The Shark Discovery Trick
Josh Rinder wants you to know there is one quick and simple way to find out if sharks are swimming nearby in the ocean, and it only requires a spoon.
In 2018, Rinder, a delivery truck driver, enjoyed a family vacation at Edisto Beach in South Carolina. While there, he filmed a lighthearted video intended for his family and friends.
In his video, Rinder explains, “I had an Edistoian tell me a little trick to see if there are actually sharks in this water. All you have to do is use a spoon. So I grabbed a spoon and I’m going to try it. I’m going to see if this wives’ tale is true.”
He then elaborates that you should get very close to the water, scoop up some of it with the spoon, and taste it. He emphasizes, “If it tastes like salt, that means there are sharks in the water.”
This entertaining video quickly became a sensation on social media. “I’m absolutely surprised at the reaction,” Rinder told The Charlotte Observer in 2018. “I figured that my family and friends would get a kick out of it, but then it spread like wildfire.”
Though humorous, the video caught the attention of the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, which endorsed the technique, describing it as “a great trick to detect nearby sharks.”
Global Shark Population Decline
As noted by the World Wildlife Fund, there are currently more than 400 species of sharks swimming in oceans around the globe. However, these incredible sea creatures are facing significant threats.
According to a study published in the journal Nature in 2021, the global shark population has diminished by over 70% in the past 50 years.
“The decline isn’t stopping, which is a problem,” stated Nathan Pacoureau, a researcher at Simon Fraser University in Canada and lead author of the study. “Everything in our oceans is so depleted now. We need proactive measures to prevent total collapse; this should be a wake-up call for policymakers.”
Shark Safety Tips
Want to know how to stay safe from sharks, even if you encounter them close in the water? It’s important to be informed and cautious. Remember that sharks do not actually want to eat you. For practical shark safety measures, refer to expert guidance and insights available from various reputable sources.
