Sharks Forever: The Mystery and History of the Planet’s Perfect Predator

Due to irrational fear created by movies, myths and misinformation, sharks have always faced a tough challenge in their association with humans. Author Mark Leiren-Young understands most people’s pervasive fear of sharks because he’s experienced it himself. He credits filmmaker and passionate shark enthusiast, Rob Stewart, who died in a diving accident in 2017, with turning his attitude around and inspiring him to promote positive messages about sharks. The book is dedicated to Stewart—and to the curious reader wanting to learn the truth about sharks.

Twelve chapters present a wealth of fascinating research about sharks, offering everything from history of shark “accidents”, physiology, intelligence, new discoveries, stories of up-close and personal encounters with sharks by scientists and filmmakers, the biggest and oldest species, common myths perpetuated by sensational films, and real threats to today’s sharks. Chapter 10 focuses largely on Stewart and his work to support shark conservation, and there are numerous other references to Stewart throughout the book. Each chapter is introduced by a quote from a scientist, celebrity or author. Chapter 6 is especially interesting, sharing stories about several people who have spent time swimming with sharks and getting to know their surprisingly friendly personalities.

The final chapter discusses attempts to stop the abuse of sharks, taken as bycatch by the commercial fishing industry as well as sport fishers, and the mislabeling of shark meat as other fish on menus. The decline of coral reefs and the proliferation of plastic pollution, both threats to sharks, are described. A dozen ‘tools’ for readers to consider that will help to save sharks and the seas are described: e.g. avoid buying creams and lotions containing squalene (shark oil), donate to groups fighting for sharks, find out what can be done about climate change in your community, fight galeophobia (fear of sharks). The “Resources” list includes organizations that support shark conservation as well as recent films that raise awareness about the status of sharks.

Inserts called “Shark Bites” add many details to extend the information in the main text. The font size is quite small in some of these lengthy inserts. “Sharks!” are shorter inserts about species of special interest. As well, the book is filled with dynamic well-captioned photos, with a full-page color shot to begin each chapter. A detailed half-page chart of the IUCN Red List Categories is included, but, with the few references to it, one wonders how a young reader would use it here.

The writing style is conversational and peppered with amazing facts to grab a reader’s attention: e.g. whale sharks have denticles (sharp scales) on their eyeballs. With so many additions on each page (photos, captions, inserts), Sharks Forever requires a slow read to absorb all the information. The chapters are short, and focused, however. The proposed Index will help readers zero in on specifics.

If you weren’t a fan of sharks before reading Sharks Forever, you will undoubtedly come away with a new perspective. This up-to-date and comprehensive book will go a long way in convincing readers of the value of one of the world’s top predators and its rightful place in ocean ecosystems.