418 Dive Log Australasia JUNE 2026.pdf

This shark was making a final pass for a tuna head and came within 20 cm of my camera

awareness was critical. I made a point of actively scanning my surroundings every few seconds, including into the sunlit direction. Whenever I was fully aware of a Tiger Shark, facing it and maintaining direct eye contact, it would always break off and change direction. They showed no interest in pursuing a target that had clearly identified them. Spending time in the water with Tiger Sharks completely changed the way I understand them. What most people imagine—an aggressive, unpredictable predator—is not what I observed. In reality, they are calm, calculated, and highly aware animals. Every interaction felt deliberate. They did not rush in blindly. They circled, assessed, and decided. I could see it in the way they moved: slow, measured, almost curious rather than confrontational. One of the most important things I learned early on is how much body language matters. Because of the shape of their head, Tiger Sharks have a noticeable blind spot directly in front of them. If I was not positioned correctly, they might not fully register me. Maintaining eye contact and staying composed changed the entire dynamic. The

moment a person starts acting like prey—erratic movement, splashing, panic—the way they are perceived by the shark shifts. Stay calm, and you are no longer something to chase. Their appearance also tells a story that most people misunderstand. The bold stripes that give them their name are not always visible. In juveniles, the pattern is strong and obvious, but as they grow, it fades significantly. Large adults can look almost plain, which is why people sometimes misidentify them. What does not change is the subtle patterning around the head, particularly the transition between the darker upper body and the lighter underside. That pattern is unique to each individual, and once I started paying attention, I realised I was not just seeing a Tiger Shark. I was seeing a specific animal I could recognise again. What surprised me most was how thoughtful they are in their behaviour. Tiger Sharks do not just attack everything they encounter. They investigate. They approach slowly, often from below or behind, especially when dealing with natural prey like turtles. There is no wasted energy, no panic, just a quiet, efficient

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DIVE LOG Australasia #418 JUNE ‘26

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