‘Shark Whisperer’: Who is Ocean Ramsey?
Documentary is one of the most fascinating genres of the entertainment capital. Not only do they showcase real-life stories and experiences, but they also reek of educational value. Even with documentaries, there are plenty of sub-genres. And while Netflix boasts a plethora of every type, one rooted in nature and wildlife is making waves on the charts: Shark Whisperer.
Co-directed by JP Stiles, Harrison Macks, and the Oscar-winning director James Reed, Shark Whisperer recounts Ocean Ramsey’s bond-making journey with one of the most fearsome predators in the ocean. Her underwater exploration began early while growing up on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. But her fascination with sharks, whom she believes are unfairly misunderstood, became her ultimate calling.
But who exactly is Ocean Ramsey? She is the actual shark whisperer, a free-diving conservationist who has made it her life’s purpose to advocate for sharks, who play a crucial role in maintaining balance in marine ecosystems. Done with the misrepresentation and misjudgment that puts countless sharks in grave danger every year, her sole mission is to protect them.
As a result, she urges everyone around the world to change their behaviour towards sharks. Because, believe it or not, they are not the real “monsters” of the world. Besides being a marine conservationist and a free-diver, Ramsey is also an author. Hailing from Oahu, it has been over a decade since she began advocating for sharks while spreading awareness with her channel and platform.
Ramsey has been passionate about shark behaviour since childhood. But despite her thoughtful intentions, she has been a divisive activist due to the content she posts. She often shares videos and pictures of her swims with different kinds of shark species, deemed dangerous by a fair share of the audience.
Of course, some give Ramsey the props for her courage, dedication, and strength. However, there are just as many on the other side of the shore who are wary of her ways and have shown staunch opposition. According to the naysayers, Ramsey’s tactics not only invite unwarranted risks for herself but also for other humans and sharks.
Shark Whisperer revolves around Ocean Ramsey’s approach to activism, the polarity that surrounds her and her partner-cum-videographer, Juan Oliphant. Every year, almost 100 million sharks are killed around the world. Although Ramsey’s fight is for a cause, she has faced quite the jabs from the public and even from members of the scientific community. To know more, Shark Whisperer is currently streaming on Netflix.