How Ecotourism Helps Sharks and Why Swimming with Them Matters

At One Ocean Diving, we believe that meaningful, respectful experiences in the ocean can change perspectives—and even help protect the species we work so hard to study and conserve. This is the heart of ecotourism. By bringing people face-to-face with sharks in their natural environment, we’re not only offering an unforgettable adventure—we’re building understanding, respect, and long-term support for marine conservation.

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is responsible travel that prioritizes environmental education, conservation efforts, and the well-being of local ecosystems and communities. Unlike commercial tourism that may exploit natural spaces, ecotourism supports long-term protection of habitats and wildlife through awareness and action.

This is one of our boats here at One Ocean, named Niuhi, which means tiger shark in Hawaiian. This vessel helps us safely and respectfully connect people with the wild ocean and its incredible marine life. Photo captured by Tyler Flott @tyler_shootz

Why Focus on Sharks?

Sharks play a critical role in the ocean as apex predators. They help maintain healthy ecosystems by regulating species populations and supporting biodiversity. However, due to human activities like overfishing, longline fishing, shark finning, and habitat destruction, shark populations have been decimated worldwide. Some species have declined by more than 90 percent.

One of the most powerful tools we have to reverse this trend is education—and that begins when people see sharks for what they truly are.

Ocean Ramsey surrounded by a graceful flow of Galapagos and Sandbar sharks, peacefully circling in the open blue. A powerful reminder of coexistence, connection, and the beauty of observing these misunderstood apex predators in their natural environment. Photo captured by Breanne Carrin @Brebythesea

The Impact of Swimming with Sharks

When guests join our educational pelagic snorkel tour, they enter the world of wild sharks under the guidance of experienced marine biologists and safety divers. The impact is transformative.

Shifting Perception
Many people fear sharks because of myths and media portrayal. But observing them in their natural environment, calm and graceful, allows guests to replace fear with understanding and admiration.

Learning Firsthand
Our team teaches guests about different shark species, behavior, social structure, body language, and the ecological importance of these animals. Firsthand learning has a lasting impact that helps people retain and share what they’ve learned long after their experience in the water.

Supporting Science and Conservation
Every guest contributes to ongoing shark research and conservation efforts. Our team collects behavioral data on every charter and uses the opportunity to raise awareness about marine issues. This kind of support allows our work to continue and grow.

Creating Advocates
People protect what they understand. After a safe and respectful interaction with sharks, many of our guests return home as informed advocates. They share their experience, talk about the importance of coexistence, and help dispel harmful myths that have put sharks in danger for decades.

One of our guests experiencing the awe of seeing a Galapagos shark swimming freely in the open ocean. Moments like these inspire deeper understanding, respect, and a lifelong connection to marine life. Breanne Carrin @Brebythesea

A Sustainable Approach to Ocean Tourism

Ecotourism is a sustainable alternative to extractive industries. It creates jobs, supports scientific research, and encourages visitors to take action for conservation. It empowers people to contribute to something larger than themselves and become part of the solution.

At One Ocean Diving, we are proud to connect people to sharks in a safe, educational, and inspiring way that fosters a deeper appreciation for marine life and the need to protect it. When people see the ocean differently, they treat it differently—and that ripple effect matters.

Our founders, Ocean Ramsey and Juan Oliphant, played a key role in helping make shark fishing illegal in Hawai‘i. Their dedication to shark conservation, education, and advocacy continues to drive positive change for marine life and our oceans.

Join Us
If you’re ready to challenge what you thought you knew about sharks, and if you want to be part of the solution, we invite you to experience one of our educational pelagic charters. Come see why sharks are not monsters—they’re misunderstood and deeply vital to ocean health.

Visit oneoceandiving.com to book your experience and learn how ecotourism can help protect the ocean we all depend on.

Sylvia Earle’s Vision for Sustainable Seafood: A Call to Protect Ocean Life

Dr. Sylvia Earle, renowned oceanographer and former chief scientist at NOAA, has dedicated her life to understanding and safeguarding the ocean. Her insights into sustainable seafood emphasize the importance of preserving marine ecosystems and rethinking our relationship with ocean life.

Fish Are Wildlife, Not Just Food

Dr. Earle encourages us to view fish not merely as commodities but as vital components of marine ecosystems. She highlights that many fish species, such as tunas, are top predators and play crucial roles in maintaining the balance of ocean life. Overfishing these species disrupts this balance and threatens the health of the entire marine environment .

The Impact of Industrial Fishing

Industrial-scale fishing has led to significant declines in fish populations. Dr. Earle points out that removing large quantities of fish from the ocean not only depletes these populations but also affects the ocean's ability to sequester carbon, thereby influencing climate change .

Rethinking Seafood Consumption

Dr. Earle advocates for a reevaluation of our seafood consumption habits. She suggests that, given the current state of ocean ecosystems, it may be necessary to reduce or pause seafood consumption to allow fish populations to recover. This approach emphasizes the need for responsible and informed choices regarding seafood .

Establishing Marine Protected Areas

One of Dr. Earle's key initiatives is the promotion of marine protected areas, or "Hope Spots," which are critical regions of the ocean designated for conservation. By protecting these areas from human interference, we can preserve biodiversity and allow marine ecosystems to thrive .

