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"The limits of my language mean the limits of my w

"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world."
Following the recent misinterpretation of an event from the news, I started to think about the sensationalistic language used to describe sharks and their behavior. Here are some of the words I believe should leave our vocabulary.
Aggressive: I am frequently asked which species are more aggressive than others. That word implies intent, and sharks are just animals designed by nature to function in a certain way. We would never consider our dog eating out of a bowl with no table manners because they cannot use a fork and knife. The same goes for the sharks; their behavior is part of their genetic code.
A similar consideration goes for the word Vicious (deliberately cruel or violent). It carries an even heavier negative connotation with a high anthropomorphic interpretation of behavior. A cheetah running after an antelope and killing by biting the neck to cause death is not vicious. It has no other intent than survival through eating, not an intent to harm the animal for cruelty.
My all-time NOT favorite it's Shark Infested Waters. It's like saying trees infested forests. The oceans do not belong to us; they are home to various creatures, including sharks, where we can venture and enjoy but cannot live. Sharks don't infest waters, sharks live there.
Shark Attack follows as another incorrect description of encounters. Most of the shark encounters, millions of them, are positive encounters. There have been more people in the water with sharks without them even knowing the sharks were present. The negative encounters for humans by sharks are rare; the same cannot be said for sharks encountering humans.
Last but not least in my list is the Man-eating [...] Sharks do not eat people, they were here a few 100 million years before us, and humans are not on their diet. Sometimes sharks accidentally bite a human, rarely the encounter is fatal, and for the majority, the shark swims away after the confusion. I am not diminishing the results of a shark bite to a human, it is a traumatic experience, but the animal is not a man-eating...
"Opening the limits of our language will open the limits of our world." #education

What is conservation? #Repost @cristinazenato wi

What is conservation?

#Repost @cristinazenato with @make_repost
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On many occasions I receive messages and questions from people interested in contributing to conservation.
The general feeling is that they need to do something special, or different or work directly in the field like I do in order to be considered conservationists.
But in truth what is conservation?
A widely, maybe sometimes too widely used word, conservation has become an abstract word many feel they cannot fulfill.
Conservation is the realization that our actions have reactions, that our presence on this planet and our way of living has had and will continue to have an impact on the creatures and environments around us. It is the realization that every single move we make can have an impact and that needs to be mitigated or changed to avoid the damage.
The problem is, we are so disconnected from nature that we think that conservation is a separate action during a specific day: I wake up and make breakfast, I go for a run or walk, I respond to email, I work on conservation, then I continue with my day, my lunch, my gym, my movie theatre, or planning my trip, shopping, eating out.
Conservation is a life style; every one of us is a conservationist. A small action is better than no action. Each and every one of us can contribute to the improvement of how we establish ourselves on this planet. And it does not require far away expeditions, drastic actions or incredible life changes. Conservation starts on our doorstep as we enter the house, it continues in every day choices we make and in the way we approach life in general. And it can be as much as one change, one choice and one action.
Image created with Elisa Areano eareano after picking up garbage from the beach, primarily party baloons and fishing nets, to bring awareness to how our small actions can have big impact in this world.
#exploration #education #conservation

@cristinazenato will join a panelist of incredible

@cristinazenato will join a panelist of incredible explorers to discuss #exploration at the next virtual event @asiadiveexpo
To join check link in bio

We partnered with @delanecooper , an amazing artis

We partnered with @delanecooper , an amazing artist for the creation of Thrive the Five. The sales of this unique pendant will support our first scuba scholarship for one Bahamian girl 12 years or older to become a certified diver. Inspired by our founder @cristinazenato Thrive the Five tells a beautiful story you can read link in bio.
#exploration #education #conservation

@cristinazenato is conducting a week of educationa

@cristinazenato is conducting a week of educational postings about cave diving, answering some repeated questions and trying to dispel some of the myths related with this activity

