Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

The decline of certain shark populations poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and biodiversity. Despite their potential for maintaining ocean health, sharks continue to be misunderstood and face numerous threats, such as overfishing and habitat degradation. Communicating the importance of shark conservation to the broader public is a challenging task. My Capstone project leverages storytelling, rather than solely presenting scientific data, to connect people to the world of shark conservation and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect these vital creatures. Storytelling has the ability to evoke emotions, increase knowledge, and inspire action, serving as an essential tool for passing down wisdom across generations. By embracing storytelling, we can challenge misconceptions and foster a deeper understanding of sharks' ecological and economic significance.

My film, "Beyond the Bite," highlights the importance of shark conservation. It addresses the negative portrayal of sharks in the media, particularly since the release of Jaws, which has fueled fear and misunderstanding. Through the film, I call on viewers to participate in shark conservation, emphasizing that anyone can contribute to these efforts, not just scientists. The film features personal stories and insights from a diverse group of individuals based in San Diego, including a marine biologist, a drone photographer, a tattoo artist, and the CEO of a non-profit organization focused on ocean conservation. By showcasing the various ways local San Diegans are involved in shark conservation, the film provides a comprehensive view of the multifaceted efforts in this field. "Beyond the Bite" aims to highlight the positive contributions of these changemakers and inspire viewers to engage in conservation efforts. Given that personal motivation and connections are crucial for engaging the public in environmental issues, this project aims to spark curiosity and empower the audience to take action in support of shark conservation.

Please see media created for this project here: https://youtu.be/rXsWIbf58Jk