Here are 10 things everyone should know about sharks:

JAWS wasn’t a documentary. 2025 is the 50^th anniversary of this classic movie yet sadly it remains a reference point for so many people’s beliefs and attitudes towards sharks. And it’s hard to convince someone to respect and admire a creature that terrifies them.

Sharks come in all shapes and sizes. In fact, there are over 500 different species of sharks. Some, like the Greenland shark can live for 500 years while others glow in the dark. Some give birth to live pups, while others lay eggs. There are around 20 species of sharks off the coast of the UK, including the second biggest – the basking shark – the fastest – the shortfin mako – and the closest cousin to the great white – the porbeagle.

Sharks are older than trees. Sharks have been swimming in our oceans for 450 million years. That means that sharks predate trees and dinosaurs, making them one of the oldest living species on earth. Due to overfishing, scientists suggest that some shark species could become extinct by 2048.

Sharks Have Multiple Sets of Teeth. Sharks have several rows of teeth that are constantly replaced throughout their lives. Some species can lose and regrow over 30,000 teeth in a lifetime!

They Play an Essential Role in Marine Ecosystems. As apex predators, sharks help regulate populations of other marine animals, preventing overpopulation and maintaining the balance of marine life.

Sharks Have Remarkable Senses. Sharks have excellent hearing, can detect electromagnetic fields, and have an incredibly sharp sense of smell. They can even sense the tiniest electrical impulses emitted by prey, which helps them locate food.

Very few Sharks Are Dangerous. While some species (like the great white and bull sharks) have a reputation for being dangerous, most sharks are not a threat to humans. In fact, humans are far more dangerous to sharks than the other way around.

Sharks Are Vital for Human Economies. Shark tourism, such as diving or eco-tourism experiences, generates billions of dollars globally.

They Can Live a Long Time. Depending on the species, sharks can live anywhere from 20 years to over 400 years. The Greenland shark, for example, is believed to be the longest-living vertebrate on Earth.

Sharks Are Endangered. Many shark species are at risk due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and the demand for shark fins. Conservation efforts are critical to ensure their survival.