Embracing Sustainable Alternatives

Dr. Earle also supports the development of sustainable alternatives to traditional seafood. She challenges the notion that consuming large quantities of wild-caught fish is necessary for global food security and encourages exploring plant-based options and responsible aquaculture practices .

Conclusion

Dr. Sylvia Earle's perspective urges us to recognize the intrinsic value of marine life and the importance of sustainable practices. By viewing fish as integral parts of the ocean's ecosystem, reducing industrial fishing, and supporting marine conservation efforts, we can contribute to the health and longevity of our oceans.

How to Eat More Sustainably Sourced Seafood

At One Ocean, we swim alongside sharks and marine life every day. We see firsthand the beauty, intelligence, and fragility of ocean ecosystems—and we know just how deeply human choices on land impact the world beneath the waves. One of the most important and powerful ways you can support ocean conservation is through the food you choose to eat, especially when it comes to seafood.

Sustainable seafood isn’t just a trend—it’s a vital movement to protect our oceans, support ethical fishing practices, and preserve marine biodiversity for future generations.

Whether you're a lifelong seafood lover or just beginning your journey toward mindful consumption, this guide will help you make more informed, ocean-friendly choices that truly make a difference.

Why Sustainable Seafood Matters

More than 3 billion people rely on seafood as a primary source of protein, and yet over 90% of the world’s fish stocksare fully fished or overfished, according to the United Nations FAO. Destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling, longlining, and illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing not only deplete fish populations but also cause massive collateral damage to sharks, dolphins, turtles, and coral reefs.

As shark researchers, we’ve personally witnessed species decline due to overfishing and bycatch. Every time we remove a ghost net or free a shark tangled in a longline, it’s a reminder: the choices made at the dinner table ripple through the entire marine food web.

7 Ways to Eat More Sustainably Sourced Seafood

1. Choose Traceable Seafood

When buying seafood, ask where and how it was caught or farmed. If a restaurant or store can’t answer that, it likely isn’t a sustainable option. Look for certifications and trusted labels like:

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) – for well-managed, wild-caught seafood.

• Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) – for responsibly farmed seafood.

• Ocean Wise Recommended – for ocean-friendly choices.

• Seafood Watch Green (Best Choice) – curated by scientists and conservationists.

Traceability helps ensure that your seafood isn’t linked to illegal fishing, habitat destruction, or human rights violations—yes, that’s a thing in the global seafood industry too.

2. Use Smart Seafood Guides

Not sure which species are sustainable? Download the free Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch app or use their website. You can search by species, location, or ask your local fish market to align with their recommendations. It’s one of the easiest ways to make better decisions fast—especially while traveling or dining out.

3. Choose Low-Trophic Fish and Filter Feeders

Not all fish are equal in terms of environmental impact. Smaller fish like sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, as well as filter feeders like mussels, oysters, and clams, are usually much more sustainable than large predators like tuna, swordfish, or Chilean sea bass.

Low-trophic species:

• Require fewer resources to grow

• Are faster to reproduce

• Are less likely to be overfished

• Often clean the water around them (like oysters!)

These choices also reduce your exposure to mercury and other contaminants that accumulate in large predatory fish.

4. Avoid Overfished and High Bycatch Species

Some fish are best left in the ocean. Species that are critically overfished or have unsustainable catch methods include:

• Bluefin tuna

• Shark (any species!)

• Chilean sea bass

• Imported shrimp (especially farmed in mangrove-cleared areas)

• Orange roughy

• Atlantic cod

• Lobster from non-certified fisheries

Many of these species are caught using longlines or gillnets, which result in high bycatch—meaning sea turtles, dolphins, rays, and sharks are killed unintentionally and often discarded.

5. Support Local and Indigenous Fishers

Buy seafood from local, small-scale, and Indigenous fishing communities who use sustainable methods and respect traditional knowledge. In Hawai‘i, that might mean choosing line-caught fish like:

• Uku (gray snapper)

• Opelu (mackerel scad)

• Akule (bigeye scad)

Visit fish markets, ask questions, and build relationships with local vendors who care about the ocean as much as you do.

6. Eat Seafood Less Often—or Try Ocean-Friendly Alternatives

We understand that seafood is a major part of many cultures and diets. That said, reducing your seafood consumption even a little can make a big impact.
Try plant-based alternatives, sustainable seaweed (which is nutritious and ocean-positive), or responsibly raised seafood from regenerative aquaculture farms.

Even doing “Meatless Mondays” or “Fish-Free Fridays” can contribute to long-term change.

7. Be a Voice for the Ocean

Talk about what you learn. Share tips with friends and family. Ask your favorite restaurant to offer more sustainable options. Choose seafood that aligns with your values and support businesses that do the same.

Education is one of the most powerful conservation tools—and it starts with conversations at the dinner table.

Small Changes. Big Impact.

We’re not asking everyone to become a marine biologist. But we are asking you to care enough to question where your seafood comes from, to vote with your wallet, and to help protect the very ecosystems that give us life.

Every bite is a chance to support a healthier ocean.
Let your plate reflect the kind of future you want to swim in.