Through New Eyes: deepening Our Connection to Sharks and the Ocean

By: Emma Carlton

Imagine for a moment you are sitting on the shore looking out over the vast ocean. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you hear? I can feel her—the ocean. I can feel the grainy sand under my toes. The chill of the water as it rushes past my legs. The warmth of the sun on my face. I can hear the melody of the waves crashing down in perfect synch. The sound of seagulls souring high above my head. The smell of the salt tickling my nose. I can see the glistening of the sun as it softly touches the blue water. I see an ocean filled with mystery. An ocean that vibrates with energy. An ocean that is connected beyond our understanding—a connection that runs deep beneath its waves. A connection that flows through every rock, kelp forest, and creature. I find comfort in her presence, for she is breathtaking to look at. But we don’t all look at our ocean the same way, for we do not have the same eyes. You, my reader, did not feel and see the ocean in the same way as me—you looked at it differently. The ocean in front of us remains the same, but we all perceive it and its symbolic meaning differently, for no two people have the same eyes. Thus, no two people have the same attitude about our ocean. The same can be said for our attitudes towards the animals that roam our beautiful Earth. Our perceptions of the natural world are all different, so my question is—is it possible for those perceptions to be altered through the art of persuasion?

Sharks have ruled the oceans for over 450 million years, long before the first trees emerged on land. As apex predators, they play a vital role in maintaining the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. And yet, despite their significance, they face an uncertain future. Every year, over 100 million sharks are killed due to practices like overfishing, the shark fin trade, and bycatch. Shark conservation efforts have struggled, hindered by widespread negative perceptions and deeply ingrained fears. But research shows that education and positive interactions can lead to lasting attitude changes toward sharks, ultimately fostering support for their conservation (Friedrich et al., 2014).

This is where our shark diving tours come in. While swimming with sharks is certainly thrilling, our purpose goes beyond the excitement of adventure. Our mission is to build support for shark conservation by helping people overcome their fears and misconceptions. Through close encounters and education, we aim to shift perspectives from fear to fascination and from hesitation to advocacy.

To understand how we can inspire this change, it’s important to first understand the concept of "attitude." By definition, an attitude is a "relatively enduring predisposition to respond favorably or unfavorably towards something" (Simons, 1976). Our attitudes influence how we act—they are learned judgments that can be shaped and reshaped over time. And when it comes to sharks, our attitudes are often shaped by fear. Generations have grown up with the notion of sharks as terrifying monsters, thanks in part to media portrayals that capitalize on fear. But attitudes, as powerful as they are, can be transformed.

Research suggests that attitudes are closely linked to behavior. Change someone’s attitude about sharks, and their behavior around these animals will also change. Educate them on sharks' role in the ocean, and they might come to see these creatures not as monsters, but as essential guardians of the marine ecosystem. For many people who join our tours, an encounter with a shark changes everything. With guidance and knowledge, they see sharks up close and learn about their gentle curiosity, strength, and unique beauty. In these moments, fear is replaced by respect.

It’s more than just a shift in thinking; it’s an invitation to act. When people understand that sharks are critical to ocean health and that their loss could devastate marine ecosystems, they feel compelled to make a difference. This awareness can lead to meaningful actions—supporting policies that protect sharks, choosing sustainable seafood options, or simply sharing the truth about these misunderstood animals.

Sharks are an essential piece of the ocean's puzzle, providing benefits to both marine life and humans. Their presence regulates species populations and keeps ecosystems in balance. Without them, the ocean's intricate web of life could unravel, impacting us all in ways we might not yet understand. Conservation isn’t just about saving sharks—it’s about protecting the health of the ocean itself, which ultimately sustains us all.

Thus, I leave you, my reader, with one final thought: You will perceive the animal of the shark differently than me, for we do not have the same eyes, but I encourage you to look at sharks differently than you did before you read through my article. I urge you to look at them not as a monster but as a creature of wonder. A creature that has survived for so many centuries. A creature of beauty and strength. A creature worthy of our protection.

Resources:

Simons, H. (1976). Persuasion. Adison-Wesley. https://us.corwin.com/sites/default/files/upm-

binaries/2741_SimonsMarketingSampler.pdf

Friedrich, L., Jefferson, R., & Glegg, G. (2014). Public perceptions of sharks: gathering support

for shark conservation. Science Direct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2014.02.003

Photo: Nika Kuznetsova (@nikakuzphoto)