From JAWS to Marine Biology

One of the reasons I became fascinated with the ocean was sharks. As a child, JAWS did not make me afraid of them; it made me want to understand what lived beneath the surface.

That curiosity grew into a lifelong interest in marine life, diving, photography and conservation. Decades later, it still shapes how I approach every encounter: with attention, respect and a determination to share what the science tells us.

Cinema can create a powerful impression, but real sharks are not characters. They are diverse animals with complex roles in marine ecosystems, and their behaviour must be understood in the context of species, habitat and circumstance.

For many shark populations, conservation concern is driven by pressures including fishing, habitat change and the need for better protection and management. Science, careful communication and education help replace fear with an informed appreciation of the marine world.