Lucky Girl

I am a lucky girl.

I get to share sharks with people from all over the world and all walks of life. Watching each person evolve from “ Eeeek I am swimming with sharks,” to “Wow, I am swimming with sharks, “ is an amazing rush. It usually only takes a few minutes of watching these incredible animals move through the water to create that evolution.

Sharks get a bad rap and people come into the situation with a lot of preconceived notions. Sharks will NOT attack just because you are menstruating, have a cut or are peeing in the water. In fact the only real attractant that we are going to introduce is some bait.

We all love our monsters and I suppose it is easy to get carried away thinking about a man-eating shark, massive anaconda or giant alligator that has somehow escaped from the movie set and it surely going to find you.

Even if people are nervous or scared, I love that they want so badly to see these animals up close and have their own experience. It is never easy to face our fears, but when we conquer them it is such a rush. I love when people respond with, “ why haven’t I done this before,” or “ when can I do this again.” Fear becomes excitement and excitement creates a connection to the animals. Now we have empathy and a new shark advocate is born. No, you do not have to run out and start protesting or be an expert; all you need to do is care about these animals and explain to friends and family why they are pretty damn awesome!

I always make reference to the fact that everyone has a voice and that it is quite simple to just speak up. Go home after your shark encounter and tell your friends and family, especially those that think you are out of your mind for even considering a swim with these monsters, and rave about the experience. Explain the beauty of a shark moving through the water. Yes, I said beauty. Talk about their eyes, their color, and their smile! Revel in the fact that you had a moment with one of Mother’s Natures most amazing creations.

I love every second that I can spend with sharks, but the rush of seeing someone fall in love with sharks for the first time might even rival that. I am responsible for creating that moment, the realization and that rush. I am not a shark expert, but I am a shark super fan and I am doing my best to create a small army of other shark fans around the world.

I am a lucky girl.

Thanks to Laura, Eric & Antoine for becoming the latest group of shark fans!

Sharky Island Girl Yummies: Part 1

Living on a small island with limited access to supplies can be challenging. If the weather is bad the boat cannot bring things across and fresh produce only arrives once a week. We eat mostly vegan or vegetarian, which can be even more of a challenge. I have a lot of fun coming up with yummy meals and wanted to share a few of my recipes. I have borrowed a few ideas and changed them, but most of the recipes are right out of this Shark girl’s imagination.
Bon Appetite!

Black Bean & Split Pea Veggie Burgers with Guacamole:

Being back on the island our grocery options are limited and a bit pricey. I wanted to make a batch of veggie burgers, but could not find any lentils and chickpeas were pretty expensive. I grabbed a can of black beans and a bag of split peas to see what I could do. The split peas look like lentils, so I figured why not.

What You Need:

1 Can Black Beans ( 12oz)
1 Bag of Split peas ( 12oz)
1 large onion
1.5 C bread crumbs
1 egg
2 cloves garlic
Seasoning (I used garlic salt)
Salt & Pepper
1 large avocado (Florida) or 2 small Haas avocados
Juice from half a lime
1 TB Garlic salt
Cayenne pepper or hot sauce ( optional)

To Make Burgers:

Soak the split peas over night or heat on low for 40 minutes with enough water to cover the peas. Cook until soft.
Preheat the oven to 375 F
Rinse black beans and sauté with garlic, onion and seasoning
Add in split peas and mix. Combine with breadcrumbs and egg. Mix. Add more crumbs if too moist
Place mixture in fridge to cool
Mold mixture into patties
Dry fry for 1-2 minutes on each side
Back for 20-25 minutes depending on the size of the burger
Makes 8 burgers

To Make Guacamole:

Remove avocado flesh from skin and place in bowl
Mash with fork or blend in food processor
Add lime juice and garlic salt and mix

Top burgers with guacamole and enjoy! For a real treat serve on a slice of toasted Bimini bread!!

Healthy No Bake Cookies

No bake because I had no baking soda or baking powder, so I had to improvise.
The recipe called for cocoa powder, but didn’t have that either. These were a gamble, but they are super yummy!

