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Shark Week

July 11–18, 2021

5 Things You May Not Know About Sharks

In some parts of the world – especially the global tropics – sharks provide an important source of protein. This means careful approaches are needed in these locations, to manage small-scale subsistence fisheries for sharks and rays, and ensure they don’t drive species to extinction. For example, rights-based approaches can be crucial, and Bangladesh, India, and Indonesia are leading the way in these efforts.

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6 Shark Terms to Avoid When Communicating

Sharks have been in our waters for hundreds of millions of years. They are often the top or apex predators within marine ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining the health of the ocean.

As with many higher-level predators, sharks often grow slowly, have few young, and range widely—and this has made them vulnerable to rapid population declines globally: sharks are often the first species whose populations crash in unsustainable, unselective fisheries.

If we stop using certain phrases, it can help affect change in attitudes toward sharks and counter the negative image that adversely impacts conservation efforts.

1. Shark (as descriptor of people): Frequently used as a derogatory term for a particularly cunning or problematic lawyer or businessperson, this term is derived from people’s perception that sharks are aggressive and prey on people.
2. Shark Bait (as descriptor of people): This is a phrase used to describe someone or something that is particularly vulnerable to attack. Also used as a derogatory term to describe a person who is naïve and likely to fall for a scam or scheme.
3. Shark-infested waters: The term “infested” has negative connotations. These waters are their home. Many species of sharks are migratory and use parts of their ecosystem as breeding grounds and nurseries. In these areas or when food is more abundant, there will naturally be larger numbers of sharks. Shark-infested waters are a good thing. Sharks help keep coral reefs and other marine ecosystems heathy.
4. Swimming with Sharks: This is an idiom for a person that is less experienced and likely to be taken advantage of by aggressive persons. Sharks are mischaracterized here by would-be “killer instincts” in a business setting.
5. Man-eater: Not only do proper gender equality guidelines make this term outdated, but when describing a large shark, this is term perpetuates falsehoods about sharks and only serves to instill fear.
6. ANY reference to “Jaws” (including the soundtrack): Although these are classic films, it is the most obvious example of the impact film, TV, and popular culture have influenced how people see and feel about sharks.

Of the 147 shark species known to swim off Mozambique, 45% are threatened with extinction today. This infographic is an example of how WCS Mozambique is getting the word out.