TOP OF THE FOOD CHAIN

For the last 16 million years, little has changed in the shark world.  For most species, evolution has already honed the creatures that live today.  From the greatest depths of the ocean canyons to the shallows of freshwater rivers, sharks were and continue to be the most dominant predators in the oceans. Elements of this area include:

• 18 foot model of a great white
• Full-size baby great white replica
• Orca skull
• Life-size models of shortfin mako, tiger, thresher, great hammerhead, bronze whaler, blue and several other species of shark
• Real sharks – each about ten feet long – fossilized in ice, frozen in time
• Jaws from great white, bull shark, great hammerhead, tiger sharks and many more species

SHARK ATTACK


There are many theories and ideas about why sharks attack humans – is the violence deliberate or a case of mistaken identity?  Scientists and researchers remain divided. What we do know is that humans have not featured in the diet of great whites until recently. We also know that we give off similar signals to prey types that great whites target such as whales, dolphins and seals. They recognize us as food. But most humans survive great white attacks, begging another question:  Do we just taste bad?  The fascinating Shark Attack portion of the exhibit includes:

• Full-sized model of a bull shark
• Real articles that have been bitten by sharks – including surf boards, wet suits, swimming fins
• Stunning photos from actual shark attacks
• Instructions on how to avoid shark attacks and what to do to survive one

Fears & Phobias

The 1975 film Jaws is the original summer blockbuster. It also is blamed for drops in oceanside tourism and boating in subsequent weeks and months! Peter Benchley, the author of the novel on which the hit film is based, acknowledges that “considering the knowledge accumulated about sharks in the last 25 years, I couldn’t possibly write Jaws today.  Not in good conscience anyway.” He has since become an ardent ocean activist and feels responsible for negative attitudes towards sharks. This area contains:

• Replicas of the cages used to film Jaws – including great white shark jaws
• Diving gear used to film Jaws the movie
• Jaws film memorabilia including posters and a signed first edition novel

THE BIG PICTURE

See amazing life-sized imagery so real you may try to reach right into the screen! Shown in full high definition through a state-of-the-art projection system, The Big Picture features some of the most stunning sequences of sharks ever recorded.

PROTECTION & OBSERVATION

Since researchers, scientists and filmmakers began spending time in close proximity to sharks, the search for ways to stay safe have gained momentum.  From dive cages to chainmail suits to the U.S. Government’s “Shark Chaser Deterrent” developed during World War II, humans have long sought ways to get close without being attacked!  The latest gear includes the Shark Shields or Shark PODs that generate electrical fields. See them all in this fascinating gallery, along with:

• Display of divers in full protective gear
• Lexon shark diving cages
• Chain mail shark suits
• Bubble suits
• Shark pod and scuba tank
• Shark Safe surfer and diver units

SHARK TAGGING & CONSERVATION

Finding out where sharks go and what they do for the vast amount of time they stay hidden from us is vital.  Understanding movement patterns and locating danger areas that we should avoid could save many lives – shark AND human. 

See how researches are able to tag and track these nimble creatures through the greatest depths of the oceans.

PREY – SHARKS UNDER ATTACK

• Bail of fins
• Displays about shark finning
• Shark leather
• Exhibitions on the medical hopes regarding shark cartilage
• Information about the dogfish and the health benefits attributed to it