A Diver’s Unlikely Bond with a 15-Foot Tiger Shark
In the azure waters of Tiger Beach in the Bahamas, a remarkable friendship began in 2001, unveiling the gentle and playful nature of these often misunderstood apex predators. This bond serves as evidence of sharks’ sentient nature, advocating for a shift in public perception.
By Beth Snider · December 22, 2023
An extraordinary friendship has blossomed between Florida scuba diver Jim Abernethy and Emma, a 15-foot tiger shark. For nearly 23 years, the pair have defied expectations, challenging the stereotype of sharks as mindless predators. This extraordinary relationship offers a unique perspective on the complicated nature of these oceanic creatures.
Jim Abernethy first encountered Emma in 2001 when he bravely removed a fishing hook from her mouth, an act of compassion that laid the foundation for an enduring friendship. Contrary to popular belief, this enormous tiger shark has become more than just a denizen of the deep, she has transformed into Jim’s aquatic companion.
Despite her massive size, Emma seeks affection, playing with Jim akin to a loyal canine companion and revealing the more playful side of these magnificent ocean dwellers. Initially wary, like many wild sharks, Emma was naturally afraid of human interaction. However, as Jim consistently demonstrated trustworthiness she gradually overcame her fears. Their bond deepened to the point where Jim could touch Emma’s head, a gesture of affection that became a means to remove several hooks embedded in her mouth over the years.
Through years of conservation work and countless dives, Abernethy aims to alter public perceptions of sharks. His interactions with Emma serve as a testament to the gentle nature of these creatures, challenging the prevailing notion of sharks as mindless man-eaters. Communicating through hand signals demonstrates the level of understanding and trust they’ve developed. Despite changing his diving gear, Emma recognizes him like a dog recognizes its owner allowing for continued close encounters without aggression. For Jim, the discovery of the affectionate side of sharks has been life-changing, transcending the boundaries of traditional human-animal relationships and the importance of coexisting peacefully with these majestic beings.
Jim Abernethy’s passion for ocean wildlife began in childhood, living just two houses away from the beach on Singer Island, Florida. His early encounters with sea turtles and whales were transformative, inspiring a lifelong commitment to these magnificent creatures. At the age of 12, he earned his open water scuba certification, and after graduating with a business management degree, he swiftly obtained scuba instructor and captain licenses. Jim established an ecotourism scuba diving business, dedicating himself to experiencing and safeguarding the ocean’s beauty. Post-college, he immersed himself in the water, particularly with large predatory sharks, some of which are now rare. This marked the inception of his renowned conservation work through the nonprofit “Wildlife VOICE”. Jim’s Scuba Adventures (JASA), based in South Florida, has been a trailblazer in cageless shark diving for over 40 years. Recognized as the premier outfitter offering unparalleled close encounters and photography opportunities with various shark species. His company has led the way in shark ecotourism, aiming to dispel misconceptions about sharks and transform clients into shark conservationists.