Influencing the Influencers. From Shark "infested" to "invested"! How to fight back shark stigma

This video marks a milestone for our Founder, Blake Moynes.

His first time ever diving with sharks!

Like most people, he too had nervous energy before dropping in.. but it was not what he expected!

The team traveled to Andros Island, Bahamas, one of the most diverse and dynamic shark hotspots on Earth, alongside two special guests from The Bachelorette, Zac Clark and Noah Erb, to learn directly from one of the most respected shark conservation organizations in the world, Saving the Blue. If you’ve watched Discovery’s Shark Week, you’ve seen their work year after year at the forefront of shark science and research.

Together, Blake, Zac and Noah took the plunge into the water with sharks for the very first time. Fear was present. Curiosity followed. Respect took over.

During this trip, we had the opportunity to build and deploy Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs), contributing real data to ongoing shark research and helping scientists better understand shark populations, behaviour, and ecosystem health. This wasn’t just about seeing sharks. It was about supporting the science that protects them.

Beyond the ocean, we spent time visiting local Bahamian schools, sitting in classrooms and talking with students about sharks, ocean ecosystems, and why balance matters. For communities that rely heavily on the ocean for food and livelihood, understanding the difference between sustainable fishing practices, endangered species, and responsible ocean stewardship isn’t abstract. It’s essential.

We talked about:
• Why sharks are critical to healthy oceans
• The difference between endangered and lower-risk species
• How human needs and planetary needs must coexist
• And how education shapes the future of ocean conservation

This trip was also about perspective. Zac and Noah came in with real fear of sharks, something many people share. By the end, that fear transformed into respect, admiration, and understanding. Watching that shift happen in real time was powerful, and it’s exactly why bringing voices with large platforms into conservation spaces matters.

This isn’t just a travel video.
It’s a first step.
A first dive.
A first mindset shift.

If this video changes even one person’s perception of sharks, it’s done its job.

BUT, a massive bonus if we can change the perception of those of influence with large audiences, we can multiply impact at a invaluable rate!

This expedition is a perfect example of that..

Learn more about Saving The Blue:
savingtheblue.org

Learn how you can get involved in-field with SOSA:
thesosa.com

#SharkConservation #BachelorNation #SharkDiving #OceanConservation #SavingTheBlue #TheBachelorette #SharkWeek