What is the controversy around Ocean Ramsey? Details from Shark Whisperer, explained in depth

Ocean Ramsey is a conservationist and ethologist, and also holds other roles. She has contributed to marine life conservation in a significant manner. She is best known for free diving with great white sharks to raise awareness about their protection.

Ramsey was the subject of the recent Netflix documentary titled Shark Whisperer, released on June 30, 2025. Here's the official synopsis as per Letterboxd,

Marine conservationist and social media activist Ocean Ramsey fearlessly swims with sharks in this documentary about her risky mission to protect them.

Since then, a controversy has surrounded Ramsey, which we will explore here.

Ocean Ramsey and the controversy around her

Ocean Ramsey, known as a conversationist, recently appeared in the Netflix documentary Shark Whisperer. She is a free diver who passionately advocates for sharks, often seen as dangerous creatures by many. Ramsey works with her videographer and partner, Juan Oliphant, to film underwater scenes to support her cause.

However, both the film and Ramsey's actions have faced criticism from some people. She was also featured in a 2018 documentary called She is the Ocean, which includes footage of her with the Deep Blue shark. David Shiffman, a fellow shark expert and marine conservationist, criticized her for getting too close to the sharks. The main criticism of Ramsey's actions is that she endangers herself and others in order to raise awareness and seeks attention.

Throughout her career, Ocean Ramsey has gained support from people worldwide. She maintains a strong social media presence with over two million Instagram followers. Shark Whisperer is directed by Harrison Macks, J.P. Stiles, and Oscar-winning filmmaker James Reed. In the film, Ramsey explains her motivation for going all out because of how vulnerable the shark population is.

The official Netflix statement is as follows:

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.

They further elaborated:

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).

Besides her work in marine conservation, Ramsey is also known for her ability to hold her breath for six minutes and 45 seconds. This skill enables her to spend more time underwater than most people, allowing her to get closer to sharks. Overall, the film highlights Ramsey's efforts as well as the criticism and praise she receives for them.

What are your thoughts about Ocean Ramsey? Shark Whisperer is currently streaming on Netflix.