The Great White Shark

The white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), also known as the great white, is probably the most famous of all sharks. It is the largest meat-eating fish on earth today (except plankton eaters) and is known for its aggressive behavior and sometimes fatal attacks on swimmers and surfers. However, contrary to what the movie "Jaws" might lead you to believe, attacks on humans are rare and victims are not eaten; fortunately the great white doesn't seem to …

…r as soup additives as part of the Shark fin trade. As a result, up to 200 million sharks of different species are killed annually. It's time that the popular myths about the Great White and other sharks are debunked. Information about the vital role these animals play in aquatic ecosystems must be presented to the public. It is only with better understanding of sharks that we can begin to truly value their importance.