Shark diving is the #1 reason I trevel to the Bahamas

780 Michael Stein
769 Patti Villegas, Union City, NJ, USA
768 Charles Maxey, Hardy, VA, USA
767 Robert Sandhaus, Bow Mar, Colorado, USA
766 Kristine Lawrence, Sarasota County School Board, North Port, Florida, USA

I had the great pleasure of diving with Stuart Cove in 2000.  This was our first open water dive after certification.  This was only my 8th dive and WOW !!!!!  Conditions were low vis and a strong current yet I felt completely at ease.  Sharks were swimming between myself and my two children aged 11 and 15.  I would never have put my children at risk if I felt this was an unsafe adventure.  The thrill of this experience is one our family will never forget. For anyone wishing to experience such a rush should not fear to dive with the sharks. 

765 Jane Morgan, DIVE magazine, Teddington, Middlesex, UK
764 Frank Diodato, IANTD/SDI/TDI/PADI, Newport News, Va., USA

I have dived with them Hawaii no problems

763 Not publicly disclosed
762 Nick Ramsey, skiptondivers.co.uk
761 Sandy Khan, Sacramento, CA, USA

Please continue your efforts to preserve sharks. They have a place on the earth the same as any other living creature.

760 Miranda Alldritt, North Vancouver, BC, Canada
759 Sheri Swanson, Kailua-Kona, HI, USA758 Mark Vatousiou, USA
757 Gretchen Grant, NYC, NY, USA
756 Eric Wright, Carlsbad, CA, USA
755 Vicky Marquez
754 Craig Glover, London, Ontario, Canada
753 Tara O'Connor, CA, USA
752 Janette Olo, Redding, CA, US

Conservation efforts need to be enforced...stop illegal fishing of endangered species!!!

751 Orlando Montalvo
750 Alfredo Barroso Ruiz, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Please! Keep Shark diving alive! We live for it!

749 Todd Essick
748 Ron Taylor, Ron Taylor Film Productions, Fairlight, New South Wales, Australia

Shark dives are extremely safe compared to other active sports. I have 56 years of underwater experience.  I have filmed hundreds of potentially dangerous sharks where the sharks have been attracted to baits, including Great Whites Bulls and Tigers.  Never have any of those sharks shown any aggression towards me.  I am 74 years old.

747 Not publicly disclosed
746 Anthony Pelle, Key Biscayne, FL, USA
745 Michael Gartner, Riviera Beach, FL, USA
744 Kathy George, Ridgeway, SC, USA

Sharks don't naturally hunt or bite humans.  Please don't over-react!

743 Barb Stahura, Pompano Beach, FL
742 Michael Lawrence, Michael Lawrence Photography, North Port, FL, USA

Hundreds of thousands of divers have participated in shark diving activities in The Bahamas over the past two decades with an incredibly low number of negative incidents.  The dive operators of the country have led the world in refining this incredibly important activity and have contributed an immeasurable amount of knowledge to the behavior of sharks.  Of all activities generally perceive to be high risk, the realistic dangers of shark diving ranks very low on the list.  To limit this activity would both diminish are growing awareness of the fragility of the shark population as well as reinforcing the general public's negative and ill-informed concept of sharks.  I heartily oppose any restrictions on Bahamian shark dive activities for the reasons stated above as well as the potentially devastating economic and ecological effects such legislation would bring both to the Bahamas and to the world at large.

741 Ryan Marshall, Albuquerque, NM, USA
740 Matt Simi, Mill Valley, CA, USA
739 William Caruso
738 Not publicly disclosed
737 Anthony Barbarino
736 Not publicly disclosed
735 Margery Branche, PADI, Euclid, OH, USA

While I haven't had the experience myself, as a very new diver, I have heard the wonderful, exciting experiences from others who have done this several times with no negative result, only awe inspiring dives and photographs. I would hate to see this incredible experience taken away due to a tragic, yet isolated situation.  My thoughts and prayers to the family who has lost a loved one.  I am hoping that one day I am able to have the experience with Abernethy’s crew and dive uncaged with sharks.

734 Mary Chipman, Diver (20+ years), Singer Island, FL, USA
733 John Scarlett, Austin, TX, USA
732 Tom Carey, Ocean Planet Images
731 Not publicly disclosed
730 Heather C. Keith, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA

I concur with the position outlined in this petition and I hope that the relevant parties make calm, educated and rational decisions without undue haste or unjustified fear!

729 Not publicly disclosed
728 Derek Bamford
727 Not publicly disclosed
726 Cristina Massei
725 John Morgan
724 Volker Siedt
723 Bill Fisher
722 Greg Nowell, Malta
721 Jennifer Jeffrey
720 Kristin Marshall
719 Ahmed Saleh
718 Anunciacion Cary, Cicero, NY, USA

Save the Sharks!

717 Nicole Davis, Irmo, SC, USA
716 Derry Huff, North Miami, FL, USA
715 Peter Penner, Los Angeles, USA
714 Curt Perry, South Bend, IN, USA

I will only come to the Bahamas to dive for photo opportunities with sharks. Please don't take this away from me. Curt Perry

713 Alisa Schwartz, Jackson, NJ, USA

Please stand in support of responsible shark dive operations. Stand in support of protecting endangered shark species & the ecosystem. The Bahamas is one of the few remaining areas of the world where one can learn about these majestic creatures. What happened was a horrible, tragic accident, but we need to continue the research for future generations to come. Jim Abernethy's dive op is a good one...nobody wants a tragedy, but the study must carry on. Serve as the leader in protecting our oceans.

712 Not publicly disclosed
711 Tracey Daly, University of Rhode Island
710 Desirae Boucher, Seabrook, NH, USA
709 Joe Romeiro, 333 productions

It is worse for everyone if we stopped diving with sharks. If you don’t like it stay out of the water. It is ridiculous to think of more protection against sharks, they need our help.  if you guys do, I will never go to those spots again. Ever again.

708 Judith Lintz, Pentwater, MI, USA
707 Not publicly disclosed
706 Rich Lang, Lafayette, CA, USA
705 Chris Nickless, Nickless Video Productions Inc, North Miami, Fl, USA,
704 Rachel Broadbent, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
703 Teresa Johnson, Gillette, WY, USA
702 Vernon Johnson
701 Alan Linkous, Adventure Diving, Bristol, TN, USA

No one is forcing you to go!

