Shark Awareness Day

Joan Agie
Dec 22, 2023 By Joan Agie
Originally Published on Feb 04, 2022
Learn about Shark Awareness Day with us.

Where is Shark Awareness Day celebrated?

 This day is celebrated in July all over the world to protect these Endangered species.

Who is Shark Awareness Day celebrated by?

The universal population celebrates this day: particularly animal welfare and environment activists, volunteers, and enthusiasts.

When did Shark Awareness Day first start?

 This information is unknown as the exact origin story of the day has not come out yet.

Who started Shark Awareness Day?

 The originator of this day has not been known because nobody has stepped forward to claim the credit.

History And Timeline

Now that you know when Shark Awareness Day is, learn some more about its related history here!

Initial Records Of Sharks

Sharks first appeared during the Devonian Period, often known as the Age of Fishes.

420 MYA

Sea Dogs

In the fishing community, sharks were known as 'sea dogs' (this term still applies to many shark species today).

16th Century

Traps For Sharks

Mesh was used on Australian public beaches to trap sharks before attacking people, presuming they would.

1957

Annihilation Of Sharks

Every year, at least 100 million sharks are killed only because people are afraid of them.

21st Century

Traditions And Customs

 On Shark Awareness Day in July, museums all around the world offer educational awareness events to inform people about the importance of sharks in keeping a healthy ocean ecosystem balance.

At the top of the marine food chain, sharks maintain the system's balance in the environment by removing weak and diseased individuals of ocean fish species that become their prey.

Ways To Observe Or Celebrate Shark Awareness Day

The day is about reducing stigma and spreading the word, so learning more about these sea animals is one of the best ways to commemorate the occasion.

You can visit a shark research institute for a plethora of study materials, borrow books from your local bookshop, and see what movies are available in your country. Also, feel free to share what you've learned with others to help dispel myths about these misunderstood species.

By doing your part, you may also assist in protecting sharks. Avoid shark-related things as much as possible: shark fin stew is obvious, but many cosmetics, such as makeup and soap, include chemicals originating from shark liver tissues. Then there are suede items, such as wallets and belts, which may be produced from shark skin, called 'shagreen.'

To aid in the fight against overfishing and bycatch, try to restrict your food consumption or make absolutely sure it is provided responsibly and securely.

And, if you're genuinely concerned about sharks, why not join the fight against the finning of sharks and wasteful slaughtering? Make an appeal, send a letter, host an event, take action.

Facts And Stats

  • Although Shark Awareness Day is believed to have originated in the United States, it hasn't been proven. The day's objectives are to save against the extinction of these aquatic animals worldwide.
  • Shark numbers have decreased by more than 70% in the last 50 years as a result of human actions, which is a terrible loss to the ocean's biodiversity. Because of this, Shark Awareness Day is an important day to celebrate, as it emphasizes the need to protect these sea animals' dwindling populations. The purpose of the day is to reduce fear stigma and spread knowledge about this species.
  • Shark Awareness Day, which we celebrate in July, is celebrated for one of the world's oldest ocean creatures, with fossil records dating back to roughly 100 million years, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs!

Why is Shark Awareness Day celebrated?

Sharks are essential players in the marine environment ecology, helping to keep everything in balance. As a result, the world commemorates this day on July 14 every year. Animals of the oceans urge you to understand the importance of how critical it is to protect sharks.

What is the significance of Shark Awareness Day?

This day in July strives to dispel the myths, stigmas, and misconceptions that surround sharks, and also raise awareness of the importance of sharks and the threat of extinction they face, and inspire millions around the world to act immediately in their defense.

How is Shark Awareness Day different from International Whale Shark Day?

August 30 is International Whale Shark Day, which honors whale sharks and their population. At the same time, Shark Awareness Day is about spreading knowledge about all sharks and protecting them.

Why are sharks so important?

Sharks play a vital role in the oceans' ecosystems as apex predators, balancing the food chain and functioning as an indication of ocean health.

What are sharks afraid of?

Sharks are widely regarded as one of the ocean's top apex predators, however despite this renowned status, most sharks prefer to avoid all contact with one marine mammal in particular: Dolphins. Also, sharks, like every other animal, are terrified of anything that may harm them.

This is why they only fight if they believe they are continually being threatened. Orcas are avoided by white sharks for some reason. They generally avoid any areas where orcas are known to be present.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Tuesday, July 14, 2020
  • Wednesday, July 14, 2021
  • Thursday, July 14, 2022
  • Friday, July 14, 2023
  • Sunday, July 14, 2024

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Sources

https://www.sharktrust.org/blog/shark-awareness-day

https://nationaltoday.com/shark-awareness-day/

https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/shark-awareness-day/#:~:text=Shark Awareness Day (July 14th) – Days Of The Year

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Written by Joan Agie

Bachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

Joan Agie picture

Joan AgieBachelor of Science specializing in Human Anatomy

With 3+ years of research and content writing experience across several niches, especially on education, technology, and business topics. Joan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Anatomy from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria, and has worked as a researcher and writer for organizations across Nigeria, the US, the UK, and Germany. Joan enjoys meditation, watching movies, and learning new languages in her free time.

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