Sharks
Why it Matters?
Steven Spielberg’s film Jaws (1975), while revolutionizing cinema, also deeply influenced public perception of sharks as man-eaters, fuelling irrational fear, increased hunting, and contributing to the global decline in shark populations.
What You Should Know?
Sharks have existed for over 400 million years, predating even the dinosaurs.
Over 1,000 species of sharks and rays are known, with more discovered regularly (WWF).
Sharks are apex predators, crucial for maintaining marine ecological balance by regulating prey populations.
By controlling plant-eating fish, sharks help protect carbon-absorbing ecosystems like seagrass meadows and kelp forests.
Sharks disperse grazing fish and shape marine food webs through a “landscape of fear” effect, ensuring species diversity.
Their vertical movement through ocean layers helps mix oxygen- and nutrient-rich waters, benefiting surface dwellers like phytoplankton.
Experts confirm that sharks do not stalk humans; most shark attacks are due to mistaken identity.
Globally, only 63 people are bitten annually, with 5–6 fatalities, making such incidents extremely rare.
Major threats to sharks include overfishing, shark-fin trade, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss.
A 2024 Science study estimates that 100 million sharks are killed annually due to human activity.