The role of controlled human-animal interactions in changing the negative perceptions towards white sharks, in a sample of White Shark cage diving tours participants

Quantifying the effect of human-wildlife interactions, and particularly those where negative perceptions exist, can have a benefit towards the conservation of species. The negative perceptions surrounding human-shark interactions can be put forward as a case in point. In this work, we use six relevant statements questions to test human perceptions before and after controlled human interactions with the white shark, Carcharodon carcharias. Questions were adapted from Kellert's typology of human attitudes towards animals. A total of 322 tourists participating in white shark cage diving tours in Gansbaai, South Africa were exposed to two surveys (pre and post-experience) to assess whether a shift in perception can happen. We focused the work on measuring the effect of the shark cage diving tourism activities to change negative perceptions towards white sharks in people who dare to cage diving with sharks. To determine the underlying structure of the statements involved in shark perception, exploratory factor analyses were performed. Two attitudes, Dominionistic and Ecologistic-Scientific explained 52.8% of the variance. In addition, analyses of differences between pre and post-surveys in participants of White Shark cage diving tours indicated a positive change in perception towards white sharks after the activity. No age, gender, or transcultural differences were found, and possible psychological and political approaches were addressed. Controlled human-shark interaction can aid in a positive shift of the attitudes towards this animal, which can have significant potential implications. Ultimately, exposure to sharks could be a valuable tool for promoting public attitudes, especially when paired with the correct interpretation of shark behavior and its impact on the ecosystem.