The majority of shark species are considered harmless. In reality, there are more than 400 different shark species, ranging from the dwarf lantern shark (a species smaller than the human hand), to the whale shark, an ocean giant that can grow to over 40 feet/ 12 meters in length. Here's why sharks should be respected and conserved, rather than feared.įor most people, the word “shark” conjures up mental images of thrashing great whites, their open jaws lined with serrated teeth and smeared with blood. They are responsible for maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem - and without them, the planet’s reefs would soon become barren. Some sharks can accurately navigate across oceans, while others are capable of reproducing without having sex.Ībove all, sharks fulfil a vital role as apex predators. Instead, they are supremely evolved animals with seven different senses and skeletons made entirely of cartilage. The reality is that sharks are not the mindless killers they are so often portrayed to be. Shark-related incidents are rare - in 2016, the International Shark Attack File shows that there were 81 unprovoked attacks worldwide, of which only four were fatal. However, it is also a fear that is largely unfounded. It's a fear shared by millions - instilled into the public consciousness with the 1975 release of the movie Jaws, and perpetuated by films like Open Water and The Shallows ever since. If the fear of sharks keeps you from enjoying the ocean, you’re not alone.
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