3 c quick oats
¼ chocolate protein powder
½ peanut butter
½ cup soy milk ( I also use almond milk)
1 large ripe banana
¼ c light brown sugar

Mash the banana. In a small pan heat the peanut butter and soy milk into boiling. Turn off and mix thoroughly. Add protein powder, sugar and banana. Mix. Trasnfer to a bowl and add in the oats. Mix until all oats are coated in the peanut butter mixture. Scoop onto a plate in whatever size cookie you want. Put in refrigerator for 20 minutes, if you can wait that long.

Coconut Cream Pie with Lime Banana Glaze

Adapted from my lovely yogi friend Brittany’s recipe.
This pie is a labor of love, but definitely a nice treat.

Crust:

I used corn flakes, but I am going to try ginger snaps
2 cups corn flakes
1 large ripe banana
1 tbsp agave nectar
Smash cornflakes or cookies in a bag or in food processor. Mash the banana. Mix banana, crumbs and agave together until it forms a doughy mass. Press mass into bottom of cake pan. You can leave as is (raw) or bake until golden brown ( 350 F for 15 mins )

Filling:
Flesh from 3 medium coconuts (I had a nice husband to shuck them for me)
½ cup coconut water
½ cup almond milk (can use soy)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp agave nectar

Blend all ingredients in blender or food processor until you get a thick cream. Should be like yogurt in consistency. Spread across crust and put in freezer.

Glaze:

Juice from 1 large lime or 1.5 smaller limes
1-1.5 Ripe bananas
1 tbsp agave
Mix all in blender or food processor. Pour onto top of coconut mix. Place in freezer for 2 hours to set. After set it can be refrigerated. Enjoy a healthy and decadent treat!

Vegan Island Ceviche

1 large white onion
1 large tomato
1 large green pepper
2 TBSP garlic salt
1 large lime
Hot sauce

Dice onion, tomato and pepper into small pieces and mix in bow. Add juice of one lime. Add garlic salt and hot sauce to taste. Mix and serve.

Vegan Apple Crumble

1 C oats
1 large apple
1 large ripe banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 TBSP Agave nectar


2 TBSP cinnamon

Combine ingredients and spread on baking dish. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Kalik Braised Cabbage with Black Bean Salsa:

¼ of a green cabbage
1 can black beans
½ large onion
1 large tomato
2 stalks celery
2 TBSP diced garlic
1TBSP Cumin
Salt to taste
¼ C Kalik ( local Bahamian Beer)
Hot Sauce ( optional)

Slice cabbage and place in large fry pan. Add beer and steam on high until cabbage is tender. Dash with salt or garlic salt.
Rinse black beans thoroughly. Chop onion and celery into small pieces. Add a dash of beer to the pan and sauté garlic and diced onion for 2 minutes. Add celery and black beans. Bring to a boil then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for 2 more minutes. Add more beer or water if needed. Add cumin, salt and hot sauce. Mix.
Put cabbage in bowl and top with salsa.

I " SAW" a Fish

Duncan and I decided to make use of the glorious day and head to the lab to film baby nurse sharks. When we arrived at the lab there was frenzy of people and excited shouting. Before I could really process what was happening, we were in a skiff and zipping out the channel. We stopped the boat and looked at each other, not exactly sure where we were headed. A quick radio to the other boats and we were underway again. The reason for this frantic departure was that the Sharklab had caught and tagged a 4.1 m small tooth sawfish. This animal is endangered an extremely rare to see. In his 2.5 years at the lab, Duncan never saw one. We were like kids on Christmas morning as we raced across the flats.

When were filming at the Blue Hole in Long Island in 2010 a freediver spotted a sawfish in the Blue Hole. We arrived just after the encounter happened and immediately put our snorkel gear on. We spent a while in the hole hoping to get a glimpse, but were resigned to looking at pictures. It was really exciting and a little creepy for the diver, doing a breath hold with his eyes closes on the line, who first spotted the creature from the Blue Hole. I reported the time, location, and depth and sent a picture to the appropriate parties. Excited to contribute valuable data, but jealous of those had seen the elusive animal.

Some of the lab crew had spotted her while fishing for other sharks. Grant and Steve assisted in getting a tail rope on her so that she could be brought to the side of the bought and worked up. She was carefully measured, as working with the saw can be dangerous. These animals are incredibly strong and have a very sharp business end. DNA and blood samples were taken and she was tagged with an acoustic transmitter that can be actively tracked.

