Playing with Sharks 2021

As a young teenager in 1970, I first encountered Valerie Taylor, her late husband Ron, and fellow Australian Rodney Fox in the iconic documentary Blue Water, White Death. Captivated by the stunning beauty of the underwater realm, I was inspired by these three pioneers to develop a profound passion for sharks, which ultimately fueled my lifelong commitment to safeguarding these magnificent creatures.

In the spectacular new documentary Playing With Sharks, Valerie invites us to journey through her teenage years as a skilled spearfishing champion and to explore her deep connection with the ocean and her loving relationship with Ron, who showcased her as his underwater muse and later became her husband. We witness the couple embarking on a transformative expedition that would forever alter their destinies. Transitioning from spearfishing champions, they achieved worldwide acclaim for their exceptional filmmaking and production of underwater documentaries.

The Taylors journeyed across the globe, documenting sharks and striving to educate the public about the prevalent misconceptions surrounding these magnificent beings, which were unjustly branded as mindless killing machines after the release of Jaws. At this critical juncture, they emerged as ardent champions for oceanic conservation and committed defenders of the marine life that inhabits it.

Their relentless efforts began to bear fruit when Australia became the pioneering nation to enact protection measures for the Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias taurus). This initiative was soon followed by successful conservation efforts for other species and habitats, including the Potato Cod (Grouper) and Cod Hole, the Sea Lions, the Coral Sea bird breeding islands, and the main breeding grounds of the Southern Right Whales, which were designated as a marine reserve, alongside protective measures for the Great White Shark.

Now, at the remarkable age of 85, Valerie continues to champion conservation efforts, having dedicated her life to this important cause, even after the passing of her beloved husband Ron in 2012. She remains actively engaged in both conservation issues and diving, joyfully encountering and Playing With Sharks.