Sharks and People

Many people have a fear of sharks that is disproportionate to the risk they pose. In reality, sharks have much more to fear from humans than we do from them. Some shark populations are at risk from exploitation as a fishery resource. At least 7,000 tonnes of shark are landed in Australia for sale each year and catches of some species have declined since the 1980s, indicating a potential decline in shark numbers.

Did you Know? For each person killed by a shark, over 23 million kilograms of sharks and rays are killed by people.

Fact or Fiction Challenge

Spotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari

Find out the facts about the following shark myths.  Download and print out your Fact or Fiction activity sheet. Click on the picture of the Spotted eagle ray to uncover the truth. 

More shark myths

Shark Attack Challenge

What is the actual risk of shark attack?

Use the following link as a source of information about the actual risk of shark attacks.  As individuals or in small groups design and create a poster, brochure, T-shirt or television advertisement that highlights the actual risk of being attacked and killed by a shark.

The Relative Risk of Shark Attack to Humans

Australian Shark Attack File

Manta ray Manta birostris

Sharks aren't that bad after all!  Now that you have gained an understanding of some of the facts about sharks and an appreciation for the actual risk of being attacked by a shark.  Dive and discover some of cultural connections that Indigenous people have with sharks and rays.  Click on the picture of the Manta ray to start your Cultural Connections challenges.