700 Rich Bertagna, Ohio, USA
699 Gregory Holmes, Aventura, FL, USA

Never had a problem shark diving. Great experience in their space.

698 Kate Holmes, Newport, KY, USA,
697 Megan Padilla, Travel Journalist, Orlando, FL, USA
696 Kevin Palmer, Island Exposure Photography & Expeditions, West Palm Beach,  FL, USA
695 Tanya Burnett, Island Exposure Inc, West Palm Beach , FL, USA
694 John Runte, Pflugerville, TX, USA

A tragic event, am saddened by the loss of life, but I support the right to have free choice.

693 James Chen, Kingston 19, Jamaica W.I.
692 Not publicly disclosed
691 Erin Padilla, Carlsbad, CA, USA

I love Sharks.  People who love them are vested in saving them.

690 Steve Kelley
689 Not publicly disclosed
688 Marie Cachera, Brest
687 Friedhelm Grunert, Salzkotten, NRW, Germany
686 Daniel White

Things happen everyday that are tragic, but that doesn’t mean that we should ban them.  If that’s the case it would be a crime to do anything. Then when you allow a government to take over how we live our lives then we loose our freedom. As divers we realize every time the risks we take when entering in the water.  Personally for me I would get in the water for a dive like this as the odds of something happening are about the same as lightening hitting the same place 3 times.

685 Terri Melloway, Sea Shepherd Co-ordinator Gold Coast, Qld. Australia, Gold Coast, Queensland Australia

First of all, my deepest sympathy to the family of Marcus Groh. I can only echo the words of Capt. Paul Watson.   In Australia less than 500 Grey Nurse Sharks survive due to the ruthless slaughter of these harmless creatures.  Due to human ignorance and arrogance these shark were easy prey to divers and were on the brink of extinction until finally now they are a "Protected Species".   In our World today, all shark species need protection from human greed for the dollars obtained from shark finning.  We must protect these creatures and all Marine Life. The future of the Planet depends on the Sea and all living within it.  Reputable Dive Companies know and respect sharks and give us the opportunity to learn about and share the beauty of sharks.

684 John Luedeman, Seneca, SC, USA
683 Not publicly disclosed
682 Drew Zaun, Manahawkin, NJ, USA
681 Tim Owens

"A venturesome minority will always be eager to get off on their own, and no obstacles should be placed in their path; let them take risks, for God’s sake, let them get lost, sunburnt, stranded, drowned, eaten by bears, buried alive under avalanches  that is the right and privilege of any free American."-Edward Abbey

680 Jim Palmquist
679 Marc Carlson, Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Sharks should be respected and revered but not feared as mindless predators.  My uncaged shark diving experience in the Bahamas with tiger, lemon and great hammerhead sharks opened my eyes to their intelligence and cautious demeanor.  Even during a night feeding frenzy dive with little light, the sharks knew exactly where we were and that we were not what they were after by any means.  Experienced shark divers understand there are inherent risks when diving with large predators but also understand that the sharks gain far more from us being in the water with them where their actual behavior contradicts the media hype and lets us see sharks for the serene and majestic animals they really are.

678 Porter H. Watson

As I’ve seen stated, the activity (shark chumming) is safer than driving to the shop.

677 Debbie Norris, Pensacola, FL, USA
676 Helmut Wipplinger, Sharkproject, Austria
675 Robert Swan, BCD School of Diving, Prescott, Ontario, Canada

I have dove with sharks for over 3 decades and no problems.

674 Not publicly discolosed
673 Not publicly discolosed
672 Not publicly discolosed
671 Teresa Tutt
670 Dawn Elliott, Elkhart, IN, USA
669 Not publicly disclosed
668 Not publicly disclosed
667 Not publicly disclosed
666 Nancy Holland, Madison, WI, USA
665 Amoaso Bempah, London, UK
664 Gregor Jankovic, Fremont, California, USA

I'm a diving instructor and I used to work on the liveaboard Aqua Cat in the Bahamas. We were doing the shark dives every week and I can tell you that it is a very safe experience. Considering that this is the first incident of this kind let's not become paranoid.

663 Not publicly disclosed

I have dove with Jim’s operation and it was the best trip I have ever been on.  Sharks need our support not fear. Please let everyone decide to dive with or without cages with these beautiful animals.

Please do not stop shark diving in the Bahamas. This is one of the only ways to make people aware of how important sharks are to our environment.

650 Luiz Fernando Alvarenga, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Me and my wife dived with Jim exactly 1 year ago. Chumming is not feeding; He’s against shark feeding with people underwater. Shark feeding = shark frenzy. He cares as much for those sharks as for his clients and himself. I was to go with him last week but the incident took place. I’m just back from Miami. What happened was a freak accident. An investigation should clarify what happened before any comment can be made.

649 Peter Symes, X-Ray International Dive Magazine

Free access to the wilderness is a right.  Who is to stop me if I want to hike in the mountains, go skiing in he wilderness - or jump in the ocean to study the creatures there?

I just dove with shark with Stuart's Cove, it was an amazing and incredibly save adventure.

644 Julio Borras, Hammerhead, llc, North Miami Beach, FL, USA

Bahamas Diving Association, please preserve current shark diving policies but do not ban the opportunity to dive with these magnificent creatures.  We must remember that we are entering their domain and there for are an altering device to their regular environment and normal behavior.  Accidents happen but the old time scary view of sharks are evil, man eaters is slowly dissolving, by efforts put forth by educators, doctors, and professionals in the field who know the true importance and nature of these fish.  I encourage you to continue allowing shark expeditions in the Bahamas.  As a resident of Miami, FL and frequent visitor to the Bahamas I can assure you a ban will impact your tourism and the public’s view of Bahamian policies and environmental practices. Best regards, Julio Borras

643 Guillermo, Gomez, Madrid, Spain
642 Not publicly disclosed
641 Frank Lasinski, Berlin, Germany

We are guest in the environment of the sharks (and I think on this planet with its wonderful and uniqu nature). If exist a problem with sharks (and the other inhabitant of earth)than we are the cause...