Did you say a bunch of wet rocks?
Following some of the comments I received in my recent post, it appears that the average impression from people when speaking about cave diving is that we go and look at a bunch of wet rocks, and in a jockingly way that is exactly what we do. The reality is that we are looking at nature's masterpieces while also reading the geological story of our planet while gliding through it. These giant crystal decorations were formed during the ages when the sea level was as much as 400ft below the current level and the caves were hollow passageways where rain water mixed with the organic matter on the surface found its way throught the limestone levels (bedding planes) and drop by drop, inch by inch grew these amazing decorations. Cave diving is swimming through that history book and admiring the intricave creations, one never like the other.
As mentioned, cave diving training is important for the safety of the diver (next post I will concentrate on the specific cave skills but it's also fundemental for the safety of the cave. If the diver touched some of these delicate formations they would shatter like a crystal glass dropped on a hard floor, forever lost. Gear, body, fins, hand and head positions, how to swim in, how to turn, how to swim out are all techniques mastered in less delicate environments prior to venturing into these breathtaking places.
@kewinlorenzen admires a very delicate portion of the North Tunnel in the Old Freetown system, Grand Bahama Island
#exploration #education #conservation
@kissrebreathers @waterproofinternational @scubapro @diveshearwater @lightmonkeyofficial @fourthelementdive

This is what #education is all about #Repost @cr

This is what #education is all about

#Repost @cristinazenato with @make_repost
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How do we conquer our fears? By facing them. And it’s never too late to start. It was an amazing experience to share the world of my sharks with William Shatner, @williamshatner and to watch his desire to journey from fear to understanding during the Shark Trek program on @sharkweek
A wonderful, kind and sharp mind human being, I will always treasure to have had the opportunity to spend time with.
#exploration #education #conservation
@neptunic_com @scubapro

Come and hang out with @shelbyreefsharkshirts and

Come and hang out with @shelbyreefsharkshirts and our founder @cristinazenato on Tuesday July 13th at 5 pm. Live on IG through Shelby Reef account #exploration #education #conservation

We are so excied to announce the next coloring boo

We are so excied to announce the next coloring book created by @sharktopia words by @cristinazenato . You can download this amazing 15 pages booklet with link in bio.
Visit Sharktopia website for more coloring pages and amazing products
We are so fortunate to partner with such a loving and talented artist. Thank you so much for your support.
#exploration #education #conservation

We are so excited about this next collaboration; f

We are so excited about this next collaboration; follow @sharktopia to view the amazing art-love work.
#Repost @sharktopia with @make_repost
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My next non-profit coloring & activity booklet is underway! I thought it might be nice to show a piece of the big picture. ☺️ You’ll be able to color and cut-out many of @cristinazenato’s Ocean friends to create a scene of your own. If you aren’t following Cristina’s non-profit, please do!
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@peopleofthewater is a non-profit organization dedicated to changing our relationship with our aquatic world (for the better) through #exploration, #education, and #conservation. 💙💙💙
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#smoothhound #smoothhoundshark #littleshark #cuteshark #peopleofthewater #sharklove #sharklife #sharkweek #sharksforever #sharkconservation

We have a very special announcement to make thanks

We have a very special announcement to make thanks@to @kewinlorenzen and @cristinazenato

It's with great pleasure and honor that we announce that Ben's Cave is now open for guided tours under the direct guidance of Kewin Lorenzen and Cristina Zenato. These are the passageways beyond the cavern room where guided tours have always been permitted.
We want to thank you Rick Witter for helping us out testing some of the routes and areas we selected for the guided tours, as well as Eric Carey and Ellsworth Weir for the time and support and for the opportunity of this historic event.
Ben's cave passageways have been closed to the public for a very long time. We are now able to take divers through its diverse beauty. Because of its features and delicate carachteristics and in the primary interest of protecting the cave and keeping in line with the Bahamas National Trust conservation mission, the pre-requisites to become a guided diver are very detailed. Minimum pre-requisite is for the cave diver to be in a sidemount rebreather system, with a minimum of 100 logged cave dives.
At the present moment there are four selected tours that can be conducted in Ben's.
Images of Kewin Lorenzen swimming through some of the selected areas.
#exploration #education #conservation

Our team made it back to a special place to check

Our team made it back to a special place to check on the caves and the entrances. Afraid to find a lot of debris from the destruction of Hurricane Dorian, they are happy to report that the area was clear and the cave in good shape but foe minor line repairs. They plan to go back to check all the different entrances. #exploration #education #conservation
@cristinazenato @kewinlorenzen

A portion of the sale of the Neptunic CZ shirt sup

A portion of the sale of the Neptunic CZ shirt supports our little nonprofit People of the Water in the work of #exploration #education and #conservation. Words by @cristinazenato Standing at the water's edge ready to once again meet with my babies, I am filled with excitement, love, and the desire to jump in as soon as possible. Their dark silhouette is synonymous with time spent together, discovery and appreciation, never a scary sight.
To better describe how I feel, you know that emotion everytime you are about to see your loved one? Yes exactly, that feeling. No matter how much time you spend together, no matter if you have just seen each other, when you love someone it still makes you excited and happy, ready to spend more time together and to enjoy eachothers' company.
That is the feeling.

