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	<title>sharks Archives - Ocean Life Education</title>
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	<description>School &#38; Early Learning Incursions</description>
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		<title>Shark Incursions Brisbane</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-incursions-brisbane/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:41:34 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hayley gee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[incursions brisbane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[safe beaches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[science incursions brisbane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark attacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark incursion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark smart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stem incursions brisbane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[why sharks matter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=6593</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Book Shark Incursions in Brisbane with Ocean Life Education. Hands-on marine programs for Early Years and Primary schools, aligned with the curriculum.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-incursions-brisbane/">Shark Incursions Brisbane</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-6856" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="375" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-624x468.jpg 624w" sizes="(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Looking for topical <strong>Shark Incursions in Brisbane</strong> that are hands-on, curriculum-aligned and unforgettable?</p>
<p>Ocean Life Education delivers engaging marine education programs to <strong>Brisbane Early Learning Centres and Primary Schools</strong>,<strong> bringing live sharks</strong> and other marine animals, shark artefacts and ocean science directly into your classroom.</p>
<p>It’s not just a visit. It’s a deep dive into understanding the local ocean &#8211; and why sharks matter more than most people realise.</p>
<h4>Why Book a Shark Incursion for Your Brisbane School?</h4>
<p>When schools search for <strong>marine education incursions in Brisbane</strong>, they’re looking for programs that are:</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Aligned with the Australian Curriculum &amp; EYLF<br />
<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Age-appropriate for Early Years and Primary<br />
<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Science-based and engaging<br />
<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Memorable and interactive<br />
<img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Delivered by qualified marine educators</p>
<p>Ocean Life Education’s <strong>Shark Incursion Brisbane programs</strong> tick every box &#8211; while also building environmental awareness and critical thinking skills. <strong>And what&#8217;s more, kids get to meet a real live shark!</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book an Incursion Now</a></p>
<h4>Why Sharks Are Crucial to Ecosystems (And Why Kids Need to Know)</h4>
<h4><img decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-6858 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-1-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-1-624x468.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-1.jpg 1024w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></h4>
<p>Sharks are apex predators &#8211; which means they sit at the top of the food chain. Their role is essential for:</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Maintaining balance in marine food webs</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Preventing overpopulation of mid-level species</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Protecting coral reefs and seagrass beds</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Supporting biodiversity across the ocean</p>
<h4>When shark populations decline, entire <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/sharks-role-in-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ecosystems</a> can suffer.</h4>
<p>Teaching students about sharks helps replace fear with understanding &#8211; and empowers them to see how healthy oceans connect directly to healthy communities, climate stability and even the seafood industries we rely on.</p>
<p>Education builds future ocean stewards.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/sharks-role-in-ocean-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read more about shark&#8217;s role in ecosystems.</a></p>
<h4>Early Years Shark Incursions (EYLF Aligned) <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f420.png" alt="🐠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h4>
<p>For Brisbane Kindergartens and Early Learning Centres, our shark incursions focus on sensory exploration, curiosity and foundational science concepts.</p>
<p><strong>Students explore:</strong></p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Marine habitats</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" />Animal features and adaptations</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Simple food chains</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Respect for living creatures</p>
<p>Live animal interaction and observation of a real shark, as well as tactile experiences help young learners connect emotionally with marine life &#8211; an important step in developing environmental empathy.</p>
<h4><img decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-6609" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-300x300.jpg" alt="shark incursions" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-300x300.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-768x768.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-624x624.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Shark-Jaw_edited-square-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Suggested Follow-Up Activities (EY):</h4>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f41a.png" alt="🐚" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Marine sensory tubs with shells and ocean textures</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f4d6.png" alt="📖" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Shark storytelling and movement play</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3a8.png" alt="🎨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Paint and label “parts of a shark”</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f30a.png" alt="🌊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Habitat matching games – focusing on local habitat, such as the Brisbane River, The Great Barrier Reef, or The Sunshine Coast coastal region.</p>
<p><em>These all align perfectly with EYLF Outcomes.</em></p>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See our SHARK RESOURCES</a></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>Primary School Shark Incursions Brisbane <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f988.png" alt="🦈" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></h4>
<p>For Primary students across Brisbane and South East Queensland, programs go deeper into marine science and ecosystems.</p>
<p><strong>Students investigate:</strong></p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Shark biology and adaptations</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Predator-prey relationships</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Food webs and ecosystem balance</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Human impact and conservation</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/2714.png" alt="✔" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> Shark myths vs facts</p>
<p>Observing a real shark and real shark jaws and artefacts create a powerful learning moment that students remember long after the session ends.</p>
<h4>Suggested Follow-Up Activities (Primary):</h4>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f9e0.png" alt="🧠" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Build a Marine Food Web</strong><br />
Students create a visual web showing sharks at the top and explore what happens if they’re removed. This can focus around local species, such as turtles and local types of fish.</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f4ca.png" alt="📊" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Shark Species Research Task</strong><br />
Compare different shark species, habitats and conservation status. Look at what different shark species live in local rivers and off the coast of Queensland and the human impact on them.</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f3a8.png" alt="🎨" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Ocean Conservation Campaign Posters</strong><br />
Encourage persuasive writing and sustainability awareness using local issues such as the Nets Out Now Campaign or considering shark bite incidents that have affected Australia recently, such as in Sydney.</p>
<p><img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f52c.png" alt="🔬" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /> <strong>Adaptation Investigation Stations</strong><br />
Match shark features (teeth, fins, gills) to survival functions.</p>
<p>These activities support Australian Curriculum Science strands including Biological Sciences and Sustainability cross-curriculum priorities.</p>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See our SHARK RESOURCES</a></h4>
<h4><strong>Shark Education in Brisbane: Why It Matters</strong></h4>
<p>Brisbane is a coastal city. Many students regularly visit beaches across South East Queensland and sharks inhabit our local waterways and coastline. Sharks are a very topical and living case study for Brisbane children, which assists in bringing learning to life.</p>
<p><strong>Understanding sharks through education:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Reduces fear and misinformation</li>
<li>Promotes safer ocean behaviour</li>
<li>Builds marine science literacy</li>
<li>Encourages environmental responsibility</li>
</ul>
<p>When children learn that sharks help protect reefs, regulate ecosystems and maintain ocean health, they begin to see the ocean as an interconnected system &#8211; not just a place to swim.</p>
