7 Things You Need To Know About Sharks

How Steven Spielberg ruined the activity of snorkeling, why Great Whites just aren't that into you, and how much gym time you'd have to put in if you wanted to eat like a shark.

1. There are over 500 species of sharks.

I know, I know. Every time you get in the water all you can imagine is the Great White Shark head à la Jaws popping out of the water behind you. Thank you, Spielberg. It is this very image that has deterred me from snorkeling too many times to count. But there are hundreds of types of sharks that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. And a lot of their jaws are too small to swallow our torsos whole. Thankfully.

2. Only 3 species are responsible for most attacks on humans.

Tiger, Great White, and Bull sharks are the three big guys who show any interest in us (don't be offended). But even these sharks don't actually prefer humans. If they had access to a nice menu at a sit-down place, they'd probably choose a seal, sea lion, or walrus. We just don't taste that good to them. They much prefer sea creatures. I'm sorry to say, he's just not that into you.

3. Great Whites eat 11 tons of food every year.

We humans eat around half a ton of food a year. Conclusion: next time you finish the Ben & Jerry's, don't feel too bad.

4. But they need all that food because they literally never stop moving.

Species like Mako, Great White, and Salmon Sharks will drown if they stop moving. Sounds counter intuitive, no? They don't have the muscles to pump water through their gills. Instead, they get water through their gills as they swim. So, that 11 tons-of food-a-year actually makes sense.

5. The chances that a shark will kill you are really, really low.

It's true. It's more likely you'll die by hornets, wasps, bees, snakes, or dogs. This doesn't mean the next time you pass a Great White go for the high-five, but it is important to know that the terror we attribute to sharks is often a result of misguided and overly sensationalized media. Think about it: why isn't there a Wasp Week? It's because the thought of getting eaten by a shark is much more exhilarating than the thought of being stung by a bee. These programs are entertaining, but it's important to keep an open mind about sharks as you watch.

6. 20-30% of shark species are soon-to-be extinct.

Humans kill a lot of sharks. Research shows that approximately 200 million sharks are killed per year. That number is staggering. Whether we capture them on purpose for shark fin soup or by mistake in the process of fishing, millions fall victim to our practices every year. Sharks are a very integral part of the ocean's food system. They're "apex predators" which means they're on the top of the food chain. Without them, the ocean's food chain would simply go haywire. Without sharks, that food chain will simply collapse.

7. Shark shows up in a lot of the products we use.

Shark makes its way into human food, cosmetics, and health supplements. You can help put an end to the use of shark in products by not consuming foods or items that contain shark. Ask your food supplier or waiter where your fish comes from, and look up the ingredients in your beauty items before you buy them. (Look for the ingredient Squalene, aka Shark Liver Oil). We each have the power to help keep these amazing, intelligent, important creatures in the ocean. Sharks may be scary, but imagining a world without them is scarier.