My first encounter with great hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna mokarran) took place in 2010, during my time as a researcher and volunteer at the Bimini Biological Field Station. As part of a longline fishing project focused on various large shark species, we occasionally captured great hammerheads for scientific tagging and sampling. These sharks were rare and unpredictable; encountering one was a significant event. I also had the opportunity to observe the station staff attracting them using bait. Even with careful preparation, hours of waiting were often required before a shark would appear. This highlighted how elusive this species is in the wild.

In the years that followed, the dynamics around hammerhead encounters in Bimini changed. Operators such as Neil Watson and Stuart Cove began developing shark diving sites by chumming substantial amounts of bait offshore, particularly during the winter season. This activity, while controversial in some circles, made it possible to reliably observe great hammerheads in clear, shallow water. I later returned to Bimini on a dive with Neil Watson, accompanied by my husband, Daniel Norwood. The experience was exceptional. Seeing adult great hammerheads, often exceeding four meters in length, up close was both humbling and awe-inspiring.

One of the most striking aspects of these dives is the sharks’ behavior. Despite their size and predatory capabilities, they display a high degree of coordination and patience. Individuals appear to wait their turn to approach the feeders, who have developed remarkable skills to manage these interactions safely and effectively. The structured nature of these dives makes it possible to observe hammerhead morphology, movement patterns, and social behavior in a controlled and respectful setting.

I have also encountered great hammerheads in Jupiter, Florida. Watching them cruise at the surface or emerge from the blue water column is an unforgettable sight. However, these encounters also reveal another side of their nature. On one dive, I observed a spearfisherman being persistently followed and harassed by a great hammerhead attempting to claim his catch. It was a powerful reminder of their strength and predatory instincts.

While these interactions are exciting, they also highlight the urgency of conservation. The great hammerhead is classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List. This status reflects severe population declines driven by overfishing, particularly in longline and gillnet fisheries. Their large fins are especially valued in the shark fin trade, making them a primary target in many parts of the world. In addition, their relatively slow growth, late maturity, and low reproductive rates make recovery extremely difficult once populations decline.

Despite their size and charisma, great hammerheads are vulnerable and under significant threat. Controlled dive tourism, when properly managed, offers a rare and valuable opportunity to foster appreciation for this species and support research and conservation initiatives. My own experiences, both in the field and in recreational settings, have deepened my commitment to supporting responsible shark tourism as a means to protect these extraordinary animals.