How far will you go to protect what you love? For free-diving conservationist Ocean Ramsey (yes, that’s her given name), the answer is very, very far — or rather, deep. In Shark Whisperer, a forthcoming documentary film, Ramsey recounts how her fascination and kinship with one of the ocean’s most feared predators began when she was growing up on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. Her passion for sharks, who she feels are gravely misunderstood and unfairly maligned, became her life’s work. Over 100 million sharks are killed each year, imperiling the survival of a species that is integral to a balanced marine ecosystem, and critical to a healthy Earth (as the doc notes, 70% of the air we breathe comes from ocean activity).
She advocates for their safety, urging people not to treat them as the “monsters” they are often portrayed to be.
Directed by J.P. Stiles, Harrison Macks, and the Academy Award–winning director of My Octopus Teacher, James Reed, Shark Whisperer follows the rise in notoriety of Ramsey and her partner and videographer, Juan Oliphant, as they work to garner attention for their cause on social media. The film also tracks the way Ramsey’s approach to her activism has drawn criticism by both members of the scientific community and the public at large; Ramsey’s detractors say she is putting herself, other humans, and the sharks at risk by seeking media attention. Ramsey’s approach, and her intent behind it, raises thought-provoking questions in this urgent race to save sharks.
The documentary will premiere on Netflix on June 30.
Ocean Ramsey is a marine conservationist, author, and free diver. With more than 2 million Instagram followers, the Oahu native has been working for more than a decade to spread awareness about the mistreatment and killing of sharks with her platform. An experienced free diver who has been observing shark behavior since childhood, Ramsey has become a polarizing figure due to frequently posting videos and photos of her unprotected swims alongside shark species, including tiger sharks and great whites. While her supporters applaud her relentless dedication to her cause, others are wary of her tactics and vocal in their opposition.
Dive into the story in the trailer at the top of the page.
