In the Water with White Sharks (Carcharodon carcharias): Participants' Beliefs toward Cage-diving in Australia. (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Apps, Kirin; Dimmock, Kay; Lloyd, David; Huveneers, Charlie
• Is Part Of: Anthrozoös. Volume 29:Number 2(2016)
• Page Start: 231
• Page End: 245
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: education -- interpretation -- marine wildlife -- shark tourism -- Theory of Planned Behavior; Food -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Nutrition policy -- Periodicals; 636.0887
• DOI: 10.1080/08927936.2016.1152714
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-7936

Abstract

ABSTRACT: White shark ( Carcharodon carcharias ) cage-diving tourism is a controversial activity that provokes emotional and often opposing points of view. With increasing demand for shark tourism since the 1990s, the un- derlying determinants driving this growth in participation remain unclear. This paper adopts a qualitative approach to investigate beliefs underlying tourists' choice to observe white sharks while cage-diving at the Neptune Islands, South Australia. Elicitation surveys gathered responses from a sample ( n = 86) of cage-diving participants. Content analysis of the responses revealed the decision to cage-dive with white sharks is driven by factors including education and the perceived naturalness of the experience. The findings of this study indicate an opportunity for cage-dive operators to pro- vide in situ education and interpretation with potential for increased tourist satisfaction and shark conservation outcomes.