Educational Series: It’s Time to Stop Slaughtering Sharks for ‘Safety’


By Nick Engelfried
Every summer, millions of people head to ocean beaches to surf, swim, fish, or otherwise enjoy the water. For some, there’s nothing more relaxing than a day at the beach. However, what many beach-goers don’t realize is that they may be recreating in proximity to some of the largest and most effective predators evolution has produced: sharks. The reason why most people who visit shark habitat never see or interact with them is simply that sharks generally avoid humans and do their best to stay out of our way. Despite this, they have been persecuted by people for decades.

From catching and killing sharks for shark fin soup, to climate change that disrupts shark habitat and affects the populations of prey species, there are many ways human activities have contributed to the decline of the ocean’s top predators. However, one of the most blatant examples of fear motivating cruelty against a wild animal is shark culling, or the practice of intentionally targeting and killing sharks in areas where people recreate.

While the goal of culling is to prevent potentially dangerous shark encounters, there is little to no evidence that it actually accomplishes this. Meanwhile, targeting species like great white sharks deprives the ocean food web of a predator who plays an essential role in the ecosystem. At a time when sharks and other marine life are under threat as never before, we should not let fear lead to policies that further endanger these mostly-harmless animals.

Last year saw a total of 81 confirmed cases of wild sharks biting humans globally, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History’s International Shark Attack File. Of these, 69 were “unprovoked bites,” in which a shark approached a person in the water. The other 22 were provoked attacks, where a shark was actively harassed by a swimmer or fisherperson. Of the unprovoked attacks, only 10 proved fatal to the person involved.

When you consider how many millions of people swim in the oceans every year, it becomes clear that shark attacks are extremely rare–despite the fact that many people recreate in the habitat of some of the largest sharks without even realizing it. The perception that sharks are highly dangerous has been fueled by movies like Jaws, and by the fact that the very small number of attacks that occur tend to attract massive amounts of news coverage. In some parts of the world, hysteria over shark encounters has led policymakers to implement culls in a misguided attempt to assuage the public’s fear.

Some of the most dramatic attempts at shark culling have occurred in Australia–specifically in the states of New South Wales and Queensland, where a series of high-profile shark incidents have fueled widespread panic among the public. In both states, sharks are caught and killed in submerged nets. In Queensland they are also killed on drumlines, devices consisting of floating buoys containing baited hooks. Whether caught in a net or on a drumline, the sharks die slow, painful deaths as they struggle to free themselves. Making matters even worse, sharks are not the only victims who find their way into these death traps.

Between 2012 and 2021, shark nets and drumlines in Queensland waters killed more than 6,400 sharks, as well as over 300 rays, 92 dolphins, and 65 sea turtles. Yet, it is doubtful whether this carnage of sea life has done anything to make people safer. Large sharks like great whites–which are responsible for the majority of serious attacks–are highly migratory, meaning a culling program may inflict massive amounts of misery on sharks and other animals while doing little to change the overall numbers moving through the area. And, because baited drumlines actively attract sharks, they may actually increase the risk of fatal shark-human encounters.

In the United States, shark culling more often takes the form of deadly sporting events like shark-killing contests and tournaments. Approximately 70 such events are held in waters off the U.S. East Coast every year, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of sharks–including imperiled species. While the stated purpose of these contests is mostly recreational, proponents argue that reducing the shark population benefits people. Here, the concern is not so much human fatalities or injuries, but the fact that sharks may reduce fishing yields by “stealing” fish off of hooks. Yet, again, there is little evidence to suggest culling sharks actually results in more successful fisheries.

The fact is that sustaining healthy ocean ecosystems means learning to coexist peacefully with sharks, and encouraging people to avoid unnecessarily risky behaviors is much more effective than culling. After being ruthlessly targeted in the twentieth century–partly by commercial fishers, and partly as a result of Jaws hysteria–great white sharks were protected in U.S. waters in 1994, and their populations have slowly grown in recent years. Yet, the probability of being attacked by this largest of the predatory shark species remains almost infinitesimally low.

Off the coast of California, where great white numbers have increased, the group of people most at risk from attacks are surfers–probably because a surfboard in the waves can occasionally be mistaken for a seal. Yet, according to the organization Shark Stewards, the probability of a surfer in California being bitten by a great white is estimated to be one in 17 million. For people engaged in other beach activities the risk is even lower. That said, there are things anyone can do to minimize the chances of a dangerous shark encounter.

Best practices for swimming safely in shark habitat include going with a group, staying out of the water if you are bleeding or have an open wound, and avoiding unnecessary splashing or erratic behavior. Sharks may also be drawn to murky water, harbors, and stream mouths, so staying away from these areas is a good idea. You can also time your swim so as to avoid windows when sharks are most active; for example, some sharks are more likely to come in close to shore at night or around dawn and dusk. Because species like great whites are migratory, there are certain times of year when they are more likely to be encountered in specific places. For example, in California great whites are most likely to frequent coastal waters in October and November.

While the intent behind shark culling may be to protect people or safeguard recreational activities, the reality is this is an outdated practice that kills thousands of sharks and other marine animals with little or no real benefit. The best way to reduce the already very small chance of having a negative encounter with a shark is to follow safety advice and keep in mind that, just as with any large wild animal, sharks are very unlikely to bother us if they are not provoked.

Photo credit: Samson Bush

The Premium Challenge

We'll donate animal shelter meals for every correct answer:

This month's challenge...It's Time to Stop Slaughtering Sharks for 'Safety'.