Sharklab Assistant Manager Lindsay Biermann holding the saw fish next to the boat.


We found the flotilla of boats and added our trusty steed. We had not planned on being in the water, so did not have our mask or fins. This meant grabbing random fins and gear in an attempt to piece together a suitable kit for filming the awaiting critter. Duncan managed to score a proper pair of freediving fins, where I was left with a set of “my first fins,” that proved to be as effective as bedroom slippers on my feet. I slipped into the water and followed the line that was connected to the sawfish.

She appeared in the distance and I gasped and giggled in my snorkel. She was massive. In my head I knew that 4.1 meter was big, but it seems as though a sawfish carries itself with a larger than life presence. Maybe it is the massive serrated “saw” at the front. She was lying on the bottom, but keeping a watchful eye on the action. She got agitated and stirred up a massive cloud of dust. Filming was tricky because you do not want to stress the animal. I floated there in complete awe of this prehistoric looking creature just a few feet away. I equate this experience to seeing a giant panda in the wild, although I prefer my encounters in the water.

Sawfish are a type of ray that inhabits coastal waters. Very little is known about these animals and they are listed as critically endangered on the ICUN Red List. Trophy fishermen have valued their saw and for hundreds of years these animals have been targeted. They have also suffered because of coastal habitat loss. This is seen even in Bimini where a major resort has filled in a large section of mangrove. The Sharklab team was able to track her for 8.5 hours. They lost her in the middle of the night in shallow water that the boats could not get through. They are still actively searching for her in hopes of being able to put a satellite tag on her. This would provide invaluable information about this animal.

Seeing an animal like this sends a flow of energy and excitement through everyone involved. It is moments like these that remind us why we all fight so hard to help the oceans. I want my children to see a sawfish, not just tell the story about an animal that once lived around Bimini.

Coastal Angler: Cudos for Shark Killing

I was recently flipping through a copy of Coastal Angler while waiting at the airport in Bimini. I was shocked to find an article on killing thresher sharks from your kayak on page 5. This is frustrating and disappointing because this issue is designated for the Bahamas, a country now proud to be a shark sanctuary. I was also disappointed to see that several Shark Free Marinas had ads in the bag of the mag. I honestly believe they would be frustrated to see such dribble on the pages. Here is my letter to the editor. Please check out their page and send your own letter or use mine as a template. Ignorance is no longer an excuse and this garbage needs to stop being published. Email: editorial@coastalanglermagazine.com

To the Editor: I recently grabbed a copy of the magazine while waiting at the airport in Bimini and was extremely disgusted by the article on killing thresher sharks from kayaks. Sharks are threatened across the globe and the Bahamas is now a shark sanctuary. I know much of this issue reflects Florida fishing, but “The Bahamas,” is written in bold across the front page. If this is a magazine for, “ The Bahamas,” then it should reflect and respect the conservation efforts that have been put forth. Are you aware that many of the marinas in the Bahamas do not allow fisherman to land sharks or fish for sharks within the marina? There is no reason to catch and kill these animals other than the self-proposed glory that people define by killing such a magnificent animal. Have you ever considered an article about shark conservation, education and outreach? I have found that magazines like GAFF and Saltwater Sportsman are keen to promote sustainability and conservation. Not everyone may want to hear the fact that sharks are in trouble, but they need to. It also offers people information to think about and make changes for the future of the ocean. I am not anti fishing, but I am against the unnecessary and wasteful slaughter of sharks. As a magazine that exists because of fishing, you must understand that healthy oceans are vital if people want to continue to fish. We need sharks to keep our oceans healthy. Promote their survival and you are ensuring a future for fishing and for your magazine. Cheers, Jillian

