The White Blood Cells of the Ocean
Katie Invites photographer Kayleigh Slowey to share her extraordinary time spent diving with sharks in Hawaiian waters as we discuss the conservation of this wonderfully diverse species
©kayleigh Slowey
Kayleigh Slowey is a photographer from Cornwall, UK, specialising in underwater work with a focus on marine life. Her love of the ocean has taken her across the world. She shares with us her recent trip to Hawaii, working closely with One Ocean Diving, a program that strives with efforts of conservation, education and the research of sharks.
It’s important to recognise that despite the often malicious and negative light that sharks are portrayed in, they are a vulnerable species. Whilst they have long life spans they are slow to reach reproductive age and produce little offspring. Sharks have lived and survived through five major mass extinctions however human activities are now driving their numbers to the edge. With an estimated 100 million killed annually for their fins, livers, meat and gills, roughly a quarter of sharks and rays are threatened with extinction.
©kayleigh Slowey
©kayleigh Slowey
KB: It's wonderful to have the opportunity to see this species up close through your photography, the images are very striking.
KS: I hope that through the use of photography I can inspire the public to shift their perception on sharks, encouraging them to see them in a more amiable light and provoke the awe and respect this diverse species deserves.
KB: Can you describe the most memorable experience with the sharks during your time spent interning with One Ocean Diving?
KS: The most memorable dive experience I had was when a massive bait ball of Opelu (Hawaiian mackerel) approached our regular dive site. Almost immediately this became a big interest to the sharks. It was something straight out of a wildlife documentary. I love to see a busy ocean with so much biodiversity.
KB: I have previously heard reference to sharks as ‘White Blood Cells’. Can you explain what role sharks play in the balance of the ocean?
KS: Yes, they are vital to regulating the ecosystem. Like many other species, sharks look for the easiest meal. They will pick off from a big group of fish, going for those weak and old. This enables the juvenile fish to stand a chance when fighting off competitors and stop the spread of disease. Without sharks the balance of the ocean would be unstable, causing issues for other species. Without apex predators we would have what is called a trophic cascade, meaning everything beneath will crumble.
©kayleigh Slowey
KB: Sharks sometimes tend to be shown in a negative light through media and cinema. Do you feel this has any impact on the conservation efforts of this species?
KS: When it comes to sharks in media platforms, we tend to ignore the more interesting characteristics that would provoke curiosity, awe and respect and replace this with fear. It is no secret that terrible news makes good headlines and sharks fall short of this. Because of the negative representation we have, many members of the public will fear or hate sharks, a typical fight or flight response. Whilst some will avoid the ocean others will take to the water to competitively slaughter them making it difficult for conservation efforts.
KB: What role do you feel ecotourism and diving tours play in the perception of sharks from the public and the attitudes towards their conservation?
KS: I feel ecotourism and diving tours can be helpful to shift the public’s perception of sharks, it is a way to see this species for yourself. Diving with sharks differs a lot from what we see in the movies, the sharks take little if any interest when you get in the water. It’s a perfect example of how we can co-exist. In Hawaii, I would free dive in waters around 45 meters or more, the more dominant sharks higher in the water column and below the submissive. Good knowledge of shark behaviour can ensure you are safe. Eye contact is most important, whilst sharks do pose little threat, they are still apex predators and it's important to respect that. Many shark tours are often eco-conscious with a team of marine biologists working on board. It is important to observe without too much interference.
©kayleigh Slowey
KB: Through following your work I have seen you speak up about the mislabelling of shark in products. It is worrying to think that consumers can unknowingly be contributing to the problem. Can you tell us a bit more about this important issue and what we can we do to help?
KS: It’s important to be conscious when shopping for cosmetics and food produce, shark DNA can be found in various products at your local store. For example, cat food, plant fertiliser and even makeup products that contain moisturising properties. Many companies will disguise shark DNA with a nickname, and sometimes many are oblivious to what is in their products. When it comes to cosmetics it’s important to look out for an ingredient called Squalene which is, in fact, shark liver oil. Also be wary of food and household products that will nickname shark meat with names such as Huss, Ocean Fish, Rock Salmon and Ocean Fillet.
©Kayleigh Slowey
©Kayleigh Slowey
KB: What’s next for you and your work?
KS: I have recently graduated from Falmouth University and will now be moving on to a Master’s in Marine Ecology and Conservation to continue my research in the hope to make a positive change for our oceans.