The cover story of the winter 2024 Oregon Stater alumni magazine, “Fear in the Water,” takes readers on a shark-catching research trip with Oregon State University (OSU) faculty and students. The article explains why these big fish have a big PR problem and why it matters. Apex predators are key to healthy ecosystems, but little is known about sharks, which are largely invisible and burdened with the “Jaws” narrative that equates sharks with mindless killers. In addition to seeking critical information about sharks—how many there are, what they eat, where they mate—OSU scientists are working to change attitudes among the public and transform fear into appreciation and awe, because if we don’t care about sharks, we’re not going to protect them. The author, Cathleen Hockman-Wert, spent two days on a boat in Willapa Bay, Wash., watching from the roof as the research team caught, measured, tagged, and released 11 broadnose sevengill sharks. In addition to interviews, research for the article included observation of the dissection of a shark accidentally caught in a fisher’s net.
From the Judges
We liked the uniqueness of the story and the presentation of the materials. This stood apart as an interesting way to capture readers' interest. The article delivered on its objectives and was resource-efficient.
