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Living with Sharks: Shark Safety, Coexistence and Conservation with Dr Adi Barash | S2E3

Can people and sharks safely share the same waters?In this episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with Dr Adi Barash, marine biologist, shark researcher, and founder of Sharks in Israel. Together, they explore an unusual shark hotspot, where aggregations of Dusky and Sandbar Sharks gather near coastal power plants.Adi explains how these shark aggregations were first discovered, what attracts the sharks to the area, and how years of research have helped reveal their behaviour. As more people become aware of the phenomenon, the site has become increasingly popular with divers, swimmers, and wildlife enthusiasts, creating new challenges for both shark conservation and public safety.The conversation also explores a tragic shark bite incident that occurred in Israel in 2025. Adi shares the wider context surrounding the event, including environmental conditions, human behaviour, increasing visitor numbers, and the lessons that can help reduce risk in the future.From recovering shark populations and citizen science to wildlife management and responsible behaviour, this episode examines what true coexistence looks like when people and sharks share the same space.Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org.Follow Dr Adi Barash:LinkedInSharks in Israel websiteSharks in Israel FacebookMECO ProjectFollow the Shark Trust:InstagramFacebookLinkedInYouTubeSupport our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org.Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars.Artwork by rev.01 Studio.Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan.Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer.Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!Our short documentary “Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas” is available on YouTube.Chapters00:26 Meet Dr Adi Barash02:33 From Sea Turtles to Shark Research06:06 The Sharks and Rays of Israel10:01 Living with Sharks in Israel15:22 What Attracts Sharks to the Area?16:48 People, Sharks and Shared Waters19:34 Growing Tourism and Public Interest23:34 The 2025 Shark Bite Incident27:37 Understanding Risk and Coexistence31:25 Public Perception After a Shark Bite33:21 Conservation Success and Recovering Shark Populations38:52 Managing Shark Hotspots44:13 Sharks in Israel and Citizen Science