Abstract
My film, Changing the Shark Narrative, aims to change the common perception of sharks, that they are creatures of terror into one that reflects respect and their importance to our oceans, and our planet.
Milestones
Ideation (SEPT 10)
Sharks are demonized in today’s world; widely viewed as frightening and violent predators to steer clear from. Sharks are in fact a keystone species, and without them, the world’s marine ecosystems would fall apart. According to the Academy of Sciences, summer 2021, 12,000 sharks are killed per hour, and 200 per minute. For my project, I want to change the perception and public opinion of sharks. By changing the shark narrative and educating the world on the value of sharks, not only will people begin to view sharks as a crucial species and reverse the damage done by the media and films who have portrayed them as villains, but will also result in widespread protection; the ultimate goal.
However, sharks have not always been viewed and treated in this way. Ancient cultures around the world have viewed sharks in a positive light for decades, including in Hawai’i. In ancient Hawaiian culture, sharks were not looked at as animals of fear, but instead as animals of beauty and respect. Shark ‘aumākua are present in Hawaiian legends and I plan to weave these narratives and values into my capstone project.
My goal is to change the perception that sharks are villains in my immediate community of Hawai’i through a short film.
Pitch (SEPT 28)
Introduction: Hello, my name is Kendall Scanlan and my capstone project is called changing the shark narrative. This first image I have included is of Ocean Ramsey, the top shark biologist in the field and an idol of mine. You will see photos of her, many taken by Juan Sharks, throughout my proposal. Juan and Ocean were some of the first people to shoot with sharks in this positive light and are inspirations of mine.
Identify the Problem: Sharks are demonized in today’s world; widely viewed as frightening and violent predators to steer clear from. Sharks are in fact a keystone species, and without them, the world’s marine ecosystems would fall apart. I do not want to enforce the Jaws image due to the negative impact it has and therefore I have blurred it.
Putting Human deaths from sharks put in perspective:
- There are an average of ten fatalities per year globally from sharks
- In the US alone, eight people die each day from accidents while texting and driving (thats 2920 per year). Daily most people across the US enter a vehicle which is of greater threat than a shark.
- Yet, humans kill over 70 million sharks each year for their fins, teeth, and for sport.
According to the Academy of Sciences, summer 2021, 12,000 sharks are killed per hour, and 200 per minute.
Connection to Hawaii: However, sharks have not always been viewed and treated in this way. Ancient cultures around the world have viewed sharks in a positive light for decades, including in Hawai’i. In ancient Hawaiian culture, sharks were not looked at as animals of fear, but instead as animals of beauty and respect. Shark ‘aumākua are present in Hawaiian legends and I plan to weave these narratives and values into my capstone project.
My project: For my project, I want to change the perception and public opinion of sharks. By changing the shark narrative and educating the world on the value of sharks, not only will people begin to view sharks as a crucial species and reverse the damage done by the media and films who have portrayed them as villains, but will also result in widespread protection; the ultimate goal.
Qualifications: I grew up exploring the Northern Californian coast. I know every ecosystem from the tidepools to the depths of the kelp forests like the back of my hand. For as long as I can remember, exploring and protecting the ocean has been one of my biggest passions. I came to HPA last year inorder to study marine science in one of the best locations in the field, Hawaii. I feel a responsibility to protect our ocean and the life it houses; sharks are crucial in protecting our oceans, and even our planet.
A world without sharks: Stefanie Brendl, conservationist and founder of Shark Allies, describes what our oceans, and our world would look like without sharks, “It would be a gigantic failure for humanity that would affect everything from coral reefs to food security and climate change. Once sharks are gone, there is nothing we can do to replace the critical role they play in the balance of the oceans.”
Why are sharks important?
- They are an indicator for ocean health.
- We actually need sharks to survive. sharks directly and indirectly affect all levels of the food web. Without them, the whole structure could collapse. