A researcher from Adelaide University is investigating the relationship between shark encounters, public fear, and conservation initiatives. Despite the existence of 500 shark species, global populations have decreased by 70% since the 1970s.
This research aims to utilize virtual reality technology to determine if it can foster a more favorable perception of sharks. On Juliana Gleaves’s desk at Adelaide University, items such as a figurine of Quint from the 1975 film “Jaws” hint at her doctoral research focus. While Ms. Gleaves credits the film with igniting her interest in sharks, she acknowledges its detrimental impact on their public image, particularly in light of the drastic decline in shark populations since the film’s release.
The focus of her work is conservation psychology, with initial findings suggesting that individuals who possess a greater understanding of sharks tend to experience less fear and are more inclined to support conservation efforts. Her ongoing research will further explore how films and media narratives influence public perceptions of sharks.
Additionally, the study will incorporate virtual reality experiences that simulate swimming with sharks in a neutral context, potentially leading to more positive attitudes towards these creatures and increased public concern for their conservation.
In response to the fifth fatal shark attack in 2026 occurring in Perth last month, the fisheries minister of Western Australia has dismissed the idea of a large-scale cull, deeming it inappropriate. However, she did authorize a “catch and kill” directive for the shark involved. In 2025, there were five fatal shark incidents, alongside a total of 23 shark bite occurrences.
Surfers Duncan Chamberlain and Mal Biscoe noted that frequent ocean users tend to have a more realistic understanding of the risks associated with shark attacks. At 74 years old, Mr. Chamberlain has been surfing for over five decades, regularly venturing into the Southern Ocean from Middleton Beach, which is located south of Adelaide.
When encountering sharks while surfing, he follows a “20-minute rule.” “You head to shore for 20 minutes, assuming the sharks are just passing through, and then you return to the water,” Mr. Chamberlain explained. He emphasized that statistics suggest a greater risk exists in driving to the beach than in surfing amidst sharks.
Ms. Gleaves’s preliminary research indicated that surfers are often more worried about sun exposure than shark interactions. Mr. Biscoe, a surf school owner with over 30 years of experience, concurred with this observation. As a firefighter recently returned from combating wildfires in Canada, he instinctively assesses risks. He believes the benefits of surfing far outweigh the risks associated with potential shark encounters.
He estimated having approximately eight shark encounters throughout his life, typically involving harmless species like wobbegong sharks. In one instance, a wobbegong climbed onto his friend’s back while surfing. “We laughed about it and speculated what might have startled it,” he recounted, adding that he has never felt threatened in such situations.
Mr. Biscoe noted that while some surf students express concern about sharks, he reassures them that stepping on a stingray or getting injured by their own surfboards poses a greater risk. Although unsure if surfers prioritize shark conservation over other marine species, he believes they generally exhibit environmental awareness. “Surfers and coastal residents tend to care about the natural environment as a whole, whether it’s sharks, dolphins, whales, rays, or other fish,” he stated.