Earth Day Rain and Reflection

The rain is intense here today, but with all the warm weather I think the Earth needs it. It is beautiful to watch the cleansing on this very appropriate day. It reminds us that Mother Nature has ways of healing and we must keep hope. All the problems with the environment can be overwhelming and it is difficult not to feel suffocated. Take a breath and find one simple thing that you can do. Embrace it, own it, love it and share it. We were blessed with an incredible wedding one week ago and I am still glowing. We were able to share Bimini and the sharks we love with our family and friends. Many of our friends have spent a lot of time with sharks, but for many this was their first experience. I am so proud of my aunt Paula who made her way, a bit hesitant, to the shark pens at the Sharklab and took the time to learn about sharks. She proudly reported to me that she no longer hates all sharks. She had learned how important they are and why the oceans need them. This was an amazing moment for her, for me and for our oceans. She will return to Alabama and no doubt share her adventure and change some opinions. I am so thrilled that she had this moment and hopefully next time I will have her swimming with a few of them. It is incredible what having a personal encounter can do in the fight to change perception. If you have never seen a shark, then my Earth Day wish is that you go find one. Go for a snorkel, book a dive, learn to dive or visit an marine lab near you. Thank you to our friends and family for entering our world with open minds and open hearts. I am so thankful and proud of all of you. Sitting in the rain and reflecting on this incredible time in my life........

Sharing Sharks with Family and Friends

Duncan and I spend a lot of our time with sharks and we wanted to share our love for these animals with our friends and family that were traveling to Bimini. Along with a shark themed wedding, we planned several shark related activities to get everyone involved. This proved to be the opportune time to break them into our sharky world. A few were quite keen to dive in while others took a little persuading. Many of our friends and bridal party are fellow shark nerds, so they helped coerce those that were reluctant.

My parents have dived at Tiger Beach and Dunk’s parents have spent time at the lab, so we wanted to do something really unique. We packed up the gear and made sure we had a loaf of Bimini Bread and some peanut butter; the meal of champion shark explorers. Funny how we take peanut and jelly for granted, probably because it is a staple in the diet of most American children. It proved to be a fun treat for Dunk’s family as we smeared peanut butter with a less than solidly constructed spoon. Duncan remembered the bread knife, but had put it in with the bait, thus rendering it useless.

We headed south around the tip of the island and gave elaborate explanations of the local attractions. The concrete ship, a plane wreck and the animals we were expecting to see. As if on cue, 4 eagle rays cruised across the flats like stealth bombers on a covert mission. They move with such grace and ease, a quick flick of their wings and they are moving as fast as the boat. The water was like glass creating the illusion that the eagle rays were suspended in air and truly flying.

The turtles were next to put on an acrobatic performance, zipping and zooming in front of the boat. Little green turtles are insanely fast and these guys put on quite a show. Everyone was standing up and pointing them out. As we made our way into the mangroves we found a place to anchor the boat. Duncan waded ahead with my parents as I corralled the Scottish contingent. Wading through squishy mangroves is an odd feeling. You are never sure of how deep your foot will actually sink as the silt consumes your toes. We marched inward to our destination and our guests were a bit shocked when they entered the mangrove tunnel. We all had a good laugh as the water got deeper and people found themselves forced to swim.

When we broke through the end of the tunnel Duncan was waiting with my parents and at least 1 juvenile lemon shark. With a little bait in the water, the sharks swam in to check us out. The snapper put up a fight though and you can actually watch their bellies swell from gorging on the free treats. The snapper are not afraid of the sharks and will fight for a savory morsel. The sharks approach with caution and take a bit of time to work up the courage to move in for a feed. It is amazing to watch the behavior and see how they are working to assess the situation. One larger shark came in and took a piece of fish. It is likely he has been apart of a similar feed and knows the score. The parents, aunts and uncles were all in awe. Unbelievable to see their eyes light up and the excitement they were expressing. Cameras were flashing and there was a surreal sense of connectedness to family and nature. Our parents do not know each other and I had just met Duncan’s uncle the day before; forever this day will be a bond that we all share. It was the best gift that we could give people, but turned out to be a gift for us. Seeing our parents laughing and loving every minute is not something you could ever pay for. These are moments that define what it is to truly live. I looked over at Dunk and smiled. We were both over the moon happy and were just trying to take it all in.

We coaxed each person up to hand feed a baby lemon. People were obviously a bit nervous, as hand-feeding sharks is not something they do everyday, well not most people. It is also something that has to be done with extreme caution and respect for the animals. Duncan guided each person as they held the piece of bait out, excited like kids on Christmas morning. The peanut gallery offered a running commentary of sharks coming in and out and what they were thinking; hilarious interpretations from our mothers. Love those women. I snapped photographs and got lost in the moment.
As each person took a second turn. They were more comfortable and probably saw the feed happen rather than the blur during their initial attempt. There are few moments in life where you can have an interaction with a wild animal where there is a connection. I feel blessed with the fortune of having these moments on a regular basis. Sharks get a bad rap and seeing someone squeal with delight because they have had a moment with a baby shark, is one of the most rewarding experiences. I think Duncan and I were actually more excited for our parents than they were. It is such a rush knowing that you are giving the most important people in your life a once in a lifetime experience.