640 Kimberly Ebersole
639 Philippe Horinecki, Shark Federation, Marchin, Lige, Belgium
638 Janet Wickens

I have always been a great admirer of sharks.  I think they are amazing animals.  However, I don't think I could dive cageless amongst them, but I admire and encourage people who wish to do so.  It is imperative that we preserve these wonderful creatures from extinction because as with all other creatures great and small they too have an important place in this world.

637 Adam Broadbent
636 Detlef Schuh, Vienna, Austria
635 Denise Allinson, Jacksonville, Fl, USA

Preserve our ability to interact with these amazing creatures.

634 Michael Walker, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA

I support cageless shark diving. I hope we can continue to dive, swim, and photograph these wonderful creatures without barriers.

633 Not publicly disclosed
632 Lucien Panmorningstar, Manitou Springs, CO, USA
631 Lisa Blecker, OceanBlue Divers, Brooklyn, NY, USA
630 Thomas Sergent, Amphibious Warrior Scuba Wear, Rockford, IL, USA

Ecotourism and Shark diving operations are vital to the conservation of apex predators such as sharks!

629 Gerard Harvey, UK

Banning diving with sharks after an attack  is the equivalent of banning dog walking after the next weekly serious dog mauling: it is an example of ridiculous reactionary posturing to the press & public in an attempt to be seen to be doing the "right" (definable here only as currently popular) thing and will address absolutely nothing. Education is the only proper response and perhaps this incident will highlight the need for more of it, if only politicians take pause to think for a change.

628 Patrick Reboud, Lima, Peru
627 Thomas Demerly, Dearborn, MI, USA

Please help maintain shark diving in the Bahamas as a safe and important way for divers to learn about and observe nature.

626 Felix Leander, OceanicDreams
625 Not publicly disclosed
624 Sandi Pearce, Ventura, CA, USA
623 David Randazzo, Riverview, FL
622 Steve Fox, Utila Whale Shark Research
621 Gordon Robinson, Mill Valley, California, USA
620 David Wakeham
619 Hefin Griffiths, Chester, Cheshire, UK

I had the pleasure of diving with JASA on one of their Tiger Shark Trips and know how seriously Jim and his crew take safety and how much they respect and love these animals.

618 Frank Valckenborgh, Macquarie University, NSW, Australia
618 Jennifer Hunter, Florida
617 Zoe-lee Smith
616 Mrs. Peter Benchley, Princeton, NJ
615 Michael Woodruff, Princeton, TX, USA
614 Mikaelyn Law, MSU Scuba Club
613 Trisha Stone, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA
612 Bernard Poisson, Draper, UT, USA
611 James Dooley, Common Sense Ltd., Alton, MA, USA

Chalk another up for the sharks!  Do not feed the fish or eventually you'll be sorry.  Even a nurse shark, moray or barracuda could spoil your fun.   

610 Tanya Brunner, Tampa, FL, USA
609 George Gross, Warner Industries, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada

I have dived for 33 years with Sharks and feeds, including non caged feeds, as well as experienced a week with Scuba Adventures in the Bahamas at Tiger Beach. Very safe/professional. Please allow this to continue. I have spent many dollars in Tourism enjoying several Bahamian Islands and ask for your support to not take drastic action and ban shark feeding. I support shark feeding if done professionally.

608 Jack Connick, OpticalOceanSales.com, Seattle, WA, USA
607 Zachary Widman, Duluth, MN, USA
606 Bob Cranston, Bonsall, California, USA
605 Beverly Tisnower, Philadelphia, PA, USA
604 Marion Haarsma, CMAS, Den Haag, Holland, Netherlands

Herewith I want to express my concern for the problems caused for Jim. I can vouch for his concern for passengers’ safety, professionalism, knowledge of sharks. We have had a wonderful time, in 30 years of diving and almost 3.000 dives I never had such a wonderful time. Please let Jim continue to work this way! Greetings, Marion Haarsma, Holland

603 Larry Schoonover, Natural Visions Holistic Health, Inc., Tampa, Florida, USA
602 Suzy Leedham, Falmouth, Cornwall, UK
601 Amadeo Zarza, ACUC International, Madrid, Spain
600 George Ballas, Underwater Photographer, Greece
599 Michel Braunstein, Israel
598 Horbach Malevolitch
597 Borut Furlan
596 Not publicly disclosed
595 Alex Richards, Thailand
594 Reggie Brown, San Jose, Ca., USA

I love marine life & the sea, sharks are one of my favorite animals and there is nothing like being with them in their environment on "their" terms... the cage experience is not the same. The fluidity, grace, and beauty of the shark is something rarely seen in the wild, I have enjoyed diving in the blue with sharks over the years and each year I have seen less and less. Without protection they will be gone in the not too distant future and without professional operators like Jim Abernethy, those of us who love sharks will lose a powerful advocate for dispelling the myth of the shark as a mindless man-eater. Reggie Brown

593 Bonnie Jay, StarBird, Santa Monica, CA, USA
592 Phillip Otake, Wombat House, Hitachi, Ibaraki, Japan
591 Robert Zimmerman, PADI Divemaster           
590 Gary Stokes, Deep Aqua Underwater Photography, Hong Kong   

I cannot believe one tragic, unfortunate accident could force the narrow minded authorities to changes laws which allow consenting adults the choice to seek adventure and experience these incredible creatures in their natural environment. The only frenzy that is not controlled is that of the media.

589 Hans Rivadeneira, Sea Shepherd Ecuador, Puerto Ayora    Galapagos, Ecuador

We are earth, we have to care sharks. Congratulations, Your work is wonderfull.

588 Samuel Lam, North Hills, NY, USA   
587 Not publicly disclosed                   
586 Tony Hodges, MI

It seem ludicrous the lengths we have to go to in this world to protect our freedom to choose.  As divers we understand the dangers and accept the responsibility.

585 Helena Li, North Hills, NY, USA   
584 Adriana Olivas, Friday Harbor, WA, USA   
583 Not publicly disclosed

Sharks are valuable to the ocean ecosystem. Please support responsible shark diving!

