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What inspired you to get involved in shark conservation?

Experiencing the disconnect between how sharks behave in reality and how they’re portrayed in media inspired me. After diving with sharks for years and studying their body language, I realized fear was driving unnecessary killing. I knew education and experience could inspire respect and protection.

 My work with One Ocean Diving and my courses focus on teaching people how to safely and respectfully interact with sharks. It all stems from a deep passion to protect them through knowledge.

Can you tell me about your background and how it connects to marine/shark conservation?

Growing up with every pet imaginable, and spending the majority of my youth out in nature, interacting with wildlife under the guidance of my parents, who are both swimmers and divers, also helped me develop and likely heightened sensitivity to the communicative behaviors of other species. It also allowed me to gain experience working with larger species at an early age. A lifetime in the water has given me personal experience and awareness of the negative changes that have happened to the ocean and marine life because of human impacts. 

I also have an academic background in behavioral sciences and marine biology, though I credit the animals with teaching me everything that really matters. I’ve helped conducted research on shark behavior around the world (learn more about my noninvasive research at OneOceanresearch.Org.) My work with One Ocean Diving and my courses focus on teaching people how to safely and respectfully interact with sharks. It all stems from a deep passion to protect them through knowledge.

What have you witnessed regarding changes to shark populations over the years?

In many regions I revisit for research or dives, shark populations have plummeted or disappeared. Some species have declined by over 90% due to human impact. It’s heartbreaking because most people don’t even realize it’s happening.

What are the main threats to sharks currently?

The biggest threats are overfishing, the shark fin trade, bycatch, culling, entanglement and habitat destruction. But fear and misinformation are just as dangerous—they are the core reason that prevents most of the public from supporting conservation. Sharks are being wiped out faster than they can reproduce.

How can we stop these threats from completely killing sharks?

We need global bans on finning, stricter fishing regulations, and widespread education. Supporting shark ecotourism gives communities a reason to keep sharks alive. And through education, people realize sharks aren’t monsters—they’re misunderstood animals vital to ocean health.

How significant is the impact of shark finning globally?

Shark finning is devastating, with up to 100 million sharks killed annually. It's a wasteful and brutal practice often driven by demand in just a few countries. Many are killed solely for their fins and discarded alive, which is horrific and unsustainable.

How do commercial fishing practices, like bycatch, affect sharks?

Bycatch kills millions of sharks unintentionally every year. Longlines, gillnets, and trawling catch sharks even when they’re not the target. Because sharks mature slowly and have few young, even incidental catch has long-term effects on populations.

Are climate change and ocean pollution affecting sharks? If so, how?

Yes—sharks are impacted by changing ocean temperatures, shifting prey distributions, and habitat degradation. Pollution, especially plastic, enters their food chains, and toxins build up in their bodies. These stressors affect their health, migration, and reproduction.

How does misinformation/fear surrounding sharks contribute to their decline?

Sharks are vilified in media, which creates fear and drives destructive policies like culling. In truth, you’re more likely to be injured by a coconut than a shark. My safety course teaches people how to interpret shark body language and stay safe, which replaces fear with knowledge.

What are some of the most effective strategies currently being used to protect sharks?

Education is one of the strongest tools we have. Through public outreach, safety courses, and firsthand experience with sharks, we help people fall in love with them. Legal protections, bans on finning, and marine protected areas also play vital roles.

Are marine protected areas/conservation areas working for shark populations? Why or why not?

When properly enforced, protected areas help shark populations recover and thrive. The challenge is that many aren't large enough or enforced effectively. But we’ve seen positive change where communities and governments commit to real protection.

Why is it important for people to care about sharks?

Sharks are apex predators, meaning they keep ocean ecosystems in balance. Healthy shark populations support coral reefs, fish stocks, and ocean health overall. Protecting sharks is about protecting the entire ocean and our planet’s future.

What are the biggest misconceptions about sharks?

That they’re mindless killers—when in reality, they’re intelligent, curious, and communicative. People also think all sharks are dangerous, but there are over 500 species and only a few pose any risk. Most bites are cases of mistaken identity or poor visibility.

How can everyday people help protect sharks and the oceans?

Start by learning and sharing the truth—awareness creates change. Avoid single-use plastics, don’t support shark products, and speak up for ocean-friendly policies. You can also support responsible ecotourism and nonprofits working on the frontlines. Check out my Blog on 10 ways to Help Save Sharks. 

How do you think documentaries and media influence the public's view of sharks?

Media can either inspire awe or instill fear. Positive documentaries help people see sharks for what they truly are—important, intelligent animals worth protecting. That shift in perception can change everything.

Please check out the film we helped make, the director saved someone’s life because of the information that we had shared. Watch “Saving Jaws Movie” on youtube for free at: https://youtu.be/w8zr1aS6T4A?si=w0m0pDBjg26v1iTj

Links to my Books: “What You Should Know About Sharks” and “My Shark Teachers” as well as links to my online course and free advanced shark diver series vids are on my website with more information on ways to help save sharks: OceanRamsey.Org