By Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, Marine Biologist & Shark Conservationist
I used to be seven years previous once I walked right into a darkish movie show and watched a mechanical nice white terrorize the seashores of Amity Island. Like hundreds of thousands of others, I left terrified—not of the film, however of what it represented. JAWS, launched in 1975, did extra than simply launch the trendy summer season blockbuster. It rewired our cultural consciousness, convincing generations that sharks had been monsters—senseless, bloodthirsty killers that stalk our shores.
However this narrative was by no means true.
As a scientist who has devoted her life to learning sharks, I’ve seen firsthand how JAWS distorted public notion and helped gasoline fear-based programming like Shark Week, the place drama too usually trumps reality. Sensationalist media portrays sharks as villains of the deep, reinforcing myths that result in misguided insurance policies, dwindling conservation funding, and tragically, the systematic decimation of shark populations worldwide.
The time has come to rewrite this script.
The Reality About Sharks
Sharks usually are not monsters. They’re evolutionary marvels which have continued by 5 mass extinction occasions, together with the one which worn out the dinosaurs. Sharks have been swimming in Earth’s oceans for over 460 million years—lengthy earlier than Saturn had its rings, and even earlier than timber took root on land. To place it merely: sharks are survivors, formed by time, not terror.
Regardless of their resilience, fashionable sharks face a risk they aren’t tailored to outlive: us. Overfishing, habitat loss, bycatch, local weather change, and focused shark fishing have led to the decline of over one-third of all shark species. We’re driving historic lineages towards extinction, usually within the title of worry.
But the fact is that this: sharks are important for ocean well being. As apex predators, they regulate marine ecosystems, maintaining prey populations in steadiness and selling biodiversity. Once we lose sharks, ecosystems unravel. Coral reefs collapse. Fisheries fail. The well being of the ocean suffers—and so can we.
A Tradition of Worry
Why does this matter? As a result of notion drives motion.
For many years, worry has been the dominant emotion tied to sharks. Films like JAWS and sensationalist media like Shark Week have conditioned folks to imagine that every one sharks are harmful, unpredictable killers. Even well-meaning documentaries usually depend on suspenseful music and ominous narration to create pressure—as a result of, supposedly, that’s what sells.
Nevertheless it’s a lie.
Folks need to be impressed. They need tales that reveal surprise, not simply horror. They need awe, not adrenaline. And when the narrative shifts, the general public responds.
A Turning Level: “All of the Sharks”
Just lately, Netflix debuted a groundbreaking actuality collection referred to as All of the Sharks, and it might sign a brand new chapter for shark storytelling. The premise is easy: groups compete to seek out and {photograph} sharks in six places throughout the globe. The rarer the shark, the extra factors you get. However the actual genius lies within the strategy.
Somewhat than specializing in hazard, the present facilities on discovery. Groups of divers and scientists showcase species doubtless unknown to most people—epaulette sharks, elusive reef dwellers, and rays that few have ever seen. The collection celebrates the joys of the search, the great thing about these animals, and the surprise of being of their presence.
It’s not about worry. It’s about fascination.
This present is a victory for sharks. It demonstrates that optimistic, curiosity-driven storytelling can captivate audiences. That individuals are hungry for information, not simply drama. That it’s doable to construct a platform for conservation with out scaring folks into caring.
Reclaiming the Narrative
This second presents a chance. As divers, scientists, filmmakers, and advocates, we are able to reshape the worldwide dialog round sharks. We will champion tales that spotlight their intelligence, range, and ecological significance. We will transfer away from drained tropes and towards empathy and respect.
So how can we do it?
- Assist shark-positive media: Share exhibits like All of the Sharks. Advocate documentaries that painting sharks precisely—like My Octopus Trainer did for cephalopods, we’d like that second for sharks.
- Problem fear-based content material: Name out sensationalism once you see it. Write letters to networks. Ask for programming that informs, not inflames.
- Use your voice: If you happen to’re a diver, photographer, or content material creator, you may have energy. Put up your shark encounters with context and care. Share info. Debunk myths. Spotlight your awe, not your worry.
- Educate others: Whether or not you’re in a classroom, dive store, or social media thread—be a useful resource. Assist folks perceive that a lot of the 500+ shark species pose no risk to people. That you simply’re extra prone to be injured by a merchandising machine than by a shark.
- Assist shark conservation: Donate to organizations defending sharks and their habitats. Push for laws that bans overfishing, limits bycatch, and protects important breeding areas.
When We Perceive, We Shield
On the coronary heart of this motion is a straightforward reality: after we perceive one thing, we start to care. And after we care, we act.
That is greater than a PR marketing campaign for an animal. It’s a battle for the way forward for our oceans. Sharks usually are not villains—they’re important. And their decline shouldn’t be a horror story, it’s a conservation disaster.
We will not afford to let worry form the destiny of those historic animals. We’d like a brand new wave of storytellers—scientists, divers, and on a regular basis ocean lovers—to stand up and communicate for sharks. To inform the world that they aren’t to be feared however revered. That they aren’t monsters, however miracles.
As a result of after we save sharks, we save the ocean.
And after we save the ocean, we save ourselves.
Do Your Half
Each voice issues. Each put up. Each dialog. Each time you select fascination over worry, you’re serving to to flip the script. So the following time somebody brings up JAWS, remind them that the actual horror story isn’t what occurred on display screen—it’s what’s occurring now in our oceans.
The excellent news? We now have the facility to alter the ending.