582 Jaxin Hall, Love Before Glory Clothing, New Zealand

I think this quote by Captain Paul Watson of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society sums it all up..."Less than five people a year die from shark bites, yet every time a human dies because of a shark bite, the media goes on a hysterical binge of shark hatred. It's completely irrational. Approximately 100 people a year die from ostrich attacks. Dogs bite over 50,000 people a year and kill over 100. This makes dogs and ostriches twenty times more dangerous than sharks, yet we don’t call for the eradication of big birds and puppies. On the other hand, humans slaughter tens of millions of sharks a year for soup. Which species is the monster? Diving with sharks is less dangerous than playing golf. More people die each year of lightning strikes or bee stings on golf courses than from diving with sharks. If people are afraid of going into the ocean because of sharks, then they should also stay off of the golf course. Better yet, they should stay off the roads and freeways, where over 40,000 people die each year in automobile accidents. And maybe they should stop smoking, a nasty habit that kills hundreds of thousands of people each year. They should also stop people from hunting, because hunting accidents kill far more people each year than sharks do."

581 Jennifer Whitedog                   
580 Tim Vandersmissen, Boutersem, Vlaams-Brabant, Belgium

Keep up the good work!!! People like you make me proud again to be a human.

579 Debbie Bonde, Miami Shores, FL, USA

It is our intention to continue bringing groups to the Bahamas, one of the few places left that one can actually still see sharks.  Please do not let media or other uninformed sources dictate the future of shark diving in the Bahamas.

578 James Powers, Shark Savers, Northport, NY, USA

Let's preserve the current shark diving policies!!

577 Kent Bonde, Miami Shores, Fl, USA

By way of background, I am a survivor of a near fatal shark encounter that took place in the Bahamas in 2001.  As a dive instructor and a licensed charter captain, I was determined not to end my diving career due to fear of getting back in the water and instead made the choice of seeking out a cageless environment to come to terms with the type of shark involved with my accident.   While I never had the privilege of diving with Jim Abernathy, it was through professional operations like his that not only made this possible, but turned me into a huge advocate for preserving sharks. While the situation involving Marcus Groh is indeed tragic, he made an informed choice knowing what the risks were, which compared to many other extreme sports such as mountain climbing or sky diving, are remote at best. It is my profound hope that some  of the knee-jerk reaction  surrounding this event  will not result in unintended consequences for the Bahamian dive industry, such as a total ban on shark feeding, which considering the rapidly deteriorating state of the offshore marine environment throughout the Bahamas, is about the only real attraction left for divers. 

576 Robin Culler, New Fairfield, CT, USA   
575 Mark Conlin   
574 Marc Valade, Lachute, Quebec, Canada

Keep safe.

573 Michelle Krissinger, Dagsboro, DE, USA

Shark diving must protected!

572 P Casey, Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia

I wish to echo the writing content of Sea Shepherds Paul Watson on the subject. I've surfed and swam with sharks for nearly 45 years. I much prefer that to nightclubs.

571 Lupo Robert, Dion, USA
570 Not publicly disclosed
569 Not publicly disclosed
568 Rodolfo Serrano, Caracas, Miranda, Venezuela

It is a dangerous activity, but whoever wants to do it should be FREE to do so.

567 Carolyn Brand, Tampa, FL, USA
566 Rob Unruh, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

I have been on shark dives in the Bahamas and have always felt totally safe. Through these dives I have developed a greater appreciation for and desire to protect sharks.

565 Jeffery F. Trotta, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
564 Peter Trist, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
563 Not publicly disclosed
562 Alexander Schmid, PADI
561 Not publicly disclosed
560 Adam Conniss, Stoke Hartland, Devon, UK

Extreme reactions to extreme situations are seldom well thought through and in time become tragedies of the past

559 Janina Gray
558 Rupert Imhoff, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

I would travel to the Bahamas just to swim with the sharks!

557 Lisa Clark-Kreischer, Egg Harbor TWP, NJ, USA
556 Jane Green, Lewes, DE, USA
555 Mary Clark, Egg Harbor TWP, NJ, USA
554 Richard Kreischer, Egg Harbor TWP, NJ, USA
553 Heike Zidowitz
552 Not publicly disclosed

Do not stop this wonderful pastime.

551 Steve Houghton, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

People have been diving with sharks for a very long time.  Please do not let this practice end.

550 Andy Pepper, West Chester, OH
549 Sophie Peake, MSU, East Lansing, MI

The "dangers" of diving with sharks are well known, it is one's personal choice to swim or not. Nobody pushes you in the water to dive with these awesome creatures.

548 Kat Smith, Houma, LA, USA
547 Dawn Elliott, Elkhart, IN, USA

I have done shark dives/chumming several times and felt totally safe. Bad things sometimes happen no matter what. It has been my choice and I hope it this wonderful trip will continue as it has always been.

546 Heather Ryan, Grenada, MS, USA

I participated in a seven day dive at tiger beach with another dive operator in December of 2007 and found it to be one of the best experiences I have ever encountered.  Yes there are risks but I was and am perfectly aware of am willing to expose myself to them again.  I will participate in efforts to encourage the Bahamian Ministry to continue to open their waters to these types of dives.

545 Morgan White, Conroe, TX, USA

I think it's wonderful that there is a group of people out there who are protecting the rights of the sharks. If there were more people like y’all out there things would'nt be as bad as they are for our seas and sharks. Thank y’all for all y’all’s hard work

544 Dana Mollica, PA, USA
543 Angie Provenzano, Whitby, Ontario, Canada

Love sharks, respect sharks, protect sharks!

542 Tom Baldwin
541 Benjamin Baldwin
540 Marine Blancher, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
539 Bill Watts, Coconut Creek, FL, USA

Many more people get injured and killed each year in boating and jet ski accidents. Why don't we get so hysterical about these things? It's the  media and guys like Neil Watson looking out for their own interests. Like everything else in life if you don't want to take any risk then just don't do it but don't tell me what I can do and what risks I can take. We are all adults here I don't need a parent in control any more! Furthermore we don’t even have the facts as to what happened and how Groth really died. I find it hard to believe he could have bled to death from a shark bite to the calf that did not even take out any flesh as I have heard. We need to get all the facts before we rush to judgment!

538 Jacqueline Shumway, Holt, MI, USA

As a novice diver, I want an opportunity to be able to dive with sharks in the future. Jim Abernathy and his company have more than 20 years of unblemished service to the dive community.  Every diver who goes in the water truly understands the risks involved. Please continue to allow JASA to support the Bahamas's and shark conservation.