Image by @kewinlorenzen

#Repost @wdtgs_media with @make_repost ・・・ T

#Repost @wdtgs_media with @make_repost
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Today is #WorldOceanDay - for us to protect our planet it is vital that we protect our seas. This year the theme is 'The Ocean: Life and Livelihoods'. highlighting why it essential that we practice sustainable methods.

If you want to find out more, then check out some of our previous 'ocean-themed' interviews:

Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, Tadzio Bervotes: https://fb.watch/5-dt_6T2I-/

Shark Behaviorist @cristinazenato : https://fb.watch/5-dp8KegP3/

Margoux Dodds, Marine Connection: https://fb.watch/5-dxsnwImn/

Jessica Berkel, STENAPA: https://fb.watch/5-dz4KOJJI/
#saveourseas #ocean #wdtgsmedia
@stenapastatia @peopleofthewater DCNA @marineconnection_org

Tune in Friday, June 11th at 1 pm for a conversati

Tune in Friday, June 11th at 1 pm for a conversation with @cristinazenato and this amazing panel of shark experts on World Oceans Week 2021 by the Explorers Club. Followed by Q&A with the audience.
SHARKS
• Austin Gallagher (Moderator) - CEO, Beneath the Waves
• Cristina Zenato - Founder, People of the Water
• Aviad Scheinin - Chairman at IMMRAC, Marine Ecologist
• Ellen Cuylaerts - Underwater & Wildlife Photographer
• Chris Coco - Sr. Director, Zoological Operations, Georgia Aquarium
#exploration #education #conservation

Understanding where these rooms are and where all

Understanding where these rooms are and where all the tunnels go is of vital importance to protect them and the land above them. This is the work of #exploration conducted by our team

#Repost @kewinlorenzen with @make_repost
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Floating in the immensity of a giant hollow room is like floating in space. When I post images of cave diving, I receive a lot of messages and comments about cave diving being claustrophobic; caves might have some small passageways, but many present vast chambers the size of ballrooms or even bigger.

Image: @cristinazenato

@kissrebreathers @fourthelementdive @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater @lightmonkeyofficial @diverite84

Our team uses personal time to constantly promote

Our team uses personal time to constantly promote awareness about the environment; #conservation is a lifestyle that require small changes and not big efforts. We just need to set our minds to it and manage into our lives. @cristinazenato and @kewinlorenzen picked up dozens of balloons while enjoying a beach walk #exploration #education

Contact us if you wish for our founder Cristina Ze

Contact us if you wish for our founder Cristina Zenato to speak with your classroom or your group.
Educational and personalized presentations from children to adults.
#exploration #educaction #conservation
Cristina wearing the Thrive the Five necklace form @delanecooper and the CZ @neptunic_com shirt; a portion of the sale from these items helps us continue our online educational programs.

This morning, as many other times, I will be talking to a classroom; besides the details about my work with sharks, I am looking forward to this encounter as we will also be discussing career choices, opportunities and ways to follow one's passion. These are the times when I can share not only my journey but the motivations behind my decisions, as well as the mindset that has pushed me through the years. With a background in languages and more art/history education it is very interesting that I ended up in a very technical and scientific world, one that I was told it was not apt for women and one that I thought I didn't have the brain for. The fact is, once we find something we love so passionately, it does not matter if we are not a "math or science brain", our desire to learn will push us to pursue the knowledge and understanding no matter what. It might take a few additional late nights and a few more repetitions than others, but if we keep at it, we can only do one thing, improve.

#Repost @kewinlorenzen with @make_repost ・・・

#Repost @kewinlorenzen with @make_repost
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Had an amazing shark dive and shared special moments with both Stumpy and Grandma. Sitting on the ocean floor and interacting with them is always the highlight of our encounters. Even better when I share these special moments with divers and show them a different side of sharks. Every time I surface from these dives I receive comments on how they didn't think that sharks could behave that way and how different the reality of diving with them is, compared to what they have seen on TV or have been told.

