In recent conversations about marine wildlife, the image of sharks often stirs anxiety and fear among the public. Yet, for Andriana Fragola, a professional shark diver based in Wailua, Hawaii, her experience has unveiled a very different narrative about these creatures. After spending over a decade working closely with sharks, Fragola has dedicated herself to illuminating the truth behind their behaviour, which diverges remarkably from the fearsome portrayal seen in popular films and television.
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Fragola, 32, has deep roots in her fascination with marine life. Growing up in the coastal city of Miami, her childhood was immersed in activities like swimming and snorkelling. This early exposure ultimately led her to pursue a degree in environmental studies from Seton Hall University, followed by a master’s degree from the University of Miami, specifically focused on shark research. Her graduate studies encompassed not only understanding shark biology but also practical endeavours like tagging sharks and studying their microbiology.
Transitioning from academic research to ecotourism, Fragola began her professional journey as a safety diver in Hawaii. This role swiftly evolved into leading shark-diving expeditions around the globe, allowing her to observe the creatures in their natural habitat. Over the years, she has developed a unique insight into their behaviours, which starkly contrasts with the lethal image that society often associates with sharks.
Attempting to reshape the erroneous perceptions of these marine dwellers, Fragola explains that sharks are inherently more reserved than one might think. “They are quite cautious and shy in general,” she tells PEOPLE. This insight reveals that the impulsive notion that sharks are always on the hunt for their next target is a significant misconception.
One of the critical distinctions made by Fragola is the understanding of a shark’s behaviour when they approach divers. She articulates that many species, rather than exhibiting aggressive tendencies, approach slowly and with caution as they evaluate their surroundings. This behaviour can fluctuate depending on factors like food availability or environmental conditions, with certain species demonstrating more confidence than others. For instance, she notes that oceanic whitetip sharks tend to display assertive behaviours, yet this does not equate to an immediate threat to humans.
Fragola emphasises that interspecies encounters should not only be viewed through a lens of fear. “If sharks were indeed vicious attackers, we would see many more incidents at beaches where they reside,” she states, reassuring that many swimmers inhabit the same coastal waters without fear of an encounter escalating to a bite.
For divers and swimmers alike, understanding a shark’s communication style is crucial during any nearby interaction. Behavioural signals, such as aggressive posturing or unusual movements, provide essential insights that can help distinguish between a benign encounter and one that could potentially escalate into aggression. Fragola elaborates that sharks often give clear indications before a behaviour intensifies, akin to how dogs communicate their emotions through body language.
Through her experiences, Fragola has learned to remain calm under pressure, particularly when confronted with a curious shark. She recalls instances where her equipment suffered bites, requiring her to respond without panic by observing the animal’s behaviour instead of reacting instinctively. Should a shark swim into a divers’ proximity, Fragola advises maintaining eye contact and asserting one’s presence. “Predators are aware; prey are not,” she explains, highlighting the importance of conveying to the shark that the diver is an active participant in their surroundings.
Furthermore, she explains how to create safe distance during an encounter, advocating for the use of fins or a camera pole to separate oneself from a curious shark rather than using bare hands. The aim is to demonstrate that the diver is not afraid while also treating the shark with the respect it commands as a wild animal.
While Fragola encourages proper behaviour around sharks, she cautions against embarking on shark encounters without suitable guidance or experience. For those intrigued by the prospect of diving with these majestic creatures, she recommends thorough research into operators and guides who are well-versed in shark behaviour. This ensures both the safety of the diver and the welfare of the marine wildlife.
Ultimately, Andriana Fragola seeks not to eliminate the unpredictability of encountering wild animals but to promote an informed approach that prioritises respect, caution, and knowledge. She firmly believes that treating sharks as deserving of space and attention is essential to fostering safe and rewarding relationships between humans and marine life.