537 Susie Adams, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

I have been on several shark feeding dives as well as "attract" dives and while not on Abernathy's boat specifically, I do believe that as a responsible diver one knows the risks involved. I have however been on Abernathy's local charter and COMPLETELY support him and his crew. Please do not let a single isolated incident take the CHOICE that we all make to participant in these types of dives away from us!

536 Albert Hava

Live and let live.  Dive and let dive.

535 Tyler McLeod, Sharkwater, Toronto, Canada
534 Ben Speers-Roesch, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Almost any activity has a degree of risk to it. We accept responsibility for this risk when we partake. No one would ever suggest that skiers shouldn't be allowed to downhill ski because hurtling yourself down a slope at 60 km/h is more likely to get you in an accident than cross-country skiing. So why should it be any different for diving for shark feeds vs. normal diving?

533 Not publicly disclosed
532 Alexander Carl, NC, USA
531 Not publicly disclosed
530 Jackie Marsh, Stuart, FL, USA

Many years of diving trips with Jimmy's operation - both in the Bahamas and US.  I have always felt safe and comfortable, both in the water and on board.  Diving with Jimmy has given rare pleasure of diving with these beautiful creatures.  And it's a lot safer than driving I95 every day

529 Captain Paul Watson, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Friday Harbor, Washington

Less than five people a year die from shark bites, yet every time a human dies because of a shark bite, the media goes on a hysterical binge of shark hatred. It's completely irrational. Approximately 100 people a year die from ostrich attacks. Dogs bite over 50,000 people a year and kill over 100. This makes dogs and ostriches twenty times more dangerous than sharks, yet we don't call for the eradication of big birds and puppies. On the other hand, humans slaughter tens of millions of sharks a year for soup. Which species is the monster?   

Diving with sharks is less dangerous than playing golf. More people die each year of lightning strikes or bee stings on golf courses than from diving with sharks. If people are afraid of going into the ocean because of sharks, then they should also stay off of the golf course. Better yet, they should stay off the roads and freeways, where over 40,000 people die each year in automobile accidents. And maybe they should stop smoking, a nasty habit that kills hundreds of thousands of people each year. They should also stop people from hunting, because hunting accidents kill far more people each year than sharks do.

I've swum with sharks all my life, including hammerheads, tigers, bulls, nurses, blues, makos, and great whites, and not once did a shark ever threaten my life. However, I was once robbed at gunpoint three blocks from the White House. I was safer in the sea with the sharks than walking down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Captain Paul Watson

528 Rafael Alfaro, Norwalk, CT, USA
527 Joseph Bartoszek, Cocoa Beach, FL, USA
526 Rob Stewart, Sharkwater, Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

Shark diving is necessary for the protection of sharks and ultimately, humanity.

525 Craig Ashton, Chapel Hill, NC, USA

I have never been around anybody that has been a better spokesperson for sharks, shark diving and the protection of sharks than Jim Abernathy. 

524 Elizabeth Keith, Frederiksted, Virgin Islands, USA
523 Emile Mabita, Belgium
522 Frank Wasson, M/V Spree, Houston, Texas
521 Paul Moravec, Blairstown, NJ, USA

Those making dives with "dangerous" species of sharks are aware of the risks. Having companies willing to organize such trips make it safer for those wishing to do it. Getting rid of these businesses will not have any impact on improving the safety of diving.

520 Not publicly disclosed

Please do not let fear of the unknown dictate policy. Let the facts prevail and let us learn more about these species - the cornerstones of out marine ecosystems. Thanks.

519 Mike, Hagan
518 Anna Bennett, Jupiter, FL, USA
517 Harold Perlaza, Sherman Oaks, CA, USA

I had the opportunity of diving wit Jim and the crew of the Shear water last year and it was a great experience, Jim runs a very professional operation where safety is their number one concern. I will go diving with Jim and the crew of the Shear water any time.

516 John Lewis

My wife Kathy and I had the opportunity to dive with Jim Abernathy last year in the Bahamas, and were enriched by the experience beyond measure.  Further, we are appalled to think that his operation will be restricted because of one accident, as tragic as it may have been.  For what it is worth, I made an estimate of how many such dives that have been made under similar circumstances.  Assuming that Jim has been in operation for 7 years, runs 40 trips per year with 12 divers for 10 days doing 4 dives per day, I come up with approximately 135,000 exposures.  One accident translates to less than 1 incident in 100,000 dives.  I then looked up the National Safety Council\'s odds for dying under various circumstances.  The lifetime odds of dying from any force of nature including: heat, cold, flood, earthquake, storm, and (yes) lightning are 1 in 96,658.  I conclude that Jim's record is an exceptional one, and he should be praised for it not penalized.  John E. Lewis, Ph.D.

515 Peter Castrinoyanakis
514 Doc White, Ocean Magic Photography, San Diego, CA, USA

I have worked with Jim on shark dives. I have found him to be professional and concerned about the welfare of his clients. Jim exhibits an awareness of dive conditions, the sharks, divers, weather, and boat conditions. He is in all aspects a true waterman.

513 Pavel Pokrovsky, Moscow, Russia
512 Roberto Gil Lameiro, Padi, Vigo, Galicia, Spain
511 Ralf Kiefner
510 Robert Jackson, Miami, FL, USA
509 Rob Verduyn, Rec & Tek SCUBA Inc., Dundas, Ontario, Canada

Have done 3 Shark dives in Bahamas with Black Beard’s safely, professionally and educationally done as well. Would do it again in a second.

508 Marc Montocchio, www.marcmontocchio.com
507 Dieter Holzmaier, Vienna, Austria
506 Claudia Lehner, Vienna, Austria,
505 Veronica Sanna, Roma, Italia,

I miei due viaggi con Jim? L'esperienza piu' vera e piu'entusiasmante della mia vita! Non ho mai avuto paura o avvertito un pericolo, ho solo sentito costantemente la bellezza e la perfezione nuotare con me. Non e' una sfida e' solo la voglia di imparare a conoscere e rispettare tutto quello che ci circonda. Sono con Jim e ancora lo ringrazio per avermi fatto vivere con grande professionalita'queste indimenticabili emozioni.

