In the middle of a shark feeding frenzy in Roatan

Shark feeds are controversial in the minds of many people, however, the role they play in shark conservation and education is undeniable. The positive aspects are often underestimated.
Once sought for food and sold in illegal fin trafficking, sharks were harvested in greater numbers. People in many countries simply cannot resist the income that is provided and their survival makes the ethical dilemma impossible to consider. Eco tourism provides an alternative to harvesting the sharks. While it can be argued that the sharks should not be taught to associate humans with food, these shark dives do provide an incentive to conserve sharks. They are worth more alive than dead. It's a debate with many perspectives.
These divers witnessed what happens when a few scraps are held in a bucket and later released. It's a small and controlled feeding that provides an injection of dollars into a struggling economy. It is also an experience that leaves many divers with a new appreciation for the beauty of sharks. We see here that the sharks pose no threat to the divers, dispelling the myth that they are cold blooded killers, ready to eat anything or anyone they encounter.
Sharks play a crucial role in the health of the reef, the ocean, and the planet. If we lose sharks, we will not survive. Understanding and appreciation is the first step in developing the needed respect for sharks. The balance of nature is fragile and we have a great responsibility to avoid upsetting it.