<p>That shift in thinking is powerful.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-summer-of-tragedy-why-ocean-education-matters-more-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Read our blog: Why (Shark) Ocean Education Matters More than Ever.</a></p>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/contact-us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Book a Shark Incursion in Brisbane</a></h4>
<p>Ocean Life Education has delivered thousands of marine education sessions across Brisbane and Queensland.</p>
<p>Bring the ocean to your classroom &#8211; and inspire the next generation of ocean guardians.</p>
<h4 data-start="2996" data-end="3166"><strong>Useful Links</strong></h4>
<ul data-start="5797" data-end="5914">
<li data-start="5797" data-end="5838">
<p data-start="5799" data-end="5838">“<a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/primary-programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Explore our Primary Marine Programs</a>”</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5839" data-end="5875">
<p data-start="5841" data-end="5875">“<a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/early-learning-programs-ocean-life-discovery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">See our Early Years Incursions</a>”</p>
</li>
<li data-start="5876" data-end="5914">
<p data-start="5878" data-end="5914">“<a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Learn more about Sharks &#8211; Resources</a>”</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166">Thank you for reading: Shark Incursions Brisbane</p>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166"><strong>Author: Hayey Gee</strong></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-incursions-brisbane/">Shark Incursions Brisbane</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Summer of Tragedy: Why Ocean Education Matters More Than Ever</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-summer-of-tragedy-why-ocean-education-matters-more-than-ever/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 00:09:13 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark attacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark attacks sydney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark safety]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark smart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[why sharks matter]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=6504</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>A tragic summer of shark encounters in Sydney has highlighted the critical importance of ocean education. Understanding how weather events, water quality, and shark behaviour influence risk can help prevent dangerous situations before they happen. By learning when and where it’s safest to swim, and how marine animals interact with their environment, we can reduce fear, avoid unnecessary harm, and make smarter, safer choices at the beach.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-summer-of-tragedy-why-ocean-education-matters-more-than-ever/">A Summer of Tragedy: Why Ocean Education Matters More Than Ever</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-summer-of-tragedy-why-ocean-education-matters-more-than-ever/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-5649 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean-1024x768.jpg" alt="Why Sharks Matter" width="625" height="469" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean-624x468.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/habitat-open-ocean.jpg 1879w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h1 data-start="470" data-end="535">A Summer of Tragedy: Why Ocean Education Matters More Than Ever</h1>
<p data-start="537" data-end="921">The recent series of shark encounters in Sydney, including one tragic fatality, is a sobering reminder of why education about the ocean and its inhabitants is so important. While these events are devastating, they also highlight a crucial truth: <strong>understanding marine environments, shark behaviour, and safe swimming practices can significantly reduce the risk of dangerous encounters.</strong></p>
<p data-start="923" data-end="1105">If more people had a basic understanding of shark movement patterns, feeding behaviour, and how weather events affect ocean conditions, many of these incidents may have been avoided.</p>
<h2 data-start="1107" data-end="1148"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-6510" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/shark-1-300x200.jpg" alt="Shark &amp; Surfer" width="400" height="267" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/shark-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/shark-1.jpg 579w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px" />How Heavy Rain Changes Shark Behaviour</h2>
<p style="text-align: left;" data-start="1150" data-end="1442">Over summer, Sydney experienced substantial rainfall. This causes large volumes of freshwater, along with pollution and runoff, to flow into rivers, canals, and bays. Bull sharks, which often inhabit these areas, are forced out of their usual environments in search of cleaner, saltier water.</p>
<p data-start="1444" data-end="1562">As a result, they move along the coastline and closer to popular recreational areas such as Sydney’s Northern Beaches.</p>
<p data-start="1564" data-end="1937">However, even coastal water after heavy rain is often murky and dirty. In low-visibility conditions, sharks cannot rely on sight to hunt. Instead, they detect vibrations in the water. Erratic splashing or surface movement can feel like injured fish or prey, causing sharks to investigate. They do this with their mouths, which can result in catastrophic injuries to humans.</p>
<p data-start="1939" data-end="2093">It’s important to understand that sharks &#8211; including bull sharks &#8211; do <strong data-start="2009" data-end="2016">not</strong> consider humans to be food. <strong>These encounters are cases of mistaken identity.</strong></p>
<h2 data-start="2095" data-end="2134"></h2>
<h2 data-start="2095" data-end="2134"></h2>
<h2 data-start="2095" data-end="2134">Safer Swimming Starts With Knowledge &#8211; The Message is Simple &amp; Clear:</h2>
<h2 data-start="2095" data-end="2134"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-6509" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Picture1.jpg" alt="Swimmer at Dusk" width="400" height="267" /></h2>
<p><strong>Avoid swimming in murky or dirty water, especially after heavy rain</strong></p>
<p><strong>Don’t swim at dawn or dusk, when visibility is low and sharks are more actively feeding</strong></p>
<p><strong>Pay attention to water conditions, warnings, and local advice</strong></p>
<p data-start="2401" data-end="2560">If more people were armed with this knowledge, safer swimming practices would be far more widely followed &#8211; and the risk of incidents would be greatly reduced.</p>
<h2 data-start="2562" data-end="2599"></h2>
<h2 data-start="2562" data-end="2599"></h2>
<h2 data-start="2562" data-end="2599">Education, Not Fear, Is the Answer</h2>
<p data-start="2601" data-end="2766">We must learn to live with the environment and all that is in it, not try to change it to suit ourselves. <strong>Culling sharks is not the answer to making the ocean safer.</strong></p>
<p data-start="2768" data-end="2785"><strong data-start="2768" data-end="2785">Education is.</strong></p>
<p data-start="2787" data-end="2994">By teaching children and adults how ocean ecosystems work, how animals behave, and how to safely enjoy our beaches, we empower people to make smarter, safer choices &#8211; and protect both humans and marine life.</p>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166">At <strong data-start="2999" data-end="3023">Ocean Life Education</strong>, this is exactly what we believe in: building understanding, respect, and knowledge so we can all enjoy the ocean more safely and responsibly.</p>
<h3 data-start="2996" data-end="3166">Useful Links</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Our Educational Programs</a></p>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166"><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shark Teaching Resources &amp; Courses</a></p>
<p>ABC Article: <a href="http://bc.net.au/news/2026-01-25/horror-week-shark-bites-attack-nsw-facts-fears-risk/106260980" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Living with fear of sharks is part of life in the ocean</a></p>
<p data-start="2996" data-end="3166">Thank you for reading: A Summer of Tragedy: Why Ocean Education Matters More Than Ever</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-summer-of-tragedy-why-ocean-education-matters-more-than-ever/">A Summer of Tragedy: Why Ocean Education Matters More Than Ever</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Guide to Shark and Ray Awareness Day in Australia</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/guide-to-shark-and-ray-awareness-day-in-australia/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jul 2023 04:58:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australia needs sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Celebrate Shark and Ray Awareness Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[great barrier reef sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shark and Ray Awareness Day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark awareness 14 july]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark awareness day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark awareness day australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark awareness month]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark awarenss day for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks australia]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=4011</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Sharks and rays take the spotlight on July 14 each year as we celebrate Shark &#038; Ray Awareness Day. This global event focuses on the positive impact that sustainability can have on populations of these magnificent species in our oceans.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/guide-to-shark-and-ray-awareness-day-in-australia/">Guide to Shark and Ray Awareness Day in Australia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-4012" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-1024x683.jpg" alt="shark and ray awareness day australia" width="505" height="337" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/jean-beller-Ei6M0MtQQU8-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 505px) 100vw, 505px" /></p>
