Marine ecologist Neil Hammerschlag was conducting research in the Bahamas when he encountered a tiger shark in the water for the first time ever. His team was on a boat and hadn’t encountered many sharks, thus when one of them yelled, ‘Tiger shark!’ Hammerschlag took his snorkel gear and camera and dived into the water.

While speaking to Fresh Air's Dave Davies, Hammerschlag said that a tiger shark moved right in his direction and came near. He said that when it opened its mouth, he was able to look across mouth down its gut and witnessed gills from the inside.

He said that the tiger shark crossed by him many times prior to swimming off. Hammerschlag said that tiger sharks, which can grow to over 15 feet in length, have curious nature that at times results into exploratory biting, and in most of the cases, sharks interest ends there. The ecologists added that humans aren’t there on the shark's menu.

Different from popular movies such as Jaws, Hammerschlag said that sharks pose just a slight risk to humans. He said that, moreover humans are quite more of a threat to sharks than the mammals are to us.

Hammerschlag estimated that 100 million sharks lose lives annually, which, as per him, isn’t good for the proper functioning of marine ecosystems.

While talking about tiger sharks and exploratory biting, Hammerschlag said that the sharks aren’t afraid of anything, and just face it.

He said that mammals are like tanks. They are 10-plus feet, and in some cases, over 14, 15 feet, and have teeth as their weapons. Sharks just don’t possess self-awareness of being afraid. He said that their curiosity at times brings them near to us and they bite as exploration.

According to a story published on the topic by NPR News, "The first time he encountered a tiger shark in the water, marine ecologist Neil Hammerschlag was in the Bahamas conducting research. His team was on a boat and hadn't seen many sharks, so when someone yelled, "Tiger shark!" he grabbed his snorkel gear and camera and jumped into the water."

The tiger shark passed by several times before swimming off. Hammerschlag says that tiger sharks, which can grow to more than 15 feet in length, have an inquisitive nature that sometimes leads to exploratory biting, and for most sharks, their interest ends there. "Humans are not on the shark's menu," the ecologist explains.

Contrary to what popular movies like Jaws would have audiences believe, Hammerschlag says that sharks pose only a very small risk to humans. In fact, we're much more of a threat to sharks than they are to us. Hammerschlag estimates that 100 million sharks are killed every year, which, he says, is "not good for the functioning of marine ecosystems."

Sharks are faced [with] a number of threats. They're being faced [with] targeted fishing, in which sharks are being directly targeted and captured, mostly for their fins to actually make shark-fin soup, which is an Asian delicacy, particularly consumed in China and in the diaspora.

"Slip, slide and walk among sharks at this expansive island resort that includes 141 acres of adrenaline-pumping water play. At the Mayan Temple Shark Exhibit, plop into an inner tube and hang on for the ride. You’ll twist and turn through tunnels and emerge in a clear, acrylic tube deep within a shark-filled lagoon," according to a news report published by Seattle Times.

Swimming with the largest fish in the sea is a thrill worth seeking. Whale sharks reach lengths of 40 feet and can weigh 15 tons. Despite their imposing presence, the gentle creatures peacefully share the warm seas with visitors who arrive via boat.

For the more adventuresome (and those over 15) consider the Cabo Shark Dive that includes swimming with silky, blue, smooth hammerhead and mako sharks. The organization’s founder and professional shark dive guide, Jacopo Brunetti, is an Italian marine biologist, a scuba instructor and a shark behavioral expert. His goal is to encourage shark viewing and diving as an eco-sustainable activity.

The world’s third largest barrier reef, not far from this all-suite resort, can serve as the centerpiece for your water-based exploration and adventure. Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities for multiple ages and skill levels are available.

A report published in Los Banos Enterprise said, "Brooklyn Gallagher didn’t need to look far for inspiration last week at the the Firebaugh Invitational. Just two years prior, Dos Palos’ Emma Wilson had torched the competition with five wins and five meet records in the 9-10 age division."

“She shaved about two seconds off of all of her times,” Booklyn’s mom, Monica Gallagher said. “It was even more impressive because we lost our pool for a week because of some vandalism and the kids couldn’t practice.

Samantha Pantoja and Irene Duke also had exceptional afternoons for the Tiger Sharks. Pantoja dominated the girls 7-8 division, winning the 100 IM, 25 free, 25 back, 50 free and 50 fly. Duke captured the 100 IM, 100 back, 100 free, 100 fly and 100 breast in the girls 17-18 division.

James Duffany provided the only win on the day for the Tiger Shark boys, capturing the 100 back title for the boys 13-14 division.