How much do you know?

One of our core beliefs is that education leads to positive change. That is why we have the Educational Series. To make learning more fun, we are donating meals to animal shelters for every correct answer submitted by our Premium Members!

While everyone can study our educational materials and take our quizzes, only Premium Members will have shelter meals donated for correct answers.

How many confirmed shark bites occurred worldwide in 2023?
What are drumlines?
How many sharks were killed by culling in Queensland waters between 2012-2021?
Which of these animals are caught and killed in nets meant for sharks?
True or false: Only ten verified, unprovoked fatal shark attacks occurred worldwide in 2023
In which month are you most likely to encounter a great white shark off of California?
If you are in shark habitat, which of these things should you NOT do to minimize risk of a negative encounter?

Wait, there’s one more step:

Over 1,483,780 Animal Shelter Meals Donated So Far –

Upgrade to a Premium Membership to get a free Animals Are Earth’s Greatest Treasure shirt, feed shelter animals with the Educational Series and Meal Wheel, sign 100’s of petitions with one-click, remove ads, and promote your favorite petitions to millions!

7 day money-back guarantee for new members. Zero risk.

Premium Membership comes with the following perks:

• Get a free Animals Are Earth’s Greatest Treasure shirt.
• Feed shelter animals by spinning the Meal Wheel.
• Sign 100’s of petitions with one-click.
• Feed shelter animals with the Educational Series quizzes.
• Remove ads and vote on which petitions are displayed to millions of people.

Our Guarantee:

Cancel your subscription for any reason within 7 days and we’ll refund 100% of your money, as long as you’re a first time member.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How are the animal shelter meals donated?

We donate shelter meals through Rescue Bank because they research all shelters, maintain equitable distribution, and track the meals from their facilities all the way to the rescue groups. This ensures that the donation will be utilized in the most efficient and impacting way.

Why don’t we just donate meals without providing any perks like the Meal Wheel?

We’ve been at this since 2008 and have learned that to really make a difference, we need to get people excited and engaged. Our mission is a serious one, but our methods are playful and educational. We’re serious about doing good, but also want to make it fun.

Who are we?

We are a family of sites that works to protect animals, the environment, and more. Our sites include AnimalPetitions.org and ForceChange.com. We’ve been at this for over a decade and are dedicated to protecting and defending animals and the environment. If we can have some fun and improve the world, then we’re accomplishing our goal!

Try Premium!

We’ve Been Doing This for Over a Decade and Others Have Taken Notice:

7 Day Guarantee!

Testimonials:

“Thank you SO much for the premium feature of being able to sign multiple petitions with one click. Many of us go for hours at a time signing each and every petition and crying as we read them. I have often wished for a way to sign my name on every petition because I passionately support them and they all need our voice. This is the best thing – thank you very much!” -Karilyn K., Premium Member

“This is just the most amazing wonderful service that makes me so happy! To be able to feed shelter pets is just the greatest feeling. Thanks again for this, and for all you do for the most innocent and helpless among us, the animals. I’m lovestruck.” Sandra Z., Premium Member

“I love the upgrade option and I am so glad I did it.....it enables me to stand with you and many others to fight for the justice these precious souls deserve! We are their voice!!!! And....I adore helping to feed them as well! The spin the wheel game is fun....and I like doing it everyday to help! Keep up the wonderful work....and I know....every click makes a difference!” Dorothy B., Premium Member

“I am so excited to become a Premium Member and to have one-click signing, as I was spending countless hours signing petitions...not that I mind doing it, but my goodness, there sure are a lot of them. I always hope that my signature somehow helps, because these people that abuse/torture animals, need to be put away. As you can tell, that is my passion, I have such a heart for animals, and I want to be their voice.” Darlene R., Premium Member

“Thank you so much! I love being a premium member and spinning that wheel every day, especially when I land on 4 or, best of all, 5 meals. Thank you for all you do, we are all so grateful for you.” Sandy T., Premium Member

“With deepest Aloha, You have no idea how grateful I am for you!” Jan L., Premium Member

“Thank you for the Premium Membership option. I really appreciate that I can sign multiple petitions with one click. It's great! Thank you for the work you do.” Ashley H., Premium Member

“I absolutely love the Educational Series!” Yvonne L., Premium Member

"I am a premium member and religiously sign every petition. THANK YOU for this platform. I also vote for the petition nearest my heart, sometimes voting globally, sometimes I am caught by an individual animal's plight. What gives me great pleasure is noting that almost always, the percentages have no more than a 6-7% spread. It means that, overall, everyone cares about all of the petitions ALMOST EQUALLY! LOL, I also spin that wheel, and when I get 4 or 5 meals, I dance around the room! I have long maintained that what someone does to a helpless animal, they will do to a weaker human if they think that they can get away with it. Those who abuse, no matter how many legs their victims have, should be punished to the fullest extent of the law." Rebecca E., Premium Member

"I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Premium Membership! Everything and anything I can do to help animals and contribute to justice in the world makes me very happy!" Jan L., Premium Member

"Thank you, I love what you do. My friends and I love the membership because we can sign so many more petitions that we may never had heard of. Keep up the good work." Virginia G., Premium Member


Still have questions? Email us: organize@forcechange.com




Nick Engelfried Writes About Animals, the Environment, and Conservation for the ForceChange network

Skip to toolbar