Fear No More: Overcoming Stigmas for the Conservation of Shark Species
Liam Tobin, Sean Gallagher
via The Nature Conservancy Australia
Sharks, particularly White, Bull, and Tiger Sharks, otherwise known as the “the Big Three”, are widely recognized as some of the most dangerous animals on the planet. With their intimidating feeding behavior and figure comes sinister and menacing associations. However, as an apex predator, the wide range of shark species found around the world’s oceans maintain a vital ecological role within a variance of ecosystems. The history of the public perception of sharks, most notably the Great White Shark, as a terrorizing threat to humans is a result of myths formed via media and a general fear of the ocean. This depiction of the sharks is a product of not only impressions made by films such as Jaws but is also a direct result of human nature and our lack of place in the ocean. Overcoming the false narratives created about sharks and understanding the importance of the species to the health of marine ecosystems is critical to conserving the apex predators of the ocean.
Keywords:
Table of Contents
Ecological Importance of the Sharks
The Effects of Media on the Public Perception of the Great White Shark
Human Relationship with the Ocean and Sharks
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