Shark Hunter Let's His Children Dive With Sharks | A Powerful Story ignited by Madison Steward
If you are looking for a top rated fishing trip in Florida, you are most likely to stumble upon Mark Quartiano. "Mark The Shark", as he likes to call himself, is an old veteran in shark hunting. With pride he claims to have reeled in more than a 20,000 sharks in over 40 years of fishing.
(Source: www.marktheshark.com)
While most shark species are threatened to exist (WWF), it is obvious that Mark's fishing trips ignite strong controversy by animal rights groups. Many people spread hate to put Mark out of business, but is that the right approach to change somebody's behavior?
Just yesterday I heard another approach that blew me away. It is the story of 25-years-old shark conservationist Madison Steward. While she devoted her life to protect sharks, she set up an interview with Mark, her alleged greatest "enemy". She wanted to meet the man who hunts for sharks, the species of animals that she cares so much about. Madison came to Florida and joined Mark on a boat trip. Remarkably the two ended up becoming friends.
(Source: www.marktheshark.com)
Diving with Sharks
Fast forward a couple of years, the tables have turned. Madison invited Mark's children to get a different perspective on sharks. Instead of hunting, Madison took Mark and Savanah for a dive in shark infested waters.
She explains her unusual approach:
I didn't do what I did to convert them or to turn them against their dad, I just wanted them to have a friend on our side willing to show them that hunting isn't the only way to get close to sharks, and i'm honoured to be a part of their life.
Inspiring Change
To be honest, I think this is a much better approach with a long lasting effect on the children. They will never see sharks the same way they did before. Or what do you think?
I was scared when I went diving with Bull Sharks in South Africa, but these beautiful creatures were calm and remained distant. Everything turned out different as I expected and I did not fear them at all.
It is all about gaining a different perspective. So heads off to Madison, she has an inspiring personality!