If you have time your friend should check out the documentary, Sharkwater, SHARKWATER (http://www.sharkwater.com/). I guarantee he'll never look at sharks the same way again.
I've been hooked in at the Blue Corner in Palau with dozens of Sharks in front of me and never had one charge me....Shark diving (Not a Shark Feed) is one of the most thrilling experiences I've done!
Agreed. Sharks are great and should be respected and protected. I saw a show the other week about how sharks are being caught and used for soup. In fact the other day a couple of homeless guys tried selling a shark in Florida and dumped its carcass in the street.
Shark Week is coming to Discovery Channel in a week. Make sure to catch it!
Notice that the most attacks are in counties with the highest beach populations and tourist.
197 attacks on divers in 200 years.
Another thing to consider is that by far the majority of diving off the Louisiana coast involves spearfishing but there are no diver attacks reported in Louisiana nor any attacks of any kind but Louisiana has few beaches or beach goers.
There was an attack a few days ago where a shark (unknown species) bit a wade fisherman on the ankle while in 3 feet of water out on one of the barrier islands. The first I can recall hearing about.
About the 197 attacks. How exactly do they define "unprovoked?"
Also, big drop in the 1970's? Maybe do to JAWS released in 1975??
Last, If they include divers that; bait (chum), feed sharks, or touch them deliberately, under the heading of "unprovoked" they are doing the sharks a big disservice and not holding divers responsible enough. I know some outfits offer shark encounters, they bait or feed the sharks then act surprised if someone gets bit. Darwin's theories at work, I say.