Silky shark at Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
© Christian Vizl/Tandem Stills + Motion
Shark Awareness Day - A fin-tastic day
Ready to take the plunge? Today we're diving into the oceans to celebrate Shark Awareness Day. These misunderstood predators have been roaming the Seven Seas for millennia. The first sharks evolved some 439 million years ago—200 million years before the dinosaurs appeared. Today, there are over 500 species of shark, a third of which are now endangered. For many years, sharks suffered from a reputation as dangerous to humans. They've also been hunted for their skin, fins and meat. But this is starting to change. Many organisations around the world are working to change attitudes, helping people recognise the important role sharks play in ocean life and how they need to be protected.
In today's image, we can see a silky shark in the waters off Cuba. Found in tropical waters around the world, these predators feed on bony fish and will work in groups to trap and eat tuna. They're one of the most common sharks in the ocean, but their numbers are now rapidly declining. This situation is a clear reminder of why events like Shark Awareness Day are so important.