INTERVIEW WITH ALYCE TODD, MARINE BIOLOGIST
Why did you decide to work with sharks?
Most aquariums exhibit sharks, so that is one of the reasons I started working around them. I really didn’t begin to appreciate them until after working around them.
What formal training did you get for this profession?
See the attachments. I have attached the pre-completed interviews of myself, one of the Aquarists, who works directly with the sharks, and a Trainer.
What do you think is the most fascinating thing about sharks?
For me, it is how their teeth work and that whole system. My favorite shark fact is that one shark can go through 30,000 teeth in a life time.
Why do they attack people?
Simply put… misidentification. The sharks think the people are food and bite them.
What should people do to avoid a shark attack?
Not go in the water when they see a shark or are told there are sharks near the area. Swim during the times when sharks are not active.
Do you agree with the image that the media shows to people about sharks? Why? Why not?
No. The media likes to sensationalize things. People want to hear the gory, scary parts of animal life (not just sharks, trust me). The only reports you hear about are the attacks or stuff like that.
Do sharks sleep?
Not like we do… they basically rest the parts of their brain that don’t control breathing.
Why do they dive alone and not in groups?
Most sharks are solitary because then there is no competition for food.
What was the closest/scariest encounter you have ever had with sharks?
Me, none. The sharks that we have here are used to people. I also know enough to not put myself in danger.
How do you use your work to educate people about sharks and the marine environment?
With the guests seeing the animals and how they behave, it really does dissolve a lot of the myths that they are machines. We also have divers that go in the exhibits with the sharks, so that helps.
What have you found to be among the biggest misconceptions people have about sharks?
They are machines that attack for the fun of it. Not true. The will eat when they are hungry. Attacking for the pure “fun” of it isn’t what they do. Also, that all sharks need to swim all the time in order to breathe… untrue. Only about 100 of the 350 species of sharks have to swim all the time; the rest have muscles over the gill slits to help pump the water. A stopped shark is not a dead shark.
Is the myth about punching a shark in the nose to scare it off true?
Not the “nose” (which is actually the rostrum), but he gill slits. It’s like us getting hit in the gut and having the wind knocked out of us.
Why do you think people are so fascinated with sharks?
They are mysterious, not much is really known about them. They are big and beautiful.
Have you seen a change to shark populations and distribution in your career? In what way?
Not really. There are a lot of laws protecting marine environments. There are not a lot of shark species on the endangered species list. They are [protected because the habitats they live in are protected.
Can you describe your first encounter with sharks?
My first wild encounter was when I was snorkeling in Australia and a small black-tip swam by. I took a ton of pictures, but then it dawned on me that there was no acrylic between me and it. I am so used to seeing the animals that being in their “house” was a bit of a reality check.
Have you heard anything about the relationship between sharks and cancer?
Yes. There are a lot of studies going on about the type of immune system sharks have and how they don’t get major types of illnesses. No conclusions yet, that I have read.
What kind of diet, and reproduction system do sharks have? Are they like humans?
Their stomachs are spiraled inside, so they can efficiently digest the food is such a small space. Some sharks reproduce via laying eggs, so they have the system of making egg pouches; some reproduce via live birth so they have a uterus and the babies are attached the to yolk sac in the uterus; then there is the type where they are in an egg case inside, develop and hatch out, then are birthed out the cloaca.
How do sharks attack? Do they have only one way of attack or is it different each time?
The will come from below and behind their prey to “sneak” up on them. They take one big bite to let the prey bleed to death or go into shock. Then they come back and eat. That is the basic formula and pretty much stays the same.
Is it true that some people have been attacked because they were wearing something bright?
That is myth. Scientists believe it is the behavior of the human, not what they were wearing. The bright clothes might contribute to flashes of light that their prey items make.
After getting attacked by a great white, how did you eventually go back to diving?
Not ever being attacked, I don’t know, but they do say that the best way to get over fear is to face it.
Your profession is extremely competitive. What advice do you give to aspirants who want to do what you do?
Get lots of experience working with animals. The most important thing is you understand animal behavior, so you can keep yourself safe, and the animals safe.
