Shark Month highlights the importance of ocean conservation

While shark sightings often grab headlines during the summer, marine experts at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium say Shark Month is an opportunity to focus on the critical role sharks play in keeping oceans healthy.

Sharks have existed for more than 450 million years, surviving five mass extinctions and outliving the dinosaurs. Today, however, many species face growing threats from human activity, including overfishing, bycatch, habitat loss, pollution and the shark fin trade.

According to the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, sharks are essential to maintaining balanced marine ecosystems that support coral reefs, fisheries and overall ocean health.

The center says conservation efforts have led to encouraging signs of recovery for several shark species in Florida, demonstrating that conservation measures can be effective. Still, officials say continued education and protection remain important.

Healthy shark populations also have an economic impact in Florida. Shark-related ecotourism generates billions of dollars for coastal communities through activities such as scuba diving and wildlife viewing. The center says roughly one-third of all scuba dive time booked in Florida is specifically for shark observation. Researchers are also studying sharks for potential biomedical applications.

The Cox Science Center and Aquarium says its mission is to replace fear with understanding through conservation education. The nonprofit serves more than 300,000 students, teachers and visitors each year, including about 130,000 through field trips and classroom outreach. Guests can take part in shark-themed educational programs, touch experiences and presentations designed to teach the importance of shark conservation.

The center is also preparing for a major expansion scheduled to open next year. Plans include increasing the aquarium from 10,000 gallons to 160,000 gallons with floor-to-ceiling aquatic habitats, expanded classrooms, a wet lab and interactive exhibits. Officials expect educational programming to grow to more than 261,000 students annually, with nearly three-quarters of those students coming from Title I schools.

As part of Shark Month, the Cox Science Center encourages the public to learn more about sharks and ocean conservation through its exhibits, educational programs and upcoming aquarium expansion.

Jake Rosner, vice president of aquarium operations at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, is scheduled to discuss Shark Month during a live interview on ARC Florida on Thursday, July 23 at the 9 a.m. hour. During the segment, Rosner plans to showcase shark artifacts, including a large shark jaw, shark teeth and a stingray barb, while discussing why shark conservation matters. Be sure to tune in!