By Dr. Mikki McComb-Kobza, Marine Biologist & Shark Conservationist
I was seven years old when I walked into a dark movie theater and watched a mechanical great white terrorize the beaches of Amity Island. Like millions of others, I left terrified—not of the movie, but of what it represented. JAWS, released in 1975, did more than just launch the modern summer blockbuster. It rewired our cultural consciousness, convincing generations that sharks were monsters—mindless, bloodthirsty killers that stalk our shores.
But this narrative was never true.
As a scientist who has dedicated her life to studying sharks, I’ve seen firsthand how JAWS distorted public perception and helped fuel fear-based programming like Shark Week, where drama too often trumps fact. Sensationalist media portrays sharks as villains of the deep, reinforcing myths that lead to misguided policies, dwindling conservation funding, and tragically, the systematic decimation of shark populations worldwide.
The time has come to rewrite this script.
The Truth About Sharks
Sharks are not monsters. They are evolutionary marvels that have persisted through five mass extinction events, including the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Sharks have been swimming in Earth’s oceans for over 460 million years—long before Saturn had its rings, and even before trees took root on land. To put it simply: sharks are survivors, shaped by time, not terror.
Despite their resilience, modern sharks face a threat they are not adapted to survive: us. Overfishing, habitat loss, bycatch, climate change, and targeted shark fishing have led to the decline of over one-third of all shark species. We are driving ancient lineages toward extinction, often in the name of fear.
Yet the reality is this: sharks are essential for ocean health. As apex predators, they regulate marine ecosystems, keeping prey populations in balance and promoting biodiversity. When we lose sharks, ecosystems unravel. Coral reefs collapse. Fisheries fail. The health of the ocean suffers—and so do we.
A Culture of Fear
Why does this matter? Because perception drives action.
For decades, fear has been the dominant emotion tied to sharks. Movies like JAWS and sensationalist media like Shark Week have conditioned people to believe that all sharks are dangerous, unpredictable killers. Even well-meaning documentaries often rely on suspenseful music and ominous narration to create tension—because, supposedly, that’s what sells.
But it’s a lie.
People want to be inspired. They want stories that reveal wonder, not just horror. They want awe, not adrenaline. And when the narrative shifts, the public responds.
A Turning Point: “All the Sharks”
Recently, Netflix debuted a groundbreaking reality series called All the Sharks, and it may signal a new chapter for shark storytelling. The premise is simple: teams compete to find and photograph sharks in six locations across the globe. The rarer the shark, the more points you get. But the real genius lies in the approach.
Rather than focusing on danger, the show centers on discovery. Teams of divers and scientists showcase species likely unknown to the general public—epaulette sharks, elusive reef dwellers, and rays that few have ever seen. The series celebrates the thrill of the search, the beauty of these animals, and the wonder of being in their presence.
It’s not about fear. It’s about fascination.
This show is a victory for sharks. It demonstrates that positive, curiosity-driven storytelling can captivate audiences. That people are hungry for knowledge, not just drama. That it’s possible to build a platform for conservation without scaring people into caring.
Reclaiming the Narrative
This moment presents an opportunity. As divers, scientists, filmmakers, and advocates, we can reshape the global conversation around sharks. We can champion stories that highlight their intelligence, diversity, and ecological importance. We can move away from tired tropes and toward empathy and respect.
So how do we do it?
- Support shark-positive media: Share shows like All the Sharks. Recommend documentaries that portray sharks accurately—like My Octopus Teacher did for cephalopods, we need that moment for sharks.
- Challenge fear-based content: Call out sensationalism when you see it. Write letters to networks. Ask for programming that informs, not inflames.
- Use your voice: If you’re a diver, photographer, or content creator, you have power. Post your shark encounters with context and care. Share facts. Debunk myths. Highlight your awe, not your fear.
- Educate others: Whether you’re in a classroom, dive shop, or social media thread—be a resource. Help people understand that most of the 500+ shark species pose no threat to humans. That you’re more likely to be injured by a vending machine than by a shark.
- Support shark conservation: Donate to organizations protecting sharks and their habitats. Push for legislation that bans overfishing, limits bycatch, and protects critical breeding areas.
When We Understand, We Protect
At the heart of this movement is a simple truth: when we understand something, we begin to care. And when we care, we act.
This is more than a PR campaign for an animal. It’s a fight for the future of our oceans. Sharks are not villains—they are vital. And their decline is not a horror story, it’s a conservation crisis.
We can no longer afford to let fear shape the fate of these ancient animals. We need a new wave of storytellers—scientists, divers, and everyday ocean lovers—to rise up and speak for sharks. To tell the world that they are not to be feared but revered. That they are not monsters, but miracles.
Because when we save sharks, we save the ocean.
And when we save the ocean, we save ourselves.
Do Your Part
Every voice matters. Every post. Every conversation. Every time you choose fascination over fear, you’re helping to flip the script. So the next time someone brings up JAWS, remind them that the real horror story isn’t what happened on screen—it’s what’s happening now in our oceans.
The good news? We have the power to change the ending.