<p>Sharks and rays take the spotlight on <strong>July 14</strong> each year as we celebrate <strong>Shark &amp; Ray Awareness Day</strong>. This global event focuses on the positive impact that sustainability can have on populations of these magnificent species in our oceans.</p>
<p>Sharks and rays are true marvels of natural selection, with extraordinary physical and behavioral adaptations that have allowed them to thrive in diverse marine environments. These creatures play a crucial role in marine food webs and contribute significantly to the health and balance of our oceans.</p>
<p>Rays, often referred to as &#8220;flattened sharks,&#8221; are closely related to their more well-known cousins. They possess unique features, such as their flattened bodies and wing-like fins, which make them exceptional swimmers and hunters. Both sharks and rays are indispensable contributors to the delicate ecosystem of our oceans.</p>
<p>Shark &amp; Ray Awareness Day serves as a platform for education and engagement. By understanding these amazing creatures, we can all play a vital role in protecting them and ensuring their survival for generations to come.</p>
<h4><strong>Core messages of Shark and Ray Awareness Day</strong></h4>
<h4><strong><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4020 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="ray" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/sam-chang-9d_0oMm6_PI-unsplash-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><br />
</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>Educate the public</li>
<li>Promote sustainable practices</li>
<li>Combat Misconceptions</li>
<li>Support Conservation Efforts</li>
<li>Engage the Youth</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Read on to discover why we need to raise awareness and what you can do to help…</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Combating Misconceptions in Australia <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4021 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-300x200.jpg" alt="shark" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-768x513.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-624x417.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/steve-douglas-YMCvbAAZbUs-unsplash-2048x1367.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></strong></h4>
<p>Sharks often face an unjustified negative reputation in the media, overshadowing their critical role in marine ecosystems.</p>
<p>On average, three people are killed by sharks in Australia each year. Many more fatalities occur due to encounters with horses and cows. In comparison, an estimated 100 million sharks are killed worldwide by humans annually.</p>
<p>Sharks, in particular, have been subject to negative portrayals in popular media and culture, leading to fear and unwarranted demonization. Many people associate sharks with danger and aggression, which has perpetuated the idea that they are ruthless killers. In reality, shark attacks on humans are relatively rare, and most shark species are not a threat to humans.</p>
<h5><strong>How can you help?</strong></h5>
<p>One effective way to address this image problem is by learning all you can about sharks and rays, and sharing your enthusiasm with others. You can also choose to support only media that portrays a positive image of these misunderstood animals.</p>
<h4><strong>Australia Needs Sharks</strong></h4>
<p>Sharks are crucial for the sustainability of Australian waters and marine environments globally. They serve as top predators, helping to control the balance of marine species and ensure ecological stability. Removing sharks from these ecosystems would have far-reaching consequences, disrupting the delicate balance of marine life and threatening the health of coral reefs, including the magnificent Great Barrier Reef in Queensland.</p>
<h4><strong>The Great Barrier Reef Needs Sharks</strong></h4>
<p>The Great Barrier Reef, the world&#8217;s largest natural wonder, is a global treasure attracting millions of tourists every year. Sharks are an integral part of this vibrant ecosystem, contributing to its biodiversity and resilience. Their presence enriches the experience of divers and snorkelers, offering an opportunity to witness the wonders of the marine world up close.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Australian-Sharks-Fact-Sheet_watermark.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Read Our Guide to Sharks Down Under</a></p>
<h4><strong>Support Shark Conservation Efforts</strong></h4>
<p>The excessive and indiscriminate fishing of sharks and rays, driven by the high demand for their products, is the primary threat to their survival. The demand for shark fins, in particular, has led to a devastating practice known as shark finning, where sharks are caught, their fins are cut off, and the rest of the body is often discarded back into the ocean, still alive. This wasteful practice has resulted in serious declines in many shark and ray populations worldwide. As a result of these unsustainable fishing practices, one-third of shark and ray species are now classified as threatened with extinction</p>
<p><strong>How can you help?</strong></p>
<p>You can help by supporting campaigns and by always purchasing sustainable seafood. Remember, shark is often labelled as flake in Australian fish and chip shops.</p>
<h4><strong>How to Engage Kids and Celebrate Shark and Ray Awareness Day</strong></h4>
<h4><strong> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-medium wp-image-4019 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-300x201.jpg" alt="whale shark" width="300" height="201" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-300x201.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-1024x686.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-768x514.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-624x418.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-1536x1028.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/noaa-a7T0PQol-6E-unsplash-2048x1371.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></strong></h4>
<p>We need to take time to learn the facts about sharks and why they are so important to us and our world, so that we can help to protect them. Inspiring kids by teaching them about sharks is crucial to improving the outlook for sharks.</p>
<p>We have created a range of FREE <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>shark videos and fact sheets</strong></a> to assist in teaching children, as well as a paid <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>online teaching resource pack</strong></a> and an <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>online sharks course</strong></a> for kids.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Our resources and videos cover the following shark themed curriculum topics for kids:</p>
<p><strong>Adapatation, Habitats, Human Impact, Food Webs, Natural Selection, Classification, and more…</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Amazing Sharks Videos for Kids</strong></h4>
<p>Ocean Life Education’s owner and Director of Education, Richard Coward, is a marine scientist and recently created a range of engaging shark videos for kids, entitled:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Built to Hunt</strong></li>
<li><strong>The Point of Teeth</strong></li>
<li><strong>Why We Need Sharks</strong></li>
<li><strong>Why Sharks Attack</strong></li>
</ul>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong> </strong><strong>Click here to watch Amazing Sharks video</strong></a></p>
<h4><strong> </strong><strong>Quiz – Search for Your Inner Shark</strong></h4>
<p>How much are you like a shark??</p>
<p><a href="https://take.quiz-maker.com/Q59IB7K" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Take the Quiz</a></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>We hope you enjoy our resources and courses and that you become an advocate for our misunderstood sharks and rays too.</strong></h4>
<h4><strong> </strong><strong>Other Important Shark &amp; Ray Awareness Days to Remember</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>June 25- Angel Shark Day</li>
<li>August 30- International Whale Shark Day</li>
<li>September 17- World Manta Day</li>
<li>October 17- International Sawfish</li>
<li>October 30- Ghost Shark Day</li>
</ul>
<h4>Useful links</h4>
<p>Join a volunteer shark conservation organisation like:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.seashepherd.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sea Shepherd</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.sharksandraysaustralia.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sharks &amp; Rays of Australia </a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.marineconservation.org.au/save-our-sharks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Conservation Australia</a></li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/guide-to-shark-and-ray-awareness-day-in-australia/">Guide to Shark and Ray Awareness Day in Australia</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Is a Whale Shark a Shark?</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/is-a-whale-shark-a-shark/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Aug 2021 04:11:40 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amazing sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filter feeder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[filter feeding sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale sharks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=3190</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Whale sharks look quite different to how we imagine a shark to look. They are enormous, reaching 12 meters or more in length and weighing as much as 16 tons &#8211; basically, they are about the size of a bus! And they don&#8217;t have sharp teeth, in fact their teeth don&#8217;t really assist in feeding [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/is-a-whale-shark-a-shark/">Is a Whale Shark a Shark?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3218 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/whale-shark-300x222.jpg" alt="whale shark" width="300" height="222" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/whale-shark-300x222.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/whale-shark-1024x759.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/whale-shark-768x569.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/whale-shark-624x463.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/whale-shark.jpg 1036w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>Whale sharks look quite different to how we imagine a shark to look. They are enormous, reaching 12 meters or more in length and weighing as much as 16 tons &#8211; basically, they are about the size of a bus! And they don&#8217;t have sharp teeth, in fact their teeth don&#8217;t really assist in feeding at all. So, it&#8217;s no surprise that people often ask us the question&#8230;is a whale shark a shark?</p>
