Sharks: Magnificent and Misunderstood

Published on 11 December 2014

What springs to mind when you think of sharks? Killers? Terrifying films?

A University of St Andrews marine biologist, whose career involves studying these magnificent fish, will give a fascinating and animated talk on the subject of sharks at Dundee Science Centre this weekend (Sunday 14 December 2014).

Sharks are some of the most feared and misunderstood creatures on the planet. However, they really pose little threat to humans and are in fact declining in some places because of overfishing.

Dr Yannis Papastamatiou, a Research Fellow in the School of Biology will discuss the remarkable diversity of sharks, why they are important to the environment and why it is crucial that we help protect them. He will also explain why we should not fear sharks and what they can tell us about the oceans.

Dr Papastamatiou said, “Sharks have been around for 400 million years and represent a fascinating group of marine predators. They play an important role in the oceans; rather than being feared they should be respected.”

The talk, which is suitable for a family audience, will be held at 2pm and is included as part of normal entry.

Dundee Science Centre is open daily from 10am-5pm. For further information, please telephone 01382 228800 or visit www.dundeesciencecentre.org.uk.

ENDS