The Myths of Shark Attacks

Dr Blake Chapman

Shark attacks are a highly emotive topic, on which people tend to have very intense and definite opinions. Therefore, it is acknowledged straight away that there may be points or sections within this book that you do not agree with. However, the book has been very carefully written to utilise current, and currently accepted, research. Shark attacks are big news events and attract media attention of all degrees and modalities. As a result, there is a wealth of coverage on the topic - but unfortunately, much of this information is partly or largely erroneous. Yet, as a result of not knowing otherwise, and often having information presented to us from only a singular angle, we tend to believe that information. Therefore, I encourage you to read this book with an open mind. Whether you are a novice or expert on the topic, some information within may be considered common knowledge, whereas other information may be considered extreme or incorrect. However, all information presented here is scientifically backed. That being said, I have also endeavoured to lighten the heavy load of scientific fact with stories of my own experience with sharks, as well as the stories of others. All of these stories are true, and they demonstrate both the lighter and more serious sides of interacting with sharks. The accounts that have been included are intended to provide a better understanding of shark attacks for those of us who have not been directly affected by such events. I would like to emphasise that the views and opinions in these accounts are those of the individuals who have provided them. They are designed to not only inform about the intimate details of shark attacks, but also to reflect and provide the scope of the wide-ranging views of the general public.

Sharks are fascinating creatures, and the terror they invoke in our psyche is only a minor characteristic of what makes them such intriguing animals. We humans owe a great deal of thanks to sharks, which have significantly advanced our lives in a variety of fields, including engineering, tourism, medicine, pharmacology and ecology. Not to mention the immense, yet rudimentarily understood, role they play in the functioning of the planet we inhabit. Although humans have rapidly developed the ability for higher cognitive function, we are but a blip in evolutionary history compared to sharks. It is up to us to learn how to better appreciate these animals for what they are, what they do for the aquatic environment, and how they function. And it is up to us to learn how to coexist with them, not the other way around. Although the risk of shark attack on humans is incredibly low, it is a significant concern to many people. And the fact remains that human lives are lost to sharks every year. Thus, more effective, well-developed mitigation methods are warranted and incredibly important. So is education. It is not unreasonable to believe that we will soon come up with methods to reduce shark-human interactions. Indeed, this is already underway and we are starting to have some technological and conceptual wins. However, basic and fundamental education is critical. It is hoped that this book may serve as a step in the right direction.

While I don't claim to have all the answers, I feel that I am at least qualified to present these topics for your consideration. I developed a keen interest in sharks when I was in my teens. From that time on, I have made it a point to learn more about sharks to help to address some of the unknowns and to gain a better understanding of these animals. This mission took me from the US to Australia, where I completed my Honours and PhD degrees in shark neuroscience, ecology, breeding and reproduction. My postgraduate research involved a wealth of laboratory and field research on sharks and rays. Upon the completion of my PhD, I worked at a large public aquarium on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. I was initially a diver and aquarist, then took on the role of Animal Health Manager. I worked hands-on with the entire animal collection, including the sharks, on a daily basis. I have since continued to research shark physiology and the science of shark attacks. My ultimate goal is to encourage both the conservation of sharks and the ability for humans to enjoy recreational water activities without the fear of being attacked by a shark.

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