Video: @cristinazenato with @isotta_underwater_housings

@neptunic_com @fourthelementdive

#Repost @thebigscuba with @make_repost ・・・ E

#Repost @thebigscuba with @make_repost
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Episode 70 is out!

It was great to catch up with Kewin and Cristina and how they have progressed through 2020 into 2021.
@kewinlorenzen @cristinazenato
#exploration #education #conservation #transform

Sharks have seven senses and one of the most amazi

Sharks have seven senses and one of the most amazing is provided by the Ampullae of Lorenzini. These jelly-filled pores are electroreceptors distributed on the nose and sides of the shark, and are directly connected to the brain through a nerve ending. Partially connected to the lateral line they help sharks detect the electrical fields generated by activities of the prey. They take their name from Stefano Lorenzini, whom in 1678, observed long, tubular structures in the torpedo ray.
Image of the Ampullae on a Lemon Shark, by @cristinazenato
#exploration #education #conservation @shelbyreef

Swimming in the ocean with sharks is a wonderful t

Swimming in the ocean with sharks is a wonderful tool to introduce people to the true nature of sharks and for them to understand that there are many different species as well as they are not swimming jaws without a brain. Shark tourism is one of the method used in The Bahamas to promote healthy relationship with sharks and to allow locals to benefit from keeping sharks alive rather than fish them. It is important to pick a local operator who is using people living in the Country and providing economical value within rather than outside.
#exploration #education #conservation
Image @cristinazenato

Happy Earth Day. Be the change you want to see in

Happy Earth Day. Be the change you want to see in the world.
@cristinazenato and @kewinlorenzen always clean up the stretch of beach they walk with their pups. If each one of us did a small action it would become a big action. Never believe that it won't make a difference.
#exploration #education #conservation
Wearing @shelbyreef shirts. Shelby Reef is a charitable clothing company that donates to our organization to support our work in shark conservation.

Some species of sharks have eyelids. The nictitat

Some species of sharks have eyelids.
The nictitating membrane is a thin, tough membrane or inner eyelid in the eye. Sharks don't need to blink like us humans as the surrounding water cleans their eyes; however, this membrane covers the eye to protect it from damage, especially just prior to a feeding event where the prey may inflict damage while trying to protect itself.
In this image a Tiger shark instinctively closes her eyelid as she swims close to our team member @kewinlorenzen camera
#exploration #education #conservation @shelbyreef

Proceeds from the sale of Thrive the Five go towar

Proceeds from the sale of Thrive the Five go towards our scholarship program.

#Repost @delanecooper with @make_repost
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When I think of someone who lives an effervescent life with so much conviction and love for oceans, love for sharks & land sharks (aka her dogs), love for scuba diving, love for languages (she speaks 6 including shark), love for the environment, love for exploring, love for education and love for health, @cristinazenato is that person. She is a wayfinder amongst us and leads by example - being in love with the world, sharks and caves.
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Yoga is part of her daily practice and Cristina wears a pendant I designed called Thrive the Five. She wears this everyday. The pendant was inspired by her work - diving. Five different dive bubbles clustered together is a visualization of someone living her life’s purpose...with love.
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If you know someone who is living their life’s purpose or know someone who is on the journey, then consider Thrive the Five as a gift for it embodies Freedom, Curiosity, Intelligence, Adventure and Experience.
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Swipe to see the pendant up close. Made of solid sterling silver on a sterling silver wheat chain.
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Proceeds from each sale goes towards a scholarship for a young Bahamian girl to further her studies in the area of STEM. To learn more or purchase, click on link on my bio.
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#delane #delanejewellery #thrivethefive #effervescence #effervescent #scubadiving #sharkdiver #caveexploring #explorer #stem #wayfinding #tracker #curiosity #scubadivinglife #sharklover #sharkeducation

Our goal is to connect and share the knowledge we

Our goal is to connect and share the knowledge we have accumulated through the years #Repost @cristinazenato with @make_repost
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Knowledge has no value unless you use it and share it.
My mission is to create ambassadors, whom through direct experience can acquire my knowledge and share my message wherever they go. Conservation starts with every little action we complete in our lives.
#exploration #education #conservation
Image by @kewinlorenzen with
@isotta_underwater_housings during my shark handling course. (Information about the course can be found in my link in bio. @neptunic_com @waterproofinternational @diveshearwater

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