<h4><strong>Are Whale Sharks Really Sharks?</strong></h4>
<p>The answer is yes, whale sharks really are sharks. They have all the 33 characteristics of a shark, such as a cartilage skeleton, five pairs of gills and unfused pectoral fins to the head. Unlike whales, they are not mammals and their young are not fed by the mother’s milk. Like sharks, whale sharks are fish. In fact they are the largest fish in the ocean. So, whale sharks really are sharks&#8230;and they get their name from the fact that they are enormous!</p>
<h4><strong>What Do Whale Sharks Eat? </strong></h4>
<p>Whale sharks have rows of over 300 tiny teeth, but as filter feeders they do not use these teeth to eat. Instead, whale sharks (and other filter feeding sharks) swim along the ocean’s currents with their huge mouths open wide, filtering large quantities of water as they go and extracting tiny organisms called plankton &amp; krill from the water. A whale shark&#8217;s mouth is about 1.5 meters wide, so it&#8217;s an impressive sight!</p>
<h4><strong>The 3 largest sharks include (in size order)</strong></h4>
<ol>
<li>Whale Shark 17 meters</li>
<li>Basking Shark 15 m</li>
<li>Megamouth Shark 7-8 m</li>
</ol>
<p><strong><em>All filter feeders!</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>Diet: Plankton (tiny organisms), krill and small fish</strong></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4>Ten Amazing Whale Shark Facts</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/whale-shark/" rel="attachment wp-att-1679"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1679 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-300x222.jpg" alt="" width="333" height="246" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-300x222.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-1024x759.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-768x569.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-624x463.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark.jpg 1036w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /></a></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">Largest fish and shark in the world</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">Habitat: warm open waters of the tropical oceans </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Whale sharks spend most of their time near the surface</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">Lifespan: 70 to 100 years</span></li>
<li><span class="textexposedshow" style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Average length of an adult: 9.7 meters</span></span></li>
<li><span class="textexposedshow" style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Average weight: 9 tonnes</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Teeth: over 300 rows of tiny teeth &#8211; not used for eating!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Whale sharks are solitary creatures</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Filter feeders &#8211; feeding mainly on plankton</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Able to process over 6,000 litres of water each hour</span></li>
</ol>
<h4></h4>
<h4><strong>Why We Need Sharks</strong></h4>
<p><iframe loading="lazy" title="Why We Need Sharks: Amazing Sharks Online Course Ep 3" width="625" height="352" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rpwd6TYr0GE?start=1&#038;feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<h4><strong>Learn more about sharks? </strong></h4>
<h4><a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/courses/amazingsharks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2562" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png" alt="online shark course" width="175" height="175" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px" /></a></h4>
<h4>Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #01cdff;">Amazing Sharks Online Shark Course</span></a></h4>
<h4><strong>Check out our<span style="color: #01cdff;"> <a style="color: #01cdff;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shark Resources</a></span></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Further reading&#8230;</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Save Our Seas &#8211; <span style="color: #01cdff;"><a style="color: #01cdff;" href="https://saveourseas.com/project/whale-sharks-down-under/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale Sharks Down Under</a></span></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/is-a-whale-shark-a-shark/">Is a Whale Shark a Shark?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Should We Protect Sharks?</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/should-we-protect-sharks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jul 2021 01:07:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amazing sharks]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[why we need sharks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=2995</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>&#160; We think so! We hear so many negative stories about sharks in the media but what role do they actually play in the ocean and why are they important to us? The fact is that sharks are a crucial part of the food chain and help keep the oceans, planet (and us), healthy&#8230; and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/should-we-protect-sharks/">Should We Protect Sharks?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3221 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Should-we-protect-sharks-300x251.jpg" alt="Amazing sharks" width="300" height="251" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Should-we-protect-sharks-300x251.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Should-we-protect-sharks-768x644.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Should-we-protect-sharks-624x523.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Should-we-protect-sharks.jpg 940w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>We think so! We hear so many negative stories about sharks in the media but what role do they actually play in the ocean and why are they important to us?</p>
<p>The fact is that sharks are a crucial part of the food chain and help keep the oceans, planet (and us), healthy&#8230; and their numbers are dwindling fast.</p>
<p>Read on to discover why we need sharks and why we need to take action to protect these misunderstood creatures&#8230;</p>
<h3><strong>Sharks Get a Bad Press </strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3058 alignleft" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-150x150.png" alt="shark cull" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-2048x2048.png 2048w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/market-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Many people fear sharks because of sensationalised stories in the media and scary films like Jaws.</p>
<p><em> The fact is that 100 million sharks are killed by humans each year and sharks kill around 12 humans a year. </em></p>
<p><strong>So, maybe sharks should be scared of us, not the other way around?</strong></p>
<h3><strong>Learn the Facts About Sharks</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-3222 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-300x225.jpg" alt="why we need sharks" width="300" height="225" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic-624x468.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Why-We-Need-Sharks-Infographic.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We need to take time to learn the facts about sharks and why they are so important to us and our world, so that we can help protect them. So, we have developed a range of <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">FREE shark resources</a> and an online <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Amazing Sharks Course</a> aimed at dispelling the myths and promoting the facts about these misunderstood creatures.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Here are some <span style="color: #01cdff;">REAL FACTS</span> about Sharks&#8230;</strong></h3>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>Sharks Help Create a Healthy Ecosystem</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3002 alignleft" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-150x150.png" alt="shark ecosystem" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/reef.png 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Sharks are APEX predators, which means they sit at the top of the food chain and help control the numbers of animals below them in that food chain. By controlling populations of large and mid-sized predators, sharks allow smaller fish to thrive, which has a knock on effect on the food chain below them. Therefore, sharks help create a healthy ecosystem with a diverse range of species and competitors.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Sharks Are a Keystone Species</h3>
<p>Apex predators like sharks are known as keystone species. This means that they are crucially important. If you take sharks out of the food chain, the whole structure could collapse.</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Sharks &amp; Natural Selection</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3000 alignleft" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-150x150.png" alt="sharks &amp; natural selection" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-2048x2048.png 2048w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/prey-50x50.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></p>
<p>Sharks play an important role in natural selection because they prey on and remove weak and sick animals. This reduces the chances of them reproducing and helps keep fish populations healthy and strong.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Sharks &amp; Habitat Loss</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-3004 alignleft" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-150x150.png" alt="reef shark" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shark-reef.png 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />Sharks help prevent habitat loss. Habitats like coral reef depend on their fishy caretakers, like the little reef fish that live on them and clean and protect them from disease. Without sharks controlling numbers of big fish in a marine ecosystem, the numbers of these fish could explode. They would in turn kill off the smaller fish. If that happens, the reef would become diseased and die off, affecting millions of animals that depend on it for survival.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3></h3>
<h3></h3>
<h3><strong>Everything On Earth is Connected</strong></h3>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-3009 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-150x150.png" alt="blue planet earth" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/blue-planet.png 2000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" />The earth’s ocean <strong><em>produces 70 % of the oxygen we breath, food to eat, controls the climate, breaks down pollution, provides us with medicine and much, much more</em></strong>.</p>
<p>Humans are part of our amazing planet’s ecosystem. So, it is in our best interest to protect our home environment and everything within it…including sharks.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3>Want to Know more?</h3>
<h4>Watch our video: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpwd6TYr0GE&amp;t=1s"><span style="color: #01cdff;">Why We Need Sharks</span></a></h4>
<h4><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/how-to-engage-kids-with-an-online-sharks-course/"><span style="color: #01cdff;"><span style="color: #000000;">Read Our Blog:</span> How to Engage Kids with Sharks</span></a></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h3><strong>How You Can Help Protect Sharks</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>Get educated about sharks &#8211; <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">why not start with our FREE RESOURCES and Amazing Sharks Course </a> <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2562 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png" alt="amazing sharks course" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></li>
<li>Share positive shark facts with friends and on social media</li>
<li>Reduce your fish consumption &amp; don&#8217;t buy fish marked &#8216;flake&#8217; &#8211; it&#8217;s shark</li>
<li>Join a shark conservation organisation &#8211; <a href="https://www.seashepherd.org.au/">Sea Shepherd &#8211; </a><a href="http://www.sharksandraysaustralia.com/">Sharks &amp; Rays of Australia  &#8211; </a><a href="https://www.marineconservation.org.au/save-our-sharks/"> Marine Conservation Australia</a></li>
</ul>
<h3><strong>Check out Ocean Life Education&#8217;s other blogs:</strong></h3>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/how-to-inspire-students-to-protect-the-ocean-in-2021/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How to Inspire Kids to Protect the Ocean</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/10-reasons-why-we-depend-on-our-oceans/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reasons Why We Depend on Our Oceans</a></p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/how-can-i-protect-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">How Can I Protect the Ocean</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.eventcinemas.com.au/Movie/Envoy-Shark-Cull#cinemas=93,38,77&amp;date=2021-07-21"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-3066 alignleft" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ESC_690x1000_Poster_FA_QA-150x150.jpg" alt="shark cull" width="112" height="112" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ESC_690x1000_Poster_FA_QA-150x150.jpg 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ESC_690x1000_Poster_FA_QA-400x400.jpg 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ESC_690x1000_Poster_FA_QA-50x50.jpg 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 112px) 100vw, 112px" /></a>Check out the latest film <a href="https://watch.envoyfilm.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&#8216;Shark Cull&#8217;</a> for some interesting views about shark safety programs off Australia&#8217;s East Coast </strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/should-we-protect-sharks/">Should We Protect Sharks?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Whale Shark Fast Facts</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:23:22 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online shark course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks of Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale shark day]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale shark facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale shark fast facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[whale sharks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=1676</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Whale sharks are truly amazing creatures. Check out our whale shark fast facts to learn some jaw-dropping facts about them&#8230; Ten Amazing Facts About Whale Sharks The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish and shark in the world The whale shark is found in warm open waters of the tropical oceans  The lifespan [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/">Whale Shark Fast Facts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/whale-shark-open_wide-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-1678"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3192 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1-1024x682.jpg" alt="" width="625" height="416" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-Open_Wide-3-1.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p>
<p>Whale sharks are truly amazing creatures. Check out our whale shark fast facts to learn some jaw-dropping facts about them&#8230;</p>
<h4>Ten Amazing Facts About Whale Sharks</h4>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/whale-shark/" rel="attachment wp-att-1679"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1679 alignright" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-300x222.jpg" alt="" width="333" height="246" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-300x222.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-1024x759.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-768x569.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark-624x463.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/whale-shark.jpg 1036w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 333px) 100vw, 333px" /></a></p>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: #1c1e21;">The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish and shark in the world</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Arial',sans-serif; color: #1c1e21;">Th<span style="color: #000000;">e whale shark is found in warm open waters of the tropical oceans </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000;">The lifespan of the whale shark ranges from 70 to 100 years</span></li>
<li><span class="textexposedshow" style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The whale shark is also the largest non-cetacean animal in the world</span></span></li>
<li><span class="textexposedshow" style="color: #000000;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The average length of an adult whale sharks is 9.7 meters and they weigh on average 9 tonnes</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Whale sharks have over 300 rows of tiny teeth &#8211; not used for eating!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Whale sharks are solitary creatures</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Whale sharks spend most of their time near the surface</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">The whale shark is a filter feeder, feeding mainly on plankton</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #000000;">Whale sharks can process over 6,000 litres (1,500 gallons) of water each hour</span></li>
</ol>
<h4><strong>Want to know more about sharks? </strong></h4>
<h4><a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/courses/amazingsharks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2562" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png" alt="online shark course" width="175" height="175" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 175px) 100vw, 175px" /></a></h4>
<h4>Check out our <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/online-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: #01cdff;">Amazing Sharks Online Shark Course</span></a></h4>
<h4><strong>Check out our<span style="color: #01cdff;"> <a style="color: #01cdff;" href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shark Resources</a></span></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Further reading&#8230;</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Save Our Seas &#8211; <span style="color: #01cdff;"><a style="color: #01cdff;" href="https://saveourseas.com/project/whale-sharks-down-under/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Whale Sharks Down Under</a></span></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/fast-facts-whalesharks/">Whale Shark Fast Facts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Amazing Sharks Facts Quiz</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-shark-facts-quiz/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2020 03:43:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amazing shark facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amazing sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australian sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online shark course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark facts quiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark quiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ultimate shark facts]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=1571</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Check out our ultimate &#8216;Amazing Sharks&#8217; Facts Quiz and discover how much you really know about JAWSOME SHARKS&#8230; &#160;  Questions 1. What is the largest species of shark? 2. What are baby sharks are called? 3. What are shark bones made of? 4. Up to how many teeth do sharks have? 100s, 1,000s or 10,000s? [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-shark-facts-quiz/">Amazing Sharks Facts Quiz</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-sharks-facts/sharks-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-1554"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1554 size-full" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3.jpg" alt="Sharks Facts Quiz" width="720" height="450" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3.jpg 720w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3-624x390.jpg 624w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></a></p>
<h2><strong>Check out our ultimate &#8216;Amazing Sharks&#8217; Facts Quiz and discover how much you really know about JAWSOME SHARKS&#8230;</strong></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong> Questions</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>1. What is the largest species of shark?</li>
<li>2. What are baby sharks are called?</li>
<li>3. What are shark bones made of?</li>
<li>4. Up to how many teeth do sharks have? 100s, 1,000s or 10,000s?</li>
<li>5. Is shark skin smooth or rough?</li>
<li>6. What is the collective noun for a shark?</li>
<li>7. What is the fastest shark in the ocean?</li>
<li>8. What is the smallest species of shark in the ocean?</li>
<li>9. Do sharks have eyelids?</li>
<li>10. Can sharks see in colour?</li>
<li>11. Approximately how many species of shark can be found around Australia?</li>
<li>12. How many sharks are killed by humans every year?</li>
<li>13. On average, how many people are killed by sharks in Australia each year?</li>
<li>14. Name three species of shark commonly found off Australia</li>
<li>15. Do sharks lay eggs or give birth to live young?</li>
<li>16. What are mermaid&#8217;s purses?</li>
<li>17. Which common shark lives in fresh and salt water?</li>
<li>18. From what distance can sharks detect blood?</li>
<li>19. From what distance can sharks sense vibration?</li>
<li>20. Do all sharks need to keep moving to breath?</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/the-high-price-of-peace-of-mind/great-hamerhead-20130203-0301/" rel="attachment wp-att-1345"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-1345 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a></p>
<h2></h2>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Answers</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>1. The largest species of shark is the whale shark</li>
<li>2. Baby sharks are called pups</li>
<li>3. Shark bones are made of cartilage</li>
<li>4. Many sharks have multiple rows of sharp teeth – they can grow up to 35,000 in a lifetime</li>
<li>5. Rough &#8211; shark skin feels like sandpaper</li>
<li>6. The collective noun for a shark is a Shiver (or School, Shoal)</li>
<li>7. The fastest shark in the ocean is the Shortfin Mako Shark (up to 74k an hour)</li>
<li>8. The smallest species of shark is the Dwarf Lantern Shark (smaller than an adult human hand)</li>
<li>9. Yes &#8211; sharks do have eyelids but they don&#8217;t blink</li>
<li>10. No &#8211; sharks do not see in colour</li>
<li>11. Approximately 180 species of shark can be found around Australia</li>
<li>12. 100 million sharks die each year <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f641.png" alt="🙁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></li>
<li>13. 1 person on average each year <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/16.0.1/72x72/1f641.png" alt="🙁" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></li>
<li>14. Sharks commonly found off Australia&#8230;<em>Great White, Port Jackson, Thresher, Zebra Shark, Tiger Shark, Tasselled Wobbegong, Whale Shark, Oceanic Whitetip, Blacktip Reef, Grey Nurse, Bull Shark, Bronze Whaler, Great Hammerhead, Blind Shark, Pygmy Shark</em></li>
<li>15. Some sharks lay eggs (oviparous) others give birth to live young  (viviparous), and some are a combination of these two, they start life inside their mother as an egg, hatch inside her and then are born live (ovoviviparous)</li>
<li>16. Shark eggs &#8211; egg laying sharks lay egg cases known as mermaid’s purses</li>
<li>17. Bull Shark</li>
<li>18. Sharks are able to detect blood from 5 km</li>
<li>19. Sharks can sense vibrations from 3 kilometres away</li>
<li>20. No. Some sharks must swim constantly in order to get oxygen-rich water flowing over their gills but others pump water through their respiratory system.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>How did you do in our ultimate &#8216;Amazing Sharks&#8217; Facts Quiz?</strong></p>
<h4>WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SHARKS?</h4>
<p><strong>Click the image below to take our <a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener">online sharks course</a> and <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/shark-resources/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">click here for heaps of free information and resources about sharks. </a></strong></p>
<h4><a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/collections" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-3095 size-full" title="Amazing sharks course and shark resources" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Shark-banner-FINAL.png" alt="Amazing sharks course" width="755" height="503" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Shark-banner-FINAL.png 755w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Shark-banner-FINAL-300x200.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Shark-banner-FINAL-624x416.png 624w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 755px) 100vw, 755px" /></a></h4>
<h2><strong>Take Action to Protect Amazing Sharks</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Educate yourself and your friends</li>
<li>Share your love of sharks on your social media channels</li>
<li>Join a volunteer shark conservation organisation like <strong><em><a href="http://sharkconservationorg.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shark Conservation Australia</a>, <a href="http://marineconservation.org.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marine Conservation Australia</a>, <a href="http://seashepherd.com.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sea Shepherd Australia</a></em></strong> &#8211; make a donation if you can!</li>
<li>Join a beach clean or just clean as you go!</li>
<li>Buy sustainable seafood and check restaurants have done so. Avoid flake at the Fish &amp; Chip shop as it may be endangered shark</li>
<li>Ask politicians to support ocean acidification research</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ocean Life Education is passionate about protecting all marine animals and focusing on the important role sharks play in our oceans.  We aim to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the most feared fish in the sea.</strong></p>
<p>Check out our <strong>Shark Discovery Program</strong> for more information on how to inspire kids to love and respect sharks: <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/holiday-program/">www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/holiday-program/</a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-shark-facts-quiz/">Amazing Sharks Facts Quiz</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>Sharks Down Under – Amazing Australian Shark Facts</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/australian-shark-facts/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2020 02:36:16 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[amazing sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apex predator]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australian shark facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[australian sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[coral reef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[endangered shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[great barrier reef]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[grey nurse shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hammerhead shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online shark course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online sharks course]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[online sharks course for kids]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[protect sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[queensland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[reef fish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scared of sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[school sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark attacks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark conservation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark discovery program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark nets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark populations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark populations decline]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks down under]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks found off australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks in australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks of Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[species of shark]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ultimate guide to sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ultimate shark facts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[we need sharks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=1551</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Contrary to popular belief, mainly brought about by scary shark movies, you have more chance of being killed by a coconut than a shark!</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/australian-shark-facts/">Sharks Down Under – Amazing Australian Shark Facts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-sharks-facts/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-1553"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-1553 size-large" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-1024x768.jpg" alt="Hammerhead" width="625" height="469" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-300x225.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-624x468.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/shark-scalloped-hgammerhead-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px" /></a></p>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, mainly brought about by scary shark movies, you have more chance of being killed by a coconut than a shark! Over-fishing and unsustainable practices are causing shark populations to decline worldwide. Amazing sharks play an important role in our oceans and on our majestic reefs and we should all be concerned about their numbers declining. We believe that the big danger is not sharks; <strong>the big danger is shark extinction. </strong>Here in Australia, we are luck to have bountiful species of shark living off our coastline. Read on to discover some interesting facts about sharks of Australia, why we need sharks in Australia and why we need to protect sharks living off the coast of Australia in our Amazing Australian Shark Facts blog&#8230;</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h2><strong>Sharks in Australian Waters</strong></h2>
<p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2535 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hero-image-300x151.jpg" alt="Shark resources" width="300" height="151" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hero-image-300x151.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hero-image-768x387.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hero-image-624x314.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/hero-image.jpg 908w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></p>
<p>There are considered to be around 180 species of sharks in Australian waters and 500 species worldwide. In fact, around 50 species of shark live right here, off the Eastern Coast of Queensland. Eastern Australia’s grey nurse sharks are considered critically endangered and school sharks (sometimes known as flake in fish and chip shops) and scalloped hammerheads are on the endangered shark list too.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Sharks Commonly Found off Australia</strong></h2>
<p>The following sharks are commonly found off Australia&#8217;s coast: Great White, Port Jackson, Thresher, Zebra Shark, Tiger Shark, Tasselled Wobbegong, Whale Shark, Oceanic Whitetip, Blacktip Reef, Grey Nurse, Bull Shark, Bronze Whaler, Great Hammerhead, Blind Shark, Pygmy Shark</p>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-sharks-facts/great-barrier-reef/" rel="attachment wp-att-1555"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-1555 size-medium" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Great-Barrier-Reef-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Great-Barrier-Reef-300x199.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Great-Barrier-Reef-768x510.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Great-Barrier-Reef-624x414.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Great-Barrier-Reef.jpg 800w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Why Do W</strong><strong>e Need Sharks</strong><strong>?</strong></h2>
<p><strong> </strong>There is no doubt that we need sharks. As apex predators, sharks help maintain the balance of life in the sea. Sharks are a vital part of the food chain, controlling mid-sized predators and allowing small reef fish to thrive. Small reef fish take care of our amazing coral reef, therefore sharks help keep coral reef healthy. Without sharks, we would be denied the pleasure of exploring amazing underwater habitats such as the world’s largest natural wonder, Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef. The global economic impact on tourism and of declining fish stocks would be huge. So, have no doubt, we need sharks!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>Why Are S</strong><strong>hark Populations </strong><strong>in Decline?</strong></h2>
<p>Shark populations are in decline globally and in Australian waters. 100 million sharks are killed in worldwide fisheries each year and habitat degradation, pollution and climate change are also impacting international shark populations. Controversial shark nets and drum lines (designed to protect human populations) add further to the decline.</p>
<p>Sharks live a long time (20-30 years), grow slowly and take a long time to mature and reach reproductive age. This means that even if we slow the decline in shark populations now, populations will take a long time to recover.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/ultimate-sharks-facts/sharks-3/" rel="attachment wp-att-1554"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1554" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3-300x188.jpg" alt="Sharks Facts Quiz" width="300" height="188" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3-300x188.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3-624x390.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/sharks-3.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Should I Be Scared of Sharks in Australia?</strong></h2>
<p>No! We don’t think you should be scared of sharks. The ocean is their home and when we visit their home we need to be very aware and respectful of them.</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>On average, one person a year is killed in a shark attack in Australia.</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>To put things in perspective&#8230;</p>
<ul>
<li>5 people die from falling out of bed</li>
<li>10 people are struck down by lightning</li>
<li>1,100 are killed on our roads</li>
</ul>
<p><strong> </strong></p>
<h2><strong>Ultimate Shark Facts</strong><strong> </strong></h2>
<p>Check out our ultimate shark facts and discover how much you really know about sharks.</p>
<ul>
<li>The largest species of shark is the whale shark</li>
<li>Baby sharks are called pups</li>
<li>Shark bones are made of cartilage</li>
<li>Many sharks have multiple rows of sharp teeth – they can grow 35, 000 in a lifetime</li>
<li>Shark skin feels like sandpaper</li>
<li>The collective noun for a shark is a Shiver (or School, Shoal)</li>
<li>The fastest shark in the ocean is the Shortfin Mako Shark (up to 74k an hour)</li>
<li>The smallest species of shark is the Dwarf Lantern Shark (smaller than a human hand)</li>
<li>Sharks have eyelids but they do not blink</li>
<li>Sharks do not see in colour</li>
<li>10% of shark species are bioluminescent – they light up in the dark</li>
<li>180 species of shark live off the coast of Australia &#8211; 400 species worldwide</li>
<li>Bull sharks can live in fresh and salt water</li>
<li>Some sharks lay eggs (oviparous) others give birth to live young (viviparous), and some are a combination of these two, they start life inside their mother as an egg, hatch inside her and then are born live (ovoviviparous)</li>
<li>Egg laying sharks lay egg cases known as mermaid’s purses</li>
<li>Unlike humans, sharks breathe through gills, so their nostrils are purely dedicated to smelling</li>
<li>Sharks are able to detect blood from 5 km</li>
<li>Sharks can identify which of their two nostrils have picked up a scent – enabling them to determine the direction to swim to find food</li>
<li>Some species of shark can survive for up to 3 months between meals</li>
<li>Sharks can sense vibrations from 3 kilometres away</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h2><strong>What Can I Do to Help Protect Sharks?</strong></h2>
<ul>
<li>Educate yourself and your friends</li>
<li>Share your love of sharks on your social media channels</li>
<li>Join a volunteer shark conservation organisation like <em><strong><a href="http://sharkconservationorg.au">sharkconservationorg.au</a>, </strong></em><strong><em>marineconservation.org.au, seashepherd.com.au</em></strong> (make a donation if you can)</li>
<li>Join a beach clean or just clean as you go!</li>
<li>Buy sustainable seafood and check restaurants have done so. Avoid flake at the Fish &amp; Chip shop as it may be endangered shark</li>
<li>Ask politicians to support ocean acidification research</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Ocean Life Education is passionate about protecting all marine animals and focusing on the important role sharks play in our oceans.  We aim to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the most feared fish in the sea.</strong></p>
<p>Check out our <strong>Shark Discovery Program</strong> for more information on how to inspire kids to love and respect sharks: <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/holiday-program/">www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/holiday-program/ </a></p>
<h4>Want to know more about Amazing Australian Shark Facts?</h4>
<h4><a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/courses/amazingsharks" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignleft wp-image-2562 size-thumbnail" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png" alt="online shark course" width="150" height="150" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-150x150.png 150w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-300x300.png 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-768x768.png 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-624x624.png 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-400x400.png 400w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square-50x50.png 50w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Logo-square.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px" /></a></h4>
