It's about time.

[DeepThought]

http://www.deeperblue.net/newsfull.php/1079
I consider that as good news.
I wonder if that spearfisher getting killed had anything to do with that...

 

[sinkweight]

I like it.

 

[Erik]

I agree. One should earn their wildlife encounters. Mostof us don't get to see big or scary animals unless we're in the right place at the right time, which usually takes effort and perseverance. I'd never go on a shark-feeding or chumming trip.
In the National Parks in Canada, it is illegal to even feed the birds or squirrels, as they get accustomed to it.
Ban shark feeding.
Cheers,
Erik Y.

 

[naiad]

I'm sure it must affect shark behaviour. If they associate people with food, it is much easier for a dangerous situation to arise. I agree with the ban, at least in areas near the coast where there are many swimmers and divers, but I guess it's not a good idea anywhere.

As Erik says, it is also not a good idea to feed wild animals in general. They may become dependent on being fed, and if the feeding suddenly stops they will be very hungry and potentially dangerous. I don't know how much the sharks are fed by chummers, so this may or may not be a problem, but I think it would be better to leave things as nature intended.

I hope this makes things safer for swimmers, divers and surfers.

Lucia

 

[sinkweight]

In the National Parks in Canada, it is illegal to even feed the birds or squirrels, as they get accustomed to it.

I only wish Texas had such laws. The nature tour business it rampant with the dirty practice of squirrel chumming. It's not without it's hazards, too. Just last year an old lady's leg was taken by a large brown squirrel at a local park bench.