Abstract
To the Editor:
The increased number of shark attacks on the East Coast of the United States is concerning for surfers in California as the great white shark continues its seasonal migration along the Pacific coast. Unprovoked attacks on humans, however infrequent, tend to draw exaggerated attention from the media and general public. Pressure is often placed on local governmental organizations (public safety, law enforcement, fisheries agencies, etc.) to respond in some manner to prevent further attacks although, from a statistical point of view, shark attacks are at the lowest end of the spectrum of harm inflicted upon humans by wildlife.1,2 Policy efforts to protect the public from sharks in the past 5 years have involved the killing of sharks in Egypt, Mexico, Reunion Island, the Seychelles, Russia, and Western Australia. 3 The public outcry after shark attacks has parallels to the historical example of the grey wolf in the United States, for which exaggerated fears subsequently lead to the species’ near extinction in the northwest United States in the late 1800s. 4 In a discussion on the topic of shark repellents for human protection, Trisha Atwood said, “It is important to change our cultural views of sharks,” further stating that “the biggest investments could be in rewiring society’s views of sharks.” 5 We suggest that the media take a step back to reflect on their role in influencing public perceptions of sharks and how they may ultimately affect the effectiveness of shark conservation efforts.
Shark populations have decreased globally over the past 100 years, largely because of the shark fin trade and bycatches associated with commercial fishing. 6 Because many species of sharks are threated or endangered and their populations have been found to be slow to respond to conservation efforts, there is growing concern that policies aimed to support shark populations should be given higher priority. 7 As apex predators, large sharks interact differently with their environment than do most fish and other marine mammals. Sharks not only put pressure on prey, acting to control population, they also modify their prey’s behavior, which can have a huge impact on the marine ecosystem.8,9 The human fear of sharks, at least in part, may stem from our discomfort with taking on a nondominant role when we enter the ocean—a role that is truly different from what we have become accustomed to in our urbanized daily routine.
It is important to recognize that many media portrayals of sharks do not promote fear. As reported, the recent rare public viewing of the great white shark attack on a sea lion just off Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, a few days before the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon did not prevent the event from occurring as scheduled. 10 The dedication of the athletes who were not deterred by reports of shark attacks was highlighted and serves as a good example of understanding that sharks are a part of the ocean, and although their presence should be respected, it does not obligate fear and avoidance of the ocean.