Sharks are often portrayed as villains, but their real behaviour and ecological importance tell a far more interesting story.
There are hundreds of shark species, ranging from small bottom-dwellers to the enormous whale shark. Their diets, habitats, and behaviour vary just as widely.
Most sharks avoid people. Sensational stories can obscure the fact that sharks are wildlife responding to their environment, not animals searching for human prey.
As predators, many sharks help keep marine food webs balanced. Protecting them supports healthier oceans and encourages a more informed respect for life below the surface.