Look out, shark incoming!!! Now that you’re aware, happy Shark Awareness Day! This is a tiger shark, one of the “big three” most feared species, alongside bull sharks and great whites. While a healthy respect for these animals is warranted, understanding their behaviour and role in the ecosystem makes the ocean safer for people and sharks alike. Sharks are a keystone species, playing an outsized role in marine food webs by keeping other populations in balance. A healthy shark population is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Sharks are instinctual, and humans are not on the menu. They’re drawn to splashing and thrashing, which mimics wounded prey. Standing your ground and making eye contact tells an approaching shark you’re not prey, and if one gets too close, placing a fin, camera, or a firm push between you can end the encounter safely. The more we learn about sharks, the more we realize there isn’t as much to fear as once believed, as long as they’re given the respect they deserve....