When the movie Jaws was released in 1975, it instilled a widespread fear of sharks, portraying them as dangerous predators. However, over the past 50 years, perceptions have begun to change. Oliver Shipley, a shark conservation ecologist and assistant professor at Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), reflects on this shift. "Jaws painted this really negative perception of sharks as these bloodthirsty killers that were chasing people down, eating boats," he said.
Shipley notes that despite the fear it generated, Jaws also sparked curiosity about sharks. He recalls his own childhood fear after watching the film and visiting the Jaws ride at Universal Studios. Now, he dedicates his career to studying and protecting these marine creatures.
Globally, attitudes towards sharks are evolving. Once feared as monsters, they are now recognized for their crucial role in marine ecosystems. Shark Week on the Discovery Channel has transitioned from sensational programming to a platform for science and conservation.
“Jaws is seen as this pivotal movie that, yes, historically instilled fear but is now a great example of how far we’ve come,” Shipley explained.
Off New York's coast, Shipley and his team study various shark species including sandbar sharks and juvenile great whites. “New York is a whole different animal than other geographic areas,” said Shipley. The team finds excitement in pioneering research on these lesser-known populations.
Sharks contribute significantly to marine ecosystems by controlling other marine life populations and recycling nutrients across regions. “Sharks are connectors,” Shipley stated.
While more frequent shark sightings have been reported along New York’s beaches, Shipley attributes this to increased technology and awareness rather than a rise in shark numbers. “There’s no evidence to suggest there are suddenly significantly more sharks," he said.
Michael G. Frisk from SoMAS highlights concerns about climate change affecting shark distribution in the New York Bight area: “An important question is how will the distribution and seasonal occurrence of sharks change... with the effects of climate change.”
Researchers like Shipley use advanced tools such as stable isotope analysis to study shark diets and movements. This method helps assess how environmental changes impact shark physiology.
Returning to Stony Brook University in 2023 was significant for Shipley after earning his PhD there. He now mentors students like Maria Manz who studies migratory patterns of sharks using acoustic telemetry.
Manz expresses enthusiasm for her work: “I am excited about this work because we are still just beginning to understand so many important aspects of shark ecology.”
The goal is for public perception of sharks to evolve from fear towards understanding through education and research efforts led by scientists like Shipley at Stony Brook University.
“Sharks don’t pose a significant risk to humans,” concluded Shipley. “It’s time we start seeing them not as monsters but as marvels.”
—Beth Squire