504 Mark Gustin, Tomball, Texas, USA
503 Jane Fraser, San Mateo, CA, USA
502 Folkart Schweizer, SchweizerGroup, Murrhardt, Germany

Stop Finning

501 Robert Terpstra
500 Jeffery Chaney, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, USA
499 Christopher McClintic, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

My experience with Jim has been nothing but positive. He stressed safety and respect for wildlife.

498 Greg Schubert, Law Offices Greg T. Schubert, Springfield, MA, USA

Accidents will happen.

497 Robert Whitmore, North Palm Beach, FL
496 Raymond Clark, Whiting, NJ, USA

I've probably done a hundred dives in the Bahamas, many with sharks and a few feedings, never saw a cage and never felt the need for one.

495 Jamie Holdorf
494 Stephan Doin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Do not forget that its their environment. have great respect of sharks speacie.

493 Gustavo Trunci, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
492 Carl, Neal, Charlotte, NC, USA
491 Not publicly disclosed
490 Mike Nelson, Bone-Dry Photo, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
489 Douglas Seifert, Tequesta, FL, USA
488 Not publicly disclosed

Diving with sharks is low risk, not no risk, divers should accept that.

487 Tommy Rhodes, Yigo, Guam
486 Ryan Johnson, South African Marine Predator Lab, Mossel Bay, Western Cape, South Africa
485 Robin Savchuk, Amsterdam, Netherlands
484 Veronica Sanna, PADI, Roma, Roma, Italy
483 Not publicly disclosed

When l had read this l felt bad. I love sharks we need to save them from any harm from us humans who eat them and use their body parts for oils it breaks my heart

482 Alexis Tabah, Grenoble, France,
481 Jupp Kerckerinck, www.sharkprotect.com, Millbrook, NY, USA

In many years of shark diving without cages, there has never been an accident until now. This is a single situation where you cannot blame the operator Jim Abernathy nor anyone else. It was unfortunate and we feel sorry for the family of Markus Groh. However, to stop shark diving now would be a terrible thing for those of us who like to swim with sharks, who do not want look at them from a cage. It would also be a loss of revenue to the Bahamas because many of us would not come anymore to dive. It would be an over-reaction by those who don't like to swim with sharks; they don\'t have to but we want to. Other operators, who want to capitalize on this tragic accident, should stop it right now. They are not doing anyone, nor themselves, a favor.Jupp Kerckerinckwww.sharkprotect.com

480 Grant Smith, Sharklife Conservation Group, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

Effective conservation and management are hindered by meager insight into the biology, life history, distribution, migration and exploitation of most shark species. The inception of the shark baiting has not only created a value for live sharks through tourism in many parts of the world but has facilitated important research addressing some of the gap areas mentioned above. In addition the experiences made possible through baiting sharks have brought about an immeasurable amount of positive awareness for sharks in the wake of the JAWS era. The international shark diving industry is a crucial platform from which to drive conservation initiatives. Without the viewing and interaction consistency provided by shark baiting events, the shark diving industry will cease to exist, taking with it the only sustainable non-consumptive use for these animals. Significant tourism revenue, is the only factor, to counter balance the excessive demand for fins and meat, of a species which cannot withstand commercial exploitation.  Banning shark baiting will sign the extinction notice for many shark species.

479 Terry Goss, San Francisco, CA
478 Christian Gerzner, Terrigal, NSW, Australia

Would you, in the wild, walk up to a leopard, a lion, a tiger, a polar or grizzly bear perhaps and offer them a tasty morsel? No? I rest my case.

477 Not publicly disclosed
476 Michele Westmorland, Bothell, WA, USA

Live sharks are more valuable than dead ones.  My concern is that if there is no opportunity to view them in the wild and share the amazing stories of the importance of these animals, they may end up on the end of a long line only to be finned.  Please continue to allow these shark encounters run by true advocates of shark protection like Jim Abernathy.

475 Not publicly disclosed
474 Chris FallowsSouth Africa
473 Cathy Wyss
472 Sasha Lickle
471 K. Jackson
470 Cassandra Clark, Miami, FL, USA
469 Matthew Hawksworth, Australia

When diving with wild animals, one must understand the risks.

468 Not publicly disclosed
467 Daniel Crawford, Morgantown, WV, USA

Don't let one accident change policy in the Bahamas please!

466 Not publicly disclosed

The good outweighs the potential harm

465 Not publicly disclosed

Please do not change the existing laws. Divers are aware of the risks they take when they choose to dive with sharks and I do not think a rare incident such as this should change the laws.

464 L Klein, New York, NY, USA

Jim runs very efficient and safe trips- this was a tragic accident.

463 Jo Northey, Sydney, NSW, Australia
462 Carrie Shoaf, St. Petersburg, FL
460 Michael Southard
459 Mark Krag, Campbell, CA
458 Bob Spiers, Pinole, CA, USA

Having spent a lot of time in the water with sharks , I feel comfortable saying that the risk of getting bitten is very low.

457 Kathy Carroll, Castle Rock, CO, USA

Jim's trips are run with safety as their 1st priority. I feel more threatened in the Bahamian taxi drivers’ ability and recklessness.

456 Stuart Westmorland, Stuart Westmorland Photography, Mill Creek, WA, USA
455 Not publicly disclosed
454 Ken Howard, NoCA U/W Photo Soc., San Anselmo, CA, USA
453 Jim Abernethy is more safety-conscious than any other dive operator I've encountered in 36 years of diving.
452 William Walker, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, USA
451 Tamas Gaal, Madison, WI, USA
450 Fred Heiman, Los Gatos, CA
449 Brian Skerry, Uxbridge, MA, USA

Jim Abernethy has been an important resource for my conservation photographic work over the years. His pioneering work to identify locations where specific animals can be found has been key to such work and his commitment to safety has been paramount. I urge the Bahamas Diving Association to preserve current shark diving policies and permit Jim Abernethy to continue his important work.

448 Alex Wright, USA
447 Praveen Thiagarajan
446 Victoria Dietel Hopps, Dietel Partners, Cumberland , ME, USA

Jim Abernathy is VERY responsible and trustworthy and we deeply enjoyed our week with him aboard the Shear Water. 

