August 2005, The young man that died was a marine biologist involved in the study of the Giant Australian cuttlefish, an agenda that demanded regular dives to observe the development of giant cuttlefish eggs recently laid during the annual giant cuttlefish mating season that I have already described. It is a dreadful loss to the diving community, especially considering he was clearly devoted to the pursuit we all share and was even making a career in Marine biology. Australia needs a lot more marine biologists but it’s a tough field to survive in academically with few jobs available once they qualify. But we don’t normally lose valuable young professionals this way.

What really gets on my goat is we didn’t need to lose this young man. Forget about debates regarding the wisdom of diving in the home of the great white shark, thousands of divers do so; it’s an acceptable risk, especially when you examine the statistics. But why do it without the added protection of Shark Shield.

For those who are unaware of Shark Shield, it consists of a small unit that clips onto the BCD or fits into a BCD pocket, a small metal plate that fits onto the tank strap and antennae that runs along the side rail of your fin. The device creates and electrical field in the water column directly around the diver that sharks find extremely repellent. Basically it disturbs their Ampullae of Lorenzini, the cells on a shark’s face that detect electrical energy from prey. Essentially it feels like hooking up a battery to the fillings in your teeth. You will discover this for yourself if you try chewing on your buddies fin while they are wearing a shark shield. YES THEY DO WORK, extensive testing has been done by experts with all kinds of sharks, NO they don’t frighten off any other animals (unless they have fillings in their teeth) as only sharks have ampullae of Lorenzini.

Each unit costs around $500 and that’s great value for the added peace of mind and potential protection. Will a shark shield save a life in every possible situation? Possibly not. Would it have saved this young man’s life, probably yes and that’s what upsets me. Really it’s just like choosing a seatbelt and aircushion in your car, would you prefer to face a head on without them.

I feel great sorrow for the young man’s family and I have deep respect for them! They insisted the shark not be harmed as their son would not wish it. He respected all marine life; he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time and `undefended’.

NOTE: Kevin and Cherie Deacon own and use shark shields when diving in situations or areas where more dangerous encounters are a strong possibility. If you look closely you will notice Cherie is wearing hers during the encounters with Giant Australian cuttlefish in South Australia. They don’t feel the need to wear them at all dive locations but as Kevin explained `if you are bush walking in Australia you only need carry a big stick, when you are bush walking in Africa, best you carry a big gun’.