Let ’ s drop the toaster
Shark Trust MD Paul Cox argues that changing the traditional narrative is key when it comes to defending the reputation of sharks
Robo-Jel ’ s resonance
Scientists at the Universities of Southampton and Edinburgh have developed a small robotic device based on the propulsion technique of the moon jellyfish , Aurelia aurita . Sometimes touted as nature ’ s most efficient swimmer , the moon jelly is known for swimming efficiently through the ocean [ albeit while also using currents - Editor ].
Much like the jelly , the robot uses resonance for propulsion - a series of large vibrations that occur when applying a force at the ideal pressure . The scientists mimicked the resonance technique of the jelly by creating a rubber membrane enclosing eight 3D-printed flexible ribs , which together form a propulsive bell . A tiny piston in the head of the robot hits a bell rapidly , causing the rubber membrane to vibrate which creates the thrust .
Tests show this method of swimming is , for a robot , up to fifty times more efficient than traditional underwater vehicles powered by propellers . It is hoped the technique could be used for autonomous underwater vehicles exploring the deep ocean with minimal power .
There ’ s this thing that bothers me . And I ’ ve decided not to keep it to myself anymore .
Sharks have a certain … reputation . Many of us get frustrated with the ‘ Monster Shark ’ myth . So , we fight back . We challenge the misunderstandings .
I ’ ve seen them all . Toasters , hippos , vending machines , selfies , bees , mosquitos and let ’ s not forget , the deadly coconut – all statistically more deadly than sharks . We ’ ve had a bit of fun with it . But behind the fun is our serious desire to challenge the over-emphasis on “ shark attacks ” in the media .
“ Shark attacks kill 12 people each year , while humans kill millions of sharks ”. Every time I come across a version of this – online , in an aquarium , on TV , in presentations – it makes me shudder . Because statistically this might well be true . But fear isn ’ t cured by numbers . And there ’ s a message hidden in those well-meaning words : “ Sharks attack and kill people ”. Is that really what we want people to take away ?
When Nixon famously declared : “ I am not a crook ”, it made people immediately think “ he ’ s a crook ”. When we repeat an opponent ’ s unhelpful position , even to refute it , we ’ re still reinforcing it . I think this is the mistake we ’ re making with the shark thing .
So , what should we do ? Well firstly , we should focus on what ’ s good about sharks . Talk about them as a diverse group , talk about their incredible biology . And talk about positive experiences that we ’ ve had with them . Nobody is better placed to do this than divers .
But if the old a��ack line comes up , Chris Pepin-Neff offers some advice . He ’ s been working for many years on reframing the issue . He suggests that the word “ attack ” is too toxic and has to be avoided .
“ The words shark attack can create a perception of a premeditated crime , lowering the public ’ s threshold for accepting shark bite incidents as random acts of nature . The narrative establishes villains and victims , cause and effect , perceptions of public risk and a problem to be solved ”. By using those words , regardless of what else we say , we ’ re strengthening that narrative .
So , let ’ s refuse to say it . Let ’ s refuse to “ defend ” sharks with silly statistics . If we want people to stop talking about shark attacks , we all need to stop talking about shark attacks . Completely . So , drop the toaster stuff and move on . Share positive experiences , talk about what ’ s great about sharks . Don ’ t follow the narrative , change it .
www . sharktrust . org but unfortunately a number of fish escaped .
“ All the members of our team at Portree are extremely disappointed , particularly given they have worked so diligently to maintain an excellent containment record at the site .”
The Scottish Salmon Producers Organisation ( SSPO ) said predation attacks continued to have a significant impact on fish health and welfare . The organisation said recent legislation had reduced the methods available to fish farmers to manage the problem , including a ban on the use of ‘ lethal controls ’, a change that came into effect in full at the end of January .
PHOTO : SIMON ROGERSON
A tasseled wobbegong shark rests on table coral in Raja Ampat , Indonesia
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