Diving with thresher sharks in the Philippines is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Being in the presence of these ancient ocean guardians, with their elongated tails slicing through the water and their eyes seemingly holding secrets from eons past. It’s an experience that leaves you both humbled and exhilarated.
"Thresher sharks have an almost hypnotic grace to them that other species don't. Appearing from the black, their iconic tails cutting through the water, they have to be seen to be believed." Those are the words of photographer Pádraig O’Grady as he joined a small group of divers near Malapascua.
There are three species of thresher shark in the world and in Malapascua it's the pelagic thresher shark (as opposed to Bigeyes or The Common Thresher Shark). The pelagic thresher is categorized as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
As Pádraig O'Grady and fellow traveler and Diving Instructor Katie Woodroffe descend into the depths off the coast of Malapascua, they witness more than just the thresher sharks themselves. They glimpse the delicate balance of life on the reef—the intricate relationships between corals, fish, and these apex predators. Threshers play a vital role in maintaining this balance, keeping populations of smaller fish in check and ensuring the health of the ecosystem.
Yet, their joy is tempered by what they see. The dive site shows scars—the result of intense human activity. Inexperienced divers, potentially destructive fishing practices, and the haunting specter of coral bleaching all threaten this underwater haven. It is a stark reminder that our actions have consequences, even in the seemingly boundless expanse of the ocean.
"It was an eye-opener to witness the delicate balance of the reef ecosystem and the vital relationship these sharks have with it. If this adventure is on your bucket list, make sure to dive with operators committed to eco-friendly practices to protect the reef for the sharks and future generations,” Katie suggests.
Pádraig shares the same sentiment: "Despite their protected status in the Philippines, thresher sharks remain at risk—from overfishing to habitat loss. We must act as stewards, advocating for proper management and protocols."
As an underwater photographer Pádraig notes "One thing to be aware of is that artificial lights (strobes and video lights) are not permitted on the thresher shark dives so everything has to be shot with natural light. The lack of lights added an extra challenge to the trip but we were aware of the sensitive habitat and we rolled with it."
Let’s hope that the collective efforts of every ocean enthusiast will secure the protection and management this site desperately needs. So, fellow ocean lovers, let’s dive responsibly, advocate fiercely, and ensure that the thresher sharks continue to grace our oceans for generations to come.
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All photos courtesy of Pádraig O'Grady
Pádraig “Pod” O’Grady is a seasoned photographer with focus on marine and terrestrial wildlife. From the crystal-clear oceans of Fiji to the dense forests of Madagascar, Pod focuses on capturing endangered and critical species around the world.
https://www.instagram.com/pints_and_paradise/
Contributed by Katie Woodroffe
Katie Woodroffe is a qualified Diving Instructor as well as an Environmental Educator and Project Manager.
Katie also recently reviewed the new Shearwater Peregrine TX and that review can be found here.
Follow her on Instagram @katy_jane
