Shark Week: Why we have to save the ocean’s greatest predators

Melissa Cristina Márquez

What comes to mind when you think of sharks? Is it shark attacks? The thriller film, Jaws? If your answer is yes, think again. In honor of the 34th annual Shark Week, find out how top predators are critical to ocean survival and why these majestic creatures are in need of our protection.

Image © Andy Mann

Melissa Cristina Márquez

Jul 25, 2022

Image © Andy Mann

Orcas · Pixaterra Photography

Bull shark at Pinnacles reef, Mozambique · Fiona Ayerst

Leopard seal in Antarctica · Stanislav Photography

Polar bear in the Arctic Ocean, Svalbard · Andy Mann

Contributors

Melissa Cristina Márquez

Marine Biologist & Conservationist

Up next

Six ways you can protect ocean wildlife

Whether you’ve just started out or are a seasoned environmentalist, there’s always something new to learn about protecting the ocean’s extraordinary creatures.

Article·4 min read

Blue carbon: All the reasons why we love it, and so should you

Coastal and marine ecosystems lock away massive amounts of blue carbon but have long been overlooked as a climate solution. Can we give blue carbon the attention it deserves?

Article·6 min read

Why petitions matter

4 reasons to add your name to a petition today to help save the planet

Video·1:30

Projects in #Wildlife

Preserving lowland peat swamp forests and mangroves in Indonesian Borneo

Village communities are saving forests and wetlands that are one of the largest natural carbon stores in the world, as well as protecting and rehabilitating critically endangered orangutans.

Project·8 min read

Growing maricultured corals in Indonesia

Reef education specialists are planting 20,000 corals grown in rope-and-rack nurseries to restore ocean habitats and build on locally led marine innovation.

Project·5 min read

Rebuilding the reef in French Polynesia

Island innovators are restoring 40,000 “super corals” to the reef to save wildlife habitat and spread global awareness.

Project·4 min read