The story of Mick Fanning’s close encounter with a shark over the weekend has made its way around the world.
(Also read our article: J-Bay Open called off and finalists given joint second place after shark attack)
The use of the term 'attack' when referring to human-shark interactions is seen as perpetuating a problematic rhetoric by many marine conservationists and other water sport enthusiasts.
There is quite a strong movement within the scientific community to try and get the media to stop using the word 'attack' when referring to Great White shark encounters. It is misleading and takes away from our conservation efforts.
— Alison Towner, PhD reasercher into Great White behaviour
Listen to the full conversation from CapeTalk's Breakfast with Kieno Kammies: