Sharks: Misunderstood Monsters or Ocean Heroes?

When most people think of sharks, they imagine sharp teeth, scary music, and scenes from movies like Jaws. But the truth about sharks is far more fascinating—and much more important—than their reputation suggests.

In the July issue of MiniMag, we take young readers beyond the myths and into the real lives of sharks: ancient, diverse, and essential animals that have been swimming Earth’s oceans for over 400 million years. That’s longer than dinosaurs have existed!

The Shark Survival Toolkit

Sharks are perfectly designed for life in the water. Instead of bones, they have skeletons made of cartilage, which is lighter and more flexible. This makes them fast and agile hunters. Most sharks have multiple rows of teeth—some species can go through over 30,000 teeth in their lifetime!

They also have incredible senses. Sharks can smell a single drop of blood in the water from hundreds of metres away. But perhaps their most amazing adaptation is electroreception—the ability to detect tiny electric signals given off by other animals. Special organs called ampullae of Lorenzini allow sharks to sense prey hidden in the sand or lurking in the shadows.

Not All Sharks Are Scary

Despite their fearsome reputation, most sharks are completely harmless to humans. In fact, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning than bitten by a shark.

Some sharks, like the whale shark, are gentle giants that eat nothing but plankton. The basking shark feeds the same way—by swimming with its huge mouth open, filtering microscopic organisms from the water. Others, like the leopard shark or nurse shark, are shy and peaceful bottom-dwellers.

And even the so-called “scary” ones—like great whites or tiger sharks—play a vital role in keeping the ocean ecosystem balanced. As top predators, sharks help control populations of other marine life and prevent the spread of disease.

Shark Photo by David Clode

Why Sharks Need Our Help

Sharks are in trouble. Millions are killed every year for their fins, meat, or simply because people are afraid of them. Many species are now endangered or vulnerable due to overfishing, bycatch (getting caught in nets meant for other fish), and habitat destruction.

Losing sharks would be a disaster for the ocean. Without them, fish populations could grow out of control, coral reefs could suffer, and the entire food web could collapse.

That’s why scientists, conservationists, and even kids around the world are working to protect sharks, change public perception, and help restore the health of our oceans.

According to the Smithsonian Ocean Portal, sharks play a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems. Their decline is not just a shark problem—it’s a global issue that affects everyone who relies on the sea.

Shark Superstars from the July Issue

In MiniMag, readers get to meet some of the ocean’s most amazing shark species, including:

• The great white shark – known for breaching the water in powerful leaps

• The hammerhead – with its unique head shape and wide-set eyes

• The whale shark – the largest fish in the world

• The dwarf lantern shark – a tiny, glowing species found in deep water

• The mako shark – the fastest swimmer of all

• The goblin shark – a deep-sea creature with a retractable jaw and eerie look

Plus, our illustrated shark crossword and fun facts help reinforce learning through play—making it easy for kids to remember what makes these animals so remarkable.

What Can Kids Do?

Helping sharks doesn’t require diving into the ocean. Here are a few simple ways young readers (and their families) can take action:

• Learn and share: Bust shark myths by sharing the facts you’ve learned.

• Reduce plastic use: Plastic pollution harms all ocean life, including sharks.

• Support responsible seafood choices: Overfishing affects shark populations too.

• Follow and support marine conservation groups: Many offer child-friendly ways to get involved.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also provides a wealth of up-to-date, science-based resources on shark species, conservation strategies, and how individuals can make a difference.

To learn more about marine animals and how kids can take care of them, check out our past features:
👉 Ocean Wonders: 10 Cool Sea Creatures You’ve Never Heard Of
👉 Protecting Our Oceans and Fishy Friends

Want more shark facts, images, and hands-on learning?
Check out the full feature in the July 2025 issue of MiniMag. You’ll meet more shark species, explore their incredible adaptations, and discover why protecting them matters now more than ever.

Together, we can help kids see sharks not as villains—but as vital parts of a healthy, thriving ocean.