Watching the little lemon sharks is something I could do for hours and hours. Duncan and I even took a turn feeding the little guys when the family had finished. I always smile and giggle because it really makes my heart happy. These little guys are one of nature’s perfect creations and we were fortunate enough to spend a morning with them. Life is good. When life gives you lemons, feed them and show people how awesome sharks are.

Everyone was buzzing as we motored away from the mangroves. A picnic on a private beach let everyone bask in the glow of the shark encounter. We enjoyed the gourmet peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that we crafted with love and a minimal amount of sand. We spent the afternoon snorkeling before returning the troops to port. I still cannot find the words to describe the rush of happiness that everyone seemed to be overwhelmed with. Who would have thought that a few baby shark s are all it takes to create a lifelong memory?

On our next adventure we took most of the guests to Honeymoon Harbor, an iconic must visit spot when in Bimini. Stingrays come into the shallow bay to feed and the private island is great for exploring. The water was a little deep, but everyone made the best of the stingray encounter. We had some special guests when 2 black tip reef sharks made an appearance. My dad was snorkeling further off shore when one buzzed by him. They came in quick and began weaving in and around people. People were laughing, pointing at the sharks and doing their best to keep their faces in the water to see them. It was great to have sharks in a wild setting with people snorkeling. They could see that the sharks were curious, but that they had no interest in being aggressive towards anyone. Peter, our Sea Shepherd friend that prefers cold climates and staying on the boat, had an ear-to-ear grin as he watched the little shark. Dunk and I threw bait at each other and once again were overwhelmed with how awesome the experience was. I looked around to see the most important people in my life laughing, swimming and excited about sharks. It doesn’t get much better than that. Really a blessing and a bit of Bimini smiling on us!

That moment when someone loses their inhibitions and just feels is an incredible thing to witness. We watched as one by one our family and friends let go and just follow the ocean. We are all wound up so tight and we have these ideas in our minds that can cause us to miss out on really living. Every person on the boat that day was really living. They were feeling it, breathing it in and laughing with a whole heartedness that gives you a natural high. My face hurts from smiling as I am writing this and reminiscing.

Although we were busy with wedding prep and the actual wedding, we wanted to make sure people were able to get a Sharklab tour. Tristan, the director, offered his time to take our friends and family around and give them the chance to hold a baby shark. Dunk and I spent the Sunday after the wedding giving tours as well. Not a typical post-wedding activity, but we were thrilled to share the sharkies with a few of our more skeptical friends. Seeing the transition of fear to understanding, even mild affection is so powerful. We watched as our friends were fascinated by the miniature versions of powerful apex predators. Like a kitten or a puppy, well maybe not exactly, but baby sharks are cute and if you can generate that fondness in people you can break down preconceived ideas. You can build a respect for and even a love of these animals.

One of my bridesmaids was a little nervous to hold the little nurse shark, but she didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity. As Duncan handed the shark off to her she studied it closely and although still nervous, a massive smile covered her face. My aunt, who told me that she hated every shark, now, thinks they are cute and understands why they are important for the ocean. Although she did not hold a shark, we made progress. I am so proud of our family and friends that opened their minds and their hearts to learn about the animals that brought Duncan and I together.
We live a crazy and amazing life and sharing one little drop of it means the world to us. Seeing my cousin holding a nurse shark actually made me tear up a bit. She is one of my best friends and it was important for me to share that with her. I hope she realizes how much joy it brought me.

My hope is that not only did our wedding guests leave the island having falling in love with it, but I also hope that they will share their sharky adventures and each in their own way, be an advocate for these magnificent creatures.

Conservation Questions? Just Ask!

I am really excited to be a part of the Crystal Clear Apnea family. As an avid freediver, this is a very informative site. I am looking forward to answering a lot of great ocean conservation questions.

ASK ME