The USA leads the world for most shark attack cases reported each year. In fact, just this year alone, that number has reached a terrifying 25 already. Out of those 25 shark attacks, 13 of them occurred in Florida. Despite people forming negative opinions about these apex predators, one individual’s story surprises us all.

In 2009, Paul de Gelder faced a near-death experience that changed the trajectory of his life forever. While diving with the Australian navy in Sydney harbor, he encountered a fearsome bull shark, losing his leg and part of his arm in the devastating attack. Many would have been deterred by such a traumatic event, but de Gelder’s courage and resilience would lead him down an extraordinary path. Recently, the former soldier carried out an experiment on the Discovery channel for the 35th edition of Shark Week.

Paul de Gelder’s shark attack experiment

Paul de Gelder is not only a survivor but also a leading shark advocate, fearlessly swimming with the very creatures that once nearly claimed his life. He visited the shark hotspot of Florida to uncover the factors behind shark bites. In a daring experiment, he and a researcher tested whether murky waters increase shark aggression. As they made the water cloudier with a biodegradable red coloring, the bull sharks started to become bolder, approaching in greater numbers. Watching the experiment on CBS, de Gelder cheekily smiled and joked, “Sometimes I question my career path.” Contrary to what some might expect, de Gelder doesn’t harbor resentment toward sharks for his past attack.

With a remarkable depth of understanding, he explains that he doesn’t want others to fear or demonize these creatures. Having faced the consequences of dangerous choices in his life, he recognizes that blaming the shark would be unfair. Instead, he sees his harrowing experience as a unique opportunity to advocate for the misunderstood predators. On being asked about what made him finally go back into the water. De Gelder replied, “I just wanted to go back to work.”

Reflecting on his decision, he talked about his late teens and early twenties. When he felt lost and without a purpose, he considers the most challenging phase of his life. It was this struggle that ultimately fueled his determination to find meaning in advocacy. The summer season is in full swing and that means people enjoying in open waters. Florida continues to be the epicenter of shark attacks with a host of recent reports.

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Shark Attacks in Florida

A few days ago, an unidentified man was bitten while he was surfing near New Smyrna Beach. Authorities soon transported him to a hospital and luckily he did not suffer any life-threatening injuries. He was bitten on his foot around 3 p.m. while he was surfing near the south jetty area in New Smyrna Beach, which is also called the shark bite capital of the world. Out of 25 shark attacks this year in the US, the Sunshine State alone has reported 13 of them.

Read more: 21-Year-Old Surfer Injured After Being Attacked by a Shark at a Florida Beach

While Paul de Gelder’s journey may have started in the military, defending the defenseless, he now champions the cause of sharks and their vital role in our ecosystems. As a survivor and advocate, he carries a unique perspective, urging humans to understand sharks in their natural habitat and respect their place in the circle of life.

Watch this story: VIDEO: Bizarre Holiday Scenes As The Undertaker Comes Face-to-Face With a Stalking Shark