For spear fishers, the potential dangers of depredation going wrong are very real. Sharks (and even rays) are often reported and filmed taking fish from spears, float-lines, and fishers while they are attempting to dispatch a fish. Another set of behaviours experienced by spear fishers, that are likely associated with the learned behaviour of taking fishers’ catch, involves the sharks nipping at, and attempting to physically intimidate spear fishers. Clearly, the recommendations for line fishers do not necessarily apply to spear fishers, and the stakes for spear fishers are much higher. The Adreno site has some advice for spear fishers who are likely to encounter sharks (https://spearfishing.com.au/pages/spearfishing_freediving_diving_with_sharks). Related to the recommendation never to lose sight of a shark, it is also recommended that spear fishers avoid turbid waters, and spearing during dusk/dawn when light is low, and sharks are more active.
