Theother Jawseffect Awaveofsharkscienceandconservation- The Boston Globe

Published in Science and Technology on Friday, July 25th 2025 at 7:03 GMT by The Boston Globe
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50 years on, the novel and film get criticized for maligning sharks. But they also raised a generation of marine biologists and environmentalists.

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of 'Jaws': From Summer Blockbuster to Shark Conservation Catalyst

Fifty years ago, in the summer of 1975, Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" hit theaters, forever changing the landscape of Hollywood blockbusters and, unexpectedly, the fate of sharks worldwide. Based on Peter Benchley's bestselling novel, the film terrified audiences with its tale of a great white shark terrorizing the fictional Amity Island, a stand-in for the quaint coastal towns of New England. As we mark this milestone anniversary in 2025, it's worth reflecting not just on the movie's cinematic legacy but also on its profound, if unintended, impact on marine conservation. What began as a pulse-pounding thriller has evolved into a rallying point for efforts to protect the very creatures it vilified.

The story of "Jaws" is rooted in real events. Benchley's novel drew inspiration from a series of shark attacks off the New Jersey coast in 1916, which claimed four lives and injured one. Spielberg's adaptation amplified the fear factor, turning the ocean into a domain of primal dread. Filmed largely on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts—a location that has since become a pilgrimage site for fans—the production was notoriously troubled. Mechanical shark malfunctions, budget overruns, and unpredictable weather plagued the shoot, ballooning costs from $4 million to $9 million. Yet, these challenges contributed to the film's groundbreaking realism, relying on suspenseful editing and John Williams' iconic score rather than constant shark appearances. Upon release, "Jaws" shattered box office records, grossing over $470 million worldwide and ushering in the era of the summer blockbuster. It spawned sequels, merchandise, and a cultural phenomenon that embedded phrases like "You're gonna need a bigger boat" into the lexicon.

But beyond its entertainment value, "Jaws" had a darker legacy: it demonized sharks. The film's portrayal of the great white as a mindless killing machine fueled widespread fear and misunderstanding. In the decades following its release, shark populations plummeted due to overfishing, driven in part by a surge in shark hunting as a form of "revenge" or sport. Benchley himself later expressed regret, noting in interviews that he would not have written the book if he knew then what he knows now about sharks' ecological importance. Sharks, as apex predators, play a crucial role in maintaining ocean health by regulating prey populations and ensuring biodiversity. Yet, according to marine biologists, global shark numbers have declined by more than 70% since 1970, with many species now endangered.

This anniversary has sparked renewed conversations about shark conservation, transforming "Jaws" from a source of terror to a tool for education. Organizations like the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, based in Chatham, Massachusetts, are at the forefront of these efforts. Founded in 2012, the conservancy uses cutting-edge technology, including acoustic tagging and drone surveillance, to track great white sharks along the Cape Cod coast. Their research has revealed that shark populations in the region are rebounding, thanks in part to protections for seals—their primary prey—which were nearly wiped out by hunting in the 20th century. Cynthia Wigren, the conservancy's executive director, emphasizes that "Jaws" inadvertently highlighted the need for better understanding. "The film created a myth, but it also opened doors for science," she says. "We've seen a shift from fear to fascination, with public interest driving funding for conservation."

Local communities in New England have embraced this shift. On Martha's Vineyard, where much of the movie was shot, annual "JawsFest" events now blend nostalgia with education. Visitors can tour filming locations like the beaches of Edgartown and Menemsha, while attending seminars on shark biology. This year, the festival features a special exhibit at the Martha's Vineyard Museum, showcasing props from the film alongside displays on modern conservation tech. Experts from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution are presenting data on how climate change is affecting shark migration patterns, with warmer waters drawing more great whites northward. "We're seeing more interactions between humans and sharks, but education reduces risks," notes Dr. Greg Skomal, a senior fisheries scientist with Massachusetts Marine Fisheries. His team's app, Sharktivity, allows beachgoers to report sightings in real-time, promoting safe coexistence.

Globally, the "Jaws" effect has inspired broader initiatives. The Shark Trust in the UK and Oceana in the US advocate for international fishing regulations, such as bans on shark finning—a brutal practice where fins are harvested for soup, leaving sharks to die. In 2023, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) expanded protections for over 50 shark species, a move conservationists attribute partly to increased public awareness sparked by cultural touchstones like "Jaws." Documentaries such as "Sharkwater" and "The Meg" have built on this, reframing sharks as vulnerable rather than villainous.

Peter Benchley's widow, Wendy, has carried on his legacy through the Peter Benchley Ocean Awards, honoring conservationists annually. "Peter realized sharks aren't the monsters we make them out to be," she reflects. "They're essential to our oceans." This sentiment echoes in educational programs worldwide. In schools, "Jaws" is now dissected in environmental science classes, teaching students about media's role in shaping perceptions. For instance, a curriculum developed by the National Geographic Society uses the film to discuss biodiversity and the dangers of sensationalism.

Yet challenges remain. Illegal fishing continues to threaten shark populations, and climate-induced habitat changes complicate conservation. In the Pacific, overfishing has led to ecosystem imbalances, with jellyfish blooms overtaking areas once regulated by sharks. Closer to home, Cape Cod has reported increased shark sightings, prompting beach closures and debates over culling—proposals swiftly rejected by scientists who argue for non-lethal solutions like barriers and public alerts.

As we commemorate the 50th anniversary, "Jaws" serves as a reminder of humanity's complex relationship with nature. Spielberg himself has acknowledged the film's unintended consequences, stating in a recent interview that he's proud of how it has evolved into a conversation starter for conservation. Fans are flocking to theaters for special screenings, complete with Q&A sessions featuring marine experts. Merchandise sales, from shark plush toys to eco-friendly apparel, now often donate proceeds to conservation groups.

In essence, "Jaws" has come full circle. What started as a tale of man versus beast has become a narrative of harmony and respect. By confronting the fears it instilled, we've learned to appreciate sharks not as enemies, but as vital guardians of the sea. As Wigren puts it, "Fifty years later, the real story isn't about the shark that attacked—it's about the sharks we're saving." This anniversary isn't just a celebration of cinema; it's a call to action, ensuring that future generations inherit healthier oceans. Through research, education, and policy, the legacy of "Jaws" is being rewritten, one conservation victory at a time.

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Read the Full The Boston Globe Article at:
[ https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/07/25/newsletters/starting-point-jaws-50th-anniversary-shark-conservation/ ]

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