Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/401545
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 9 2 And while great white sharks are off the table for now, fisheries already exist for a multitude of other shark species, from the smaller inshore species such as sandbar sharks and bonnetheads up to the sleek, agile shortfin makos that patrol the open ocean in the North Atlantic. Anglers and scientists already work together to manage these fisheries by recording biological information such as each shark's size, health and location of capture when the boats return at the end of the day, and it's not too much of a stretch to envision the same partnership for a great white fishery. In the meantime, people still enjoy great white sharks recreationally by cage diving along the fish's migration routes. David Shiffman, a renowned shark biologist and personal friend, recently went cage diving with great whites in South Africa, showing that the scientists can join the fun, too. The bravest souls ditch the cages entirely in favor of free diving with the sharks using nothing more than a wetsuit and snorkeling gear. Photos of snorkelers grasping the sharks' dorsal fins and gliding with them in peaceful companionship have elicited strong responses of shock, awe, and reverence across the Internet. As for Mary Lee, she still frequents her favored fishing grounds along the coasts of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida where her life revolves around the simple, primal instincts of survival, with no time or concern for the scientists, fishermen, and lay people who study, revere, or fear her. Perhaps our paths will cross on a dive someday, and I will count on her regal indifference as I share the ocean with her as a humble guest in a queen's domain. Note: The author welcomes your feedback and comments at Carly@ TheNaturalistsQuill.com and invites you to follow shark biologist David Shiffman on Facebook and at www. SouthernFriedScience.com.