Researcher takes aim at shark myths

SHARKS have long been cast as villains of the ocean, but marine scientist Louisa Graf says the reality is far more interesting.

The Geelong researcher is working to challenge misconceptions about sharks and rays and help people feel more comfortable sharing the water with them.

A PhD candidate at Deakin University, Graf studies the movements and behaviours of more than 50 sharks and rays in Port Phillip Bay, tracking where they go, what they eat and the role they play in local ecosystems.

“The diversity of sharks and rays is so wide down here,” she said.

“There are tons of sharks out there that are mesopredators and help to balance out our local food web and sit in the middle of the food chain.

“Port Jackson sharks are one of the more beautiful ones. They’ve got a gorgeous harness pattern on them and they like to almost cuddle each other to stay warm.”

Gummy sharks were another favourite.

 

“They look more like a general shark that we get down here, but they don’t cause any harm,” Graf said.

Through years spent both in the field and the laboratory, Graf said she had learned that understanding sharks and rays often helped replace fear with appreciation.

“My job is to subconsciously break the stigma without even talking about it,” she said. “We start thinking of all the lovely sharks and rays rather than going to worst case scenario.

“I really like to shine a light on the sharks and rays that we share our oceans with, and how important they are for the functioning of our ecosystems.

“We wouldn’t be able to swim in a beautiful ocean and enjoy these habitats without these species keeping it all together for us.”

To mark World Ocean Week, which runs until 8 June, Graf will join ocean conservationist Shannon Hurley and freedive instructor James Cini for a myth-busting conversation about sharks and rays on 11 June.

The event will be held at Ocean Grind in Torquay and is aimed at surfers, open-water swimmers and anyone curious about the marine environment.

Tickets cost $10, with all proceeds going to the Victorian National Parks Association.

The event will run from 6pm to 8pm. For tickets, head to Eventbrite.