ABSTRACT

The first chapter of this book offers a much-needed summary of the relationship between sharks and different global communities. Focusing on Australia and the United States of America (USA), due to both countries historically having higher numbers of shark bites than other nations, the chapter also explores the public’s opinion regarding shark control measures and overall human–wildlife conflict politics. Chapter 1 also draws attention to the crucial importance of Indigenous knowledge (IK) or traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and recommends consultation with local communities to deliver effective policies, especially regarding shark control measures. “Public Perceptions of Sharks” concludes with an emphasis on the importance of relatable science communication to better co-exist with these predators.