In 1975, Jaws delivered a classic story about a shark's terrorizing killing spree throughout a small beach town and three mens' pursuit to hunt it. The creepy, unsettling fear most people have of what's swimming below them was answered in this summer blockbuster. The movie is one of my all-time favorites for it combines everything I love: Steven Spielberg's genius, oceanic adventure, and best of all, sharks. While Jaws goes down as one of the highest grossing films of all time, the tale changed our view of sharks. The betrayal of sharks as man-eaters is not exclusive to Jaws. Sharks have been depicted as human-hungry predators for years, as more and more movies and television programs depicting viscious shark attacks increase. The unfortunate consequence of perpetrating these animals as monsters is paid by the sharks themselves. Commercial fishing for shark fins have caused more than 50 percent of wide-ranging oceanic shark species to be threatened with extinction. It's time to stop fearing sharks and recognize the ongoing problem of overfishing these beautiful creatures.YES
So what are 100 to 200 million sharks killed annually for? Primarily their fins. In many Asian countries, shark fin soup is a delicacy. In the disgusting practice, commercial fishermen catch sharks, cut off their fins, and throw the sharks back in the water where they will float to the bottom of the sea to perish. However, sharks are not only killed for their fins but for their oil too. Your favorite cosmetic product might contain a bit of shark - and that should horrify you. These magnificent sea creatures are so highly feared that it is difficult to raise the same type of awareness about their endangerment as it is other animals known to be more cute, cuddly, or otherwise lacking thirst for human blood.
The truth is you're literally more likely to be struck by lightning than be attacked by a shark. You have a 1 in 3.7 million chance of being killed by a shark, but the reason people have such an immense fear of shark has to do with ignorance. Ignorance that is fueled by the media. Sharks are not seeking to kill humans. A lot of times, shark attacks are provoked by humans trying to engage them. Sharks also bite humans out of investigation or mistaken identity for another sea creature. They are not openly seeking human blood.
Sharks have been swimming in our seas for over 400 million years, and it is important we do all that we can to keep them around for millions more. They are a vital and integral part of our oceans, and if we allow sharks to be portrayed as villains and hunted, we will be doing a disservice to our oceans - the most beautiful member of our Earth.
There are a few ways to get involved in the pursuit of saving sharks. You can join Shark Savers and donate to a cause dedicated to protecting sharks. You can sign a petition, join their mailing list, and learn more simple ways you can avoid contributing to shark endangerment. Or you can watch Sharkwater and discover the gruesome reality of the dangers these animals face and their grossly misunderstood life.
Check out these great links to learn more about shark conservation and ways to get involved:
Support Our Sharks
Shark Angels
Shark Trust - website includes a list of products containing shark oils.
