Sharks: The Ocean’s Most Misunderstood Predator. (Hosted by Eva Makena, Animal IQ)
Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 7:00 PM
· Online Webinar
About this event
On the 26th of May, we gathered for a powerful online discussion that challenged one of the ocean’s biggest misconceptions—the fear surrounding sharks. Through the presentation “Sharks: The Real Story,” participants explored the truth behind these iconic marine predators and discovered why sharks are far more important, intelligent, and misunderstood than many people realize.
The session revealed fascinating insights into shark behavior, highlighting that sharks are not mindless killers as often portrayed in popular media. Participants learned that many shark species display intelligence, social behavior, and remarkable sensory abilities such as electroreception, which allows them to detect tiny electrical signals in the water.
One of the most eye-opening moments came during discussions about shark attacks and public perception. The webinar explored how shark attacks on humans are extremely rare and are often cases of mistaken identity rather than intentional hunting. This sparked thoughtful conversations about how fear and misinformation shape human attitudes toward wildlife.
Participants were also introduced to a wide variety of shark species—from the enormous yet harmless Whale Shark to the mysterious deep-sea Goblin Shark and the ancient Greenland Shark, capable of living for centuries. These discoveries highlighted the incredible diversity hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.
Beyond biology and behavior, the session emphasized the ecological importance of sharks as apex predators that help maintain balance within marine ecosystems. Discussions also addressed the growing threats sharks face, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and the global fin trade, which kills millions of sharks every year.
What made the webinar especially impactful was its ability to transform fear into curiosity and understanding. Participants left with a deeper appreciation for sharks and a stronger awareness that protecting these predators is closely tied to protecting the health of the entire ocean.
The event served as a reminder that conservation often begins by questioning what we think we know—and being willing to discover the real story beneath the surface.
The session revealed fascinating insights into shark behavior, highlighting that sharks are not mindless killers as often portrayed in popular media. Participants learned that many shark species display intelligence, social behavior, and remarkable sensory abilities such as electroreception, which allows them to detect tiny electrical signals in the water.
One of the most eye-opening moments came during discussions about shark attacks and public perception. The webinar explored how shark attacks on humans are extremely rare and are often cases of mistaken identity rather than intentional hunting. This sparked thoughtful conversations about how fear and misinformation shape human attitudes toward wildlife.
Participants were also introduced to a wide variety of shark species—from the enormous yet harmless Whale Shark to the mysterious deep-sea Goblin Shark and the ancient Greenland Shark, capable of living for centuries. These discoveries highlighted the incredible diversity hidden beneath the ocean’s surface.
Beyond biology and behavior, the session emphasized the ecological importance of sharks as apex predators that help maintain balance within marine ecosystems. Discussions also addressed the growing threats sharks face, including overfishing, habitat destruction, and the global fin trade, which kills millions of sharks every year.
What made the webinar especially impactful was its ability to transform fear into curiosity and understanding. Participants left with a deeper appreciation for sharks and a stronger awareness that protecting these predators is closely tied to protecting the health of the entire ocean.
The event served as a reminder that conservation often begins by questioning what we think we know—and being willing to discover the real story beneath the surface.