Join us for a one-hour live online lecture and Q&A exploring Sharks After "Jaws" — Science, Myths & Conservation.
In the second lecture of this three-part series, sharks are examined through the lens of science, media and conservation. Since the release of "Jaws," sharks have often been portrayed as dangerous predators rather than vital components of healthy ocean ecosystems. Join Jason Robertshaw, certified Florida Master Naturalist and Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory, as he explores how public perception shifted in the film’s aftermath and how scientists have worked to counter misconceptions through research and conservation. Drawing on Mote’s involvement in the Global FinPrint project, this lecture explores how shark populations have changed worldwide, why many species are now threatened and how these global data sets inform modern conservation strategies.
This lecture is the first in a series presented through Road Scholar.
- Sharks After "Jaws" — Science, Myths & Conservation
Monday, June 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT - Live from the Shark Habitat — Inside Mote Aquarium
Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
Cost: $25 per lecture
This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar. Participants will not appear on screen but may submit questions live through the Q&A feature. Unless otherwise noted, registration includes access to the live event and a recording available for two weeks after the lecture.
Register: roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/25720/Online-Lecture-Sharks-After--Jaws-Science-Myths-Conservation
Suggested Resources
Interactive Bingo Card: Follow along during the presentation.
https://bingobaker.com#6a26c394fd77fd97
🌐 Websites
- Mote Sharks & Rays Conservation Research mote.org/research/program/sharks-rays-conservation-research
- Save Our Seas: Demian Chapman saveourseas.com/project-leader/demian-chapman
- Global FinPrint globalfinprint.org
- Online Interactive Mote Shark Research Exhibit sway.cloud.microsoft/V6on6yVbhRpFmtVX
- Seafood Watch seafoodwatch.org
📚 Books & Publications
- Why Sharks Matter, Dr. David Shiffman press.jhu.edu/books/title/12267/why-sharks-matter
- Flaws: Shark Bites and Emotional Public Policymaking, link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-10976-9
- Squalus clarkae sp. nov., a new dogfish shark from the Northwest Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico, with comments on the Squalus mitsukurii species complex doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4444.2.1
- Ecological roles and importance of sharks in the Anthropocene Ocean, science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adl2362
- The contemporary economic value of elasmobranchs in The Bahamas: Reaping the rewards of 25 years of stewardship and conservation, doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.01.007
- The elasmobranch fishes, by Daniel, J. Frank (John Franklin), 1873-1942 archive.org/details/elasmobranchfish03dani
- State of the global market for shark products, openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/5ecdbcdf-ad43-47ce-8647-67c6122d3da9/content
- Mote News: “shark” mote.org/news/?s=shark
▶️ Videos
- Sharks, Rays, and Skates with Dr. Demian Chapman of Mote Marine Laboratory! youtu.be/muh0917k72g?si=3CfbPZ9IudrhAm-b
- Sharks in Belize: Jaguars of the Sea changingseas.tv/season-15/1502/
- Eagle Rays: Soaring on Spotted Wings changingseas.tv/season-16/1602/
- Preview for next time: Mote Membership Video 2026 youtu.be/3KSQuxL4E90?si=AcheYnFdyoXOVb5Q
#VirtualLearning #VirtualFieldTrips #STEMEducation
📬 Keep in Touch
- 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
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