For 15 years my family and I visited Smoky Cape Light House on our Christmas holidays. Each year I would stare misty eyed at Fish Rock and wonder what was living under that rock. Three years ago I decided I would give up a day of surfing and dive the Rock. Weather stalled my first two attempts, but this year it all came together.
Descending the anchor line I was not really expecting to see any sharks. Within 2 minutes I was completely blown away. Cruising less than a metre from me were a dozen magnificent sharks. Along with these sharks were groper, lobster, turtle, batfish, eels and a plethora of other species.
The ocean holds so many amazing surprises. Each time I dive or snorkel, I see amazing new creatures. This summer my, ten year old daughter has developed a passion for diving and the creatures under the waves. We have been able to dive with bull rays, jellyfish, nudibranchs, eels and schools of baitfish. During the November whale migration my family enjoyed watching and surfing with humpbacks and southern right whales near our south coast home. I want my daughters and their children to have the opportunity to dive with all the ocean’s diversity for generations to come. For this reason I created this video.
Education and awareness are the first step to behaviour change. We must stop the harvest of shark for shark fin soup and other non-sustainable practices that upset the balance of marine environments. I hope my little video helps to change peoples perceptions and that they will learn to love all marine creatures, especially our sharks.
Cheers
David Forrest
Father, Filmmaker and Teacher
Tathra NSW, Australia