<h4>Check out our <a href="https://oceanlifeeducation.thinkific.com/courses/amazingsharks"><span style="color: #01cdff;">Amazing Sharks Online Course</span></a></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<h4>We hope you enjoyed reading out blog: Amazing Australian Shark Facts</h4>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/australian-shark-facts/">Sharks Down Under – Amazing Australian Shark Facts</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>The High Price of Peace of Mind</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/the-high-price-of-peace-of-mind/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:08:42 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Queensland Shark Nets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[shark nets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=1343</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>We Aussies love our beaches – in the warmer months the coastline has a magnetic pull, drawing us to the sand, sea and surf in our thousands. But while the thought of a refreshing ocean dip might be appealing, the concept of potentially coming face to face with one of our most feared predators has [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/the-high-price-of-peace-of-mind/">The High Price of Peace of Mind</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/the-high-price-of-peace-of-mind/great-hamerhead-20130203-0301/" rel="attachment wp-att-1345"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class=" wp-image-1345" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="543" height="362" srcset="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead-624x416.jpg 624w, https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/hammerhead.jpg 960w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 543px) 100vw, 543px" /></a></p>
<p>We Aussies love our beaches – in the warmer months the coastline has a magnetic pull, drawing us to the sand, sea and surf in our thousands.</p>
<p>But while the thought of a refreshing ocean dip might be appealing, the concept of potentially coming face to face with one of our most feared predators has prompted officials to take drastic action.</p>
<p>Shark nets have been deployed off the shoreline of the east coast for more than 80 years.  But they offer a false sense of security.  Stretching less than 200 metres long and extending down only 6 metres, these mesh barriers are at best a deterrent and certainly don’t make beaches attack proof.</p>
<p>Sharks can get under, over or around them, and as it turns out, more are caught on the shore side of the net when they’re heading back out to sea, than when they’re swimming towards shore.</p>
<p>The holes in the mesh are around 50 centimetres across – large enough to let small animals pass through, but the perfect size for trapping bigger species.</p>
<p>Turtles, dolphins and rays are common victims of the nets – becoming entangled and drowning or starving to death.  A major concern is the ensnaring of humpback whales on their journey back to Antarctica after their annual breeding season in the tropics.</p>
<p>Calves in particular are easy prey – in just over a decade 55 have been caught in the shark nets, including one off Noosa in late September this year.  Another swam down to Sydney with the remnants of a Queensland net still wrapped around its mouth.</p>
<p>But the toll on the animals targeted by these barriers is far greater. In 2017 alone, more than 500 sharks were caught in the nets off Queensland – 377 died, more than 100 others had to be euthanised – only 20 were released.</p>
<p>Amongst the victims were grey nurse sharks which are classified as critically endangered and pose no real threat to us.  The vast majority of species share the sea quite peacefully with people – only a handful of sharks are responsible for fatal attacks on humans.</p>
<p>Just to put it all into perspective, on average one person a year is killed by a shark in Australia, as opposed to 5 dying from falling out of bed, 10 struck down by lightning or perhaps the most sobering, more than 1,100 taken on our roads.</p>
<p>Shark attacks are extremely rare and there is no scientific evidence to prove that nets protect humans.  What we do know is the attempt to keep us safe is killing marine life indiscriminately.</p>
<p>Removing so many animals, including apex predators, will have an impact on  local marine ecosystems – but we won’t be able to calculate that cost until far too late.</p>
<p>Marine biologist, Holly Richmond, feels so passionately about the need to remove all nets, she’s created a video:  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/THESHARKNETFILM/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.thesharknetfilm.com</a></p>
<p>Ocean Life Education is passionate about protecting all marine animals and focusing on the important role sharks play in our oceans.  For more information about our programs including our Shark Discovery presentation visit: <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/programs/</a></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/the-high-price-of-peace-of-mind/">The High Price of Peace of Mind</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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		<title>A Shout out to Sharks</title>
		<link>https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-shout-out-for-sharks/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[oceanlifeeducation]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jun 2019 23:48:56 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sharks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[holiday programs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[marine biology]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[science incursion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sharks]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/?p=1312</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>They are the most feared, yet the most misunderstood, of all marine animals – apex predators that pre-date the dinosaurs by an estimated 200 million years. Of the almost 500 species of sharks swimming in our oceans, only a handful are the complex killers we hear about on the news – the majority have a [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-shout-out-for-sharks/">A Shout out to Sharks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-shout-out-for-sharks/shark-300x171-1-2/" rel="attachment wp-att-1315"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-1315" src="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/shark-300x171-1-300x171.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="171" /></a>They are the most feared, yet the most misunderstood, of all marine animals – apex predators that pre-date the dinosaurs by an estimated 200 million years.</p>
<p>Of the almost 500 species of sharks swimming in our oceans, only a handful are the complex killers we hear about on the news – the majority have a far more sensitive side.</p>
<p>The reality is sharks don’t have a mean bone in their body… in fact they have no bones at all! Their skeletons are comprised of cartilage which is flexible and lightweight – allowing some to reach speeds of close to 100 kilometres an hour.</p>
<p>But while their sleek, race car bodies have helped them to survive for so long, ironically, it is also contributing to their downfall. Shark cartilage is used in beauty treatments and alternate medicines – a part of the reason 100 million of them are killed every year by humans.</p>
<p>It seems we have a love/hate relationship with these fish – while movies like Jaws are enough to keep some of us high and dry on the sand during a trip to the beach, others go to great lengths to absorb nutrients from sharks, adopting an eat or be eaten approach.</p>
<p>Shark fin soup is a delicacy in Asia and demand for the prestige product has led to the decimation of some species including the scalloped hammerhead. The process of removing the dorsal fin from a live animal is illegal in Australian waters, but the practise is difficult to police.</p>
<p>But what many of us miss in our obsession with sharks, is some of their truly extraordinary abilities. Unlike humans, they breathe through gills, so their nostrils are purely dedicated to smelling. Their sense is so refined, they can detect one drop of blood in 100 litres of water. Even more astounding is they can identify which of their two nostrils picked up the scent to determine the direction to swim to track their prey.</p>
<p>But it’s not just smell they’re tuned into &#8211; their ability to pick up on electrical impulse and vibrations is so acute, they can sense a Double A battery from 3 kilometres away. And while these skills are designed to help them locate food, some species can survive for up to 3 months between meals – the ultimate fasting regime!</p>
<p>Apart from their unparalleled skill in sensing their next feast, sharks are also well equipped to chow down their catch. They are known for their multiple rows of razor sharp teeth – and it appears they have an endless supply. While humans have one set of large teeth to last a lifetime, many species of sharks can grow tens of thousands, quickly replacing any that have gone blunt and fallen out.</p>
<p>And while this may seem terrifying to us, the reality is we are not on their menu. Attacks on humans are generally a case of mistaken identity – surfers are the most common target, mimicking the shape of a seal on the surface. While it may be of little comfort, statistically, you are more likely to be killed by a falling coconut or a flying champagne cork than to be taken by a shark.</p>
<p>Ocean Life Education runs a Shark Discovery program that helps to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the most feared fish in the sea. It is one of our most popular presentations as we explore all the fascinating features that make these apex predators such effective hunters yet strangely vulnerable at the same time.</p>
<p>When all the hype and hysteria is removed, it is easy to see how sharks play a vital role in maintaining balance in the marine eco-system. Deep down, (and also on the surface of their snout!), they really are quite sensitive.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au/a-shout-out-for-sharks/">A Shout out to Sharks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.oceanlifeeducation.com.au">Ocean Life Education</a>.</p>
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