The number of shark attacks has risen around the world. The beaches across the east coast of the U.S. are getting unprecedented shark activity. About ninety percent of such attacks are unprovoked. This has accelerated the growing distrust and hatred for sharks among ordinary people. However, ocean conservationists are working tirelessly to change this perception and promote the importance of shark conservation. One such conservationist is Juan Oliphant.

He and his wife, Ocean Ramsey, have spent their life educating people about the true nature of sharks and their vital role in maintaining a healthy ocean ecosystem. They often post videos on social media sharing their personal swimming experiences with sharks. In a recent Instagram video, Juan shared some tips on how to avoid the apex predator.

Avoid a shark attack: Ocean advocates share tips to navigate shark-infested waters safely

In a recent video, Juan explained that if a shark swims close to you, “never turn and run away”. Instead, he asked his viewers to make eye contact and give it “full body awareness.” In the meantime, the diver must also try to put some distance between themselves and the shark by kicking backward. If the shark still wasn’t deterred, he asked the divers to push it away with their hands on top of the shark’s nose, gently. He believes that simply by being ready, a diver can avoid a bad interaction with a shark.

Juan and Ocean got married in 2019, and since then, they have been called “Mr. and Mrs. Sharks” by their fans. Juan had joined a group called Sea Shepherd and toured around the world to stop unlawful fishing and whaling. His love for sharks first developed while on a campaign trip to the Galapagos and Cocos. There he witnessed a school of hundreds of hammerhead sharks swimming gracefully in their natural habitat. On the other hand, Ocean has always had a deep passion for conservation. She studied marine biology in college and worked as a researcher, focusing on shark behavior and migration patterns.

Ocean has compiled all her knowledge in a book. The dynamic couple also shares videos of diving with sharks and how to deal with them if they come too close. Juan has also founded a couple of organizations to spread this message around.

Juan Oliphant’s mission to promote safe co-existence

Ocean and Juan founded the ‘One Ocean Research and Diving, Water Inspired Conservation Group,’ and ‘Save The Sea Turtles International’. These organizations are trying to educate people about the importance of respecting and protecting marine life.

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In their most recent endeavor, they have developed new diving gear to aid their conservation efforts. They believe these custom fins from their latest collection will mitigate some of that ill feeling towards sharks. On each fin, they have put pictures of individual sharks they are working to protect. This not only raises awareness about the beauty and diversity of shark species but also helps people develop a personal connection with these magnificent creatures.

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