Humans are different when it comes to abilities, methods, and fear; some people adjust to the circumstances to overcome their fear. They master the skills required for daring and fearsome endeavours. This is the story of my friend Ahmed Inah from Fuvahmulah.
Inah remains calm and quiet. Inah is from my district, Dhadimagu. When Fuvahmulah became a well-known island for tiger sharks, many young people emerged to participate in various diving activities.
Inah was working as a diver in Maldivian resorts when this enigmatic island underwent such a dramatic transformation. However, his gifted and daring abilities helped him become a well-known figure in the Maldives and around the world. This transformation has enabled him to become a successful entrepreneur and shark ‘specialist’.
Even though Inah is a smart businessman, I was amazed at how well he could swim and interact with one of the ocean’s fiercest creatures. The first time I felt the presence of a shark was in 1986, on the reef of our district beach, Neregando, and the second time was on Male’s eastern side. The first encounter took place in the passageway of Neregando Beach with Mufeedbe of the Nayaage household, a well-known scholar.
In both instances, I bravely escaped. It is likely that the incidents I encountered involved reef sharks. The first was about three feet long, and the latter was a glimpse of the shark’s dorsal fin.
Sharks do not pose a threat to humans. They’re complex creatures with distinct behaviours. Sharks aren’t killers. Sharks are classified into more than 500 species. Few are deemed harmful to humans. Even perceived threats are unlikely to attack unless provoked (Bark, n.d.). It is always necessary to follow standard operating procedures or regulations, particularly when diving with these species.
What I’ve discovered from Inah is that, in addition to their standard regulations and safe practices for divers, he explains and provides additional information about safe diving practices related to these species, as well as interacts with the world around him about these important messages. His advice, messages, and information on his social media platforms are valuable content, whether shared before or after dives.
The best way to stay safe is to follow best practices, rules, and regulations, whether on the road, underwater, or in the jungle. Inah’s storytelling instills in visitors a sense of confidence and commanding rules about these beasts, guiding them into the deep.
Tourism isn’t just about taking tourists to places or diving with them because they pay for the packages. The world has evolved into a digital ‘village’ in which newspapers and televisions are no longer the primary tools or platforms for conveying messages. However, the enormous platform of social media is propelling the world into a new era.
Inah’s messages, whether short or long, with videos and photos, are memorable and unique. This allows both international and local populations to hear, see, and explore the unparalleled beauty of this magnificent island nation and its unique biodiversity. In many different ways, it narrates the tales of this species.
These interactions also instill confidence in the hearts and minds of those who may be hesitant to swim into the depths to see these massive creatures, which are nature’s marvels. I have asked him to take me a few meters beneath the ocean so I can see these beautiful creatures. And he made me an offer. I am getting ready to experience this splendour soon.
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Humans and sharks can interact through art, customs, science, folklore, film, and other media, such as fishing and fishing-related industries. We can also engage with them through their direct impacts on biodiversity, shark danger programs, and underwater vessel encounters.
Inah’s interactions with sharks I would describe it as a “new level” of diving. The tourism industry has existed for decades. We often see simple dives with sharks. However, diving in the Sea of Fuvahmulah is special, as is the sea that surrounds the island. Successful interaction with this massive species creates a unique experience.
These interactions are valuable ‘products’ that benefit our tourism industry and the beauty of the ecosystem. This ensures that the underwater world continues to be uniquely ours as a nation.
In the Netflix series “All Sharks”, Inah was the man behind featuring Fuvahmulah. The series depicted four teams of marine experts competing to photograph the most shark species across six biodiverse marine locations. This is another attempt to capture the Maldives’ marine beauty and display it to millions of viewers around the world.