445 Diane Buhler, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

The more we understand about these amazing creatures through responsible interaction such as JASA's operation, the more we can educate others on them and the better it will make it to protect them from slaughter.

444 Greg Johnston, Manhasset, NY, USA
443 Thomas D'eri, Muttontown, NY, USA
442 Not publicly disclosed
441 Alec Connah
440 Julia Spaet, Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany, Tuebingen, Germany
439 Jaymie Honold, Lake Forest College
438 Not publicly disclosed

I have participated in one of these dives in the Bahamas and everything was fine.  I obviously don't know all the details, but assuming one is aware of his/her surroundings I see no reason to stop this.

437 Not publicly disclosed

I believe the shark dives create a positive experience that in turn encourages a respect and an appreciation for the species.  What happened was tragic, but an unexpected and isolated event.  What is happening to sharks around the world is a much more large scale and unmanaged slaughter.

436 Lisa Ann Heflin
435 Not publicly disclosed
434 Leann Winn
433 Lauren Franck, University of Miami

Shark dives represent unique opportunities to view these beautiful animals and better understand their magic.  Despite this tragic accident, it was in fact an accident and is not cause to close an entire industry.

432 Not publicly disclosed
431 Andy Murch, Elasmodiver.com, Victoria, BC, Canada
430 Aidan O'Dowd-Ryan
429 Juan Diego Gaitn Espitia, Center os research in Zoology and Marine Ecology, Santa Marta, Colombia
428 Michele Hall, Howard Hall Productions, Del Mar, CA
427 Nigel Motyer, CFT Ireland, County Dublin, Ireland

Not publicly disclosed

426 Linda Auger, Delray Beach, FL, USA

Jim is a very safe operator and I would hate to see the industry suffer from this very unfortunate accident.

425 Bob Talbot, Talbot Productions, Pacific Grove, California

The death of Markus Groh was a tragic accident. Please do not worsen the tragedy by impeding the work of Jim Abernethy. Jim is a consummate professional who not only opens the world of sharks to divers, but also to the millions who see the work created by the professional film makers and photographers he supports. Jim’s experience, skill, and passion for sharks are a major asset to shark conservation.

424 Neil Hammerschlag, South Florida Student Shark Program, Miami, FL, USA

This is an extremely tragic incident. I would like to express my condolences to the family of Markus Groh. At this time we should not try to lay blame or demonize sharks. Sharks are wild, unpredictable animals that require respect and there are obvious risks when entering in the water to engage with them. To my knowledge this is the first fatal baited shark dive. Having the opportunity to join Jim Abernethy on the M/V Shearwater for several shark trips to the Bahamas, I can say he is professional, responsible and dedicated to sharing and conserving the underwater world. This incident is truly tragic for all. At such a time, I urge the diving community to unite to express support for the crew of and divers on the M/V Shearwater and especially the victim’s family. Neil Hammerschlag/ http://www.neil4sharks.org

423 Masa Ushioda, CoolWaterPhoto.com LLC, Kailua Kona    HI

Humans kill 60 million sharks a year. Sharks are in danger of extinction from our world. Many of my shark pictures are used to educate our children and the public as well as to protect shark species. Jim Abernethy is my friend and one of the most passionate people who wants to protect our sharks from extinction. When I joined his expedition, Jim and his crews gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to make some of the best shark pictures. Jim\'s shark dive operation is the best and safest way to encounter and closely observe many magnificent shark species in Bahamas.

422 Not publicly disclosed
421 John Gwillim, Brookline, MA, USA
420 Not publicly disclosed
419 Not publicly disclosed

Abernethy has done so much for the diving community as well as the wildlife he loves so much.  Nothing means more to him and his crew then the safety of all living beings. 

418 Rozenn Trepos, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
417 Nathan Meadows, Republic, MO, USA
416 Manu San Felix, Ocean Chronicles Underwater magazine, Formentera, Islas Baleares, Spain

Thousands of people from all around the world we like to come to the Bahamas for diving with sharks. Every year are lost in the open sea dozens of divers in complicates diving spots as Cocos, Maldives, etc.Compare with this shark diving is really safer. We have to accept accidents in an activity done by thousands of divers all around the world. Lost of lifes is accepted in other activities much more dangerous than diving with sharks like driving, skiing, climbing...

415 Hayley Blose
414 Not publicly disclosed

Diving in the Bahamas with Jim Abernethy has been the best experience in my life...

413 Sandra Edwards, SFDJ, Lake Worth, FL, USA
412 Beth Gallaher, shark saver, Pawcatuck, CT, USA
411 Howard Hall, Howard Hall Productions, Del Mar, Ca, USA

We have used Jim Abernethy as a consultant during production of our films because he is the most conscientious and knowledgeable shark diving guide we know of.  We would certainly use him again in this capacity if the opportunity presents itself. 

410 Lindsey Ormond, London, UK
409 Not publicly disclosed
408 Dan Volker, South Florida Dive Journal, Lake Worth, FL, USA

I have been diving from Palm Beach county based dive charter boats since the mid 1980s, and was even instrumental in gaining recognition and a large increase in dive tourism for Palm Beach diving. This occurred as I helped get the dive operators of Palm Beach county to work together to market the diving here hand in hand with the hotels and with County tourism. I had to spend a tremendous amount of time diving on as many of the Palm Beach county charter dive boats as possible, in an effort to categorize each boat, so I could then help divers find the ideal boat for them. This was one of the functions performed by the South Florida Dive Journal ( www.sfdj.com ), the internet’s first diving Magazine.  Now with over 2 decades of familiarity with Palm Beach dive charter boats, and their captains and crews, I can state categorically that at no time in the past 20 years, or today, has any other Dive charter business or captain in Palm Beach county ( or Florida)  done more for raising the standards of the Dive Charter business than Jim Abernethy. Jimmy Abernethy has always found a way to add more safety ideas and concepts in his pre-dive briefings, yet also create more excitement and expectation of adventure than any other operator I have ever been out with. From the first moment you hear Jimmy in his briefings, you can immediately tell that this is a man who truly loves diving, and he has had this love affair with the ocean for over 20 years now. When other dive operators had put in their 5 years and were starting to get tired of the whole life, Jimmy was just getting even more committed to bring his love of the oceans to even more people. In the context of the shark attack which occurred recently on a  Shear Water dive trip, it is hard to get beyond the tragedy, the death of Markus Groh, and the pain his family will now have to live with... However, this incident has created a huge controversy, over whether negligence, wrongdoing, or different laws need to be addressed. To this, I must say ABSOLUTELY NOT. As I have said, I have never been on a dive charter boat with a more professional or better crew than on Abernethy’s boats. I wish the dive industry could learn from him, about how to brief for safety, how to plan it, yet still deliver pure fun and adventure. I see competitors of Abernethy trying to gain market share by attacking Jimmy now in the news, while none of them could ever have come close to the level of quality dive experience JASA has been putting out since its inception.   If a potential investigator could find a way to experience a JASA dive trip, they would immediately experience how baseless the claims of Jimmy’s competitors are---and that safety and extensive planning are handled with amazing professionalism. What would also become dramatically obvious, is that the divers who go on Abernethy shark dives on Shear Water, are extremely advanced divers, typically serious photographers or videographers, who have searched far and wide for the ability to get the photo experiences that Jim delivers with virtually every trip. This is why National Geographic, Discovery channel, Ron and Valerie Taylor, and virtually every top talent in shark photography or videography will be found to have been diving with Jim. You will also hear from these experts, that no one runs a safer or better trip, than does Jim Abernethy. What should also be clear, is that JASA does NOT run its shark trips for novice divers. This is marketed to advanced divers, the divers are screened, and proper planning and diver behavior is enforced. This is not a population of people that you could imagine suing someone because they were served hot coffee, without a warning it could burn them. These are people that are keenly aware of the danger of diving with sharks, they knew the risks, and they paid huge money to do these shark dives with Jimmy. These divers all feel they have THE RIGHT to be able to dive with these sharks, and that the non-diving public of America should NOT have the right to determine what kind of diving is safe for these advanced divers. I submit, non-divers or novice divers do not have the requisite experiences with sharks to know anything about what kind of dive with sharks is safe or not.  Sharks showing up at a natural feeding event, such as a dead whale, do not have their behavior effected by the other fish which show up ( like groupers, barracuda, etc) , or by humans who show up as incidental visitors. There really is no reasonable parallel with land based wildlife. This has nothing to do with feeding the bears, as the natural feeding event occurrence in the ocean has NO similarity to any feeding behavior of apex predators on land ( bears/lions/etc). Yet too many of the non-diving public, or non-diving lawmakers, are more than happy to make a determination that Don’t feed the bears is somehow instructive for diving and shark encounters. Even forgetting that JASA just scents the water--they don’t actually have food being eaten by sharks in their form of a shark dive--the land based ideas of how a predator finds food just don’t apply in the ocean. In any event, in this my testimonial, I would like to make it clear that I believe Jim Abernethy runs the highest quality dive operation that there is, that I know of no diver operator more concerned or more capable of planning and executing a safe, adventure dive than Jim, and that Jim’s customer base should be the confirmation source for the assertions I have made in this testimony. I would further add, that with any tragedy like this diver death, lawmakers can find themselves compelled to find a scapegoat and here, I believe strongly that intelligent lawmakers would determine that scapegoating the JASA operation would be much like blaming Burger King for a customer burning themselves with hot coffee and asserting they had no idea that hot coffee could burn them. JASA should NOT be the scapegoat used to make people happier.

407 Simon Rogerson, DIVE magazine, Richmond, Surrey, UK
406 Dave Kinney, The Ezra Company, Vienna, VA, USA

I spend 2-3 vacations per year in the Bahamas and lots of dollars each time I go. I fully support the current shark diving policies. I have been given a great glimpse into the world of sharks via open water interactions with operators like Jim Abernethy!

405 Steve Drogin, Steve Drogin Underwater Photography, La Jolla, CA, USA

I am 110% supportive of Jim Abernethy and his dive operation in the Bahamas.

404 Robert Coy, Redditch, Worcestershire, UK
403 Alison Gilbert, London, UK
402 George Schellenger, www.captainjon.com, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, USA

It is critical we continue to work with these animals to help get out the facts about them. Jim Abernethy is a pioneer - and has helped bring the true story of sharks to the surface. His work must continue.

401 Kitty Philips, West Palm Beach, FL, USA

Jim is the safest operator I know.  I've done cage-free shark dives booked with Neal Watson and did not feel as safe as with Jim.

400 Dominick Macan, Dive Advice, Valbonne, Alpes Maritimes, France

The death of Markus Groh was a tragic accident and should not be used to create a climate of fear and introduce Govt. regulations to curtail openwater shark diving. One hopes this tragedy presents an opportunity to open a dialogue to inform and educate those who are opposed to cageless diving.

399 Rob Walker, Fleet, Hampshire, England

This is an unfortunate accident, by the sounds of it not caused by the injury itself but by the rapid ascent of the diver. Should we stop going on safaris to look at lions elephants etc? No. What should happen is the industry be properly managed and clear guidelines set up.

397 Mariano de Rivera, Madrid, Spain

My condolences to the family & friends of Markus Groh. Many shark species are in danger of extinction, and responsible shark-dive operators, like Jim, serve a purpose by raising awareness about the plight of sharks and championing their protection so future generations may also have the opportunity to appreciate these awesome animals within their natural habitat. Let\'s hope that this very unfortunate accident will not be used to perpetuate the negative and grossly inaccurate stereotype of such a magnificent creature.

396 Manuel, Leonetti, Madrid, Spain
395 Carlos Martinez, Bluetales.com, Spain

Two times diving with JASA and absolutely disagree the news about them.

394 Alison Kock, Marine Biologist, Save Our Seas Shark Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
393 Jeremy Rem, MSU SCUBA CLUB, East Lansing, Mi, USA
392 Alessandro De Maddalena, Italian Ichthyological Society, Milano, Italy
391 Ed Gullekson, SeaHorse Dive Club, WA, USA

Sharks and diving with sharks are to be cherished.

390 Maureen Parker, Lansing, Mi, USA
389 Not publicly disclosed
388 Lawrence Fealy, NAUI, Santa Clarita, CA, USA

I am a NAUI instuructor and have been divi