OFF THE SHELF
The Age
Saturday December 26, 2009
THAT the shark is in danger of extinction is due not only to popular misconceptions about the dangers of the shark but by the lack of scientific studies done around them. David Owen, novelist, editor and natural history writer, says that disproportionately few scientists study sharks. Most people's knowledge of sharks is derived from the pseudo science of movies and media stories.Not only is there a modern prejudice against the shark as epitomised by the movie Jaws, but a more ancient, cultural exploitation of the shark now threatens its very existence. Historically, shark's fin soup was regarded as an elusive luxury; but during the current economic boon in China there has been an unchecked slaughter of sharks.Owen describes the more fascinating aspects of a representative selection €” the 1200 species of shark. (Their biological name, elasmobranch, is derived from the Greek; the shark skeleton is made of cartilage rather than bone.) He also argues with conviction that the health of the oceans is to a large degree dependent on the survival of the shark.And yes, stories of their attacks on humans have been largely exaggerated. Attacks are statistically rare. In Australia the fatalities have averaged one a year for the past 50 years. So go out there this summer, swim, be brave and when or if a shark bites off your leg, try not to take it personally.
© 2009 The Age
Share This