Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive With the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.

Smithsonian Associates

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates series on radio and podcast.  I’m Paul Vogelzang, and as part of our Inside Science interview series with Smithsonian Associates, our guest today is author and scientist Dr. David Shiffman.  David Shiffman will be appearing at the Smithsonian Associates and you can check out more details in our show notes today.

Let’s listen as David Shiffman reads a passage from his new book, Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.

David Shiffman reading from his new book, Why Sharks Matter: A Deep Dive with the World’s Most Misunderstood Predator.  Sharks do matter, and they are some of the most fascinating, ecologically important, threatened, and misunderstood animals on Earth. More often feared than revered, their role as predators of the deep has earned them a reputation as a major threat to humans. But, says marine conservation biologist David Shiffman, the truth is that sharks are not a danger to us—they’re in danger from us.

David Shiffman tells us today why we must overcome our misconceptions and rise above cinematic Hollywood scenes to scare us,   to embrace sharks as the imperiled and elegant ocean guardians they really are. Sharing his fascinating experiences working with them, Shiffman explains why healthy shark populations are essential for supporting ocean ecosystems—and the coastal economies that depend on them.

Touching on everything from Shark Week to shark fin soup, overfishing to marine sanctuaries, Shiffman reveals why these iconic predators are in trouble, why we should care, and how scientists, conservationists, and individuals can save them.

Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show Inside Science Interview series on radio and podcast, Smithsonian Associate Dr. David Shiffman.

My thanks to author and scientist Dr. David Shiffman for his generous time today.  Dr. David Shiffman will be appearing at the Smithsonian Associates and you can check out more details in our show notes today.  I thank you, my wonderful audience here on The Not Old Better Show. Please be well, be safe and let’s eliminate assault rifles.  Assault rifles are unnecessary and instill fear in our children and grandchildren in the very place they learn:  school.  Please let’s do this.  And, please, let’s talk about better.  The Not Old Better Show on radio and podcast.  Thanks, everybody, and we’ll see you next time.  Today’s show is dedicated to the late Dr. Barry Sinervo...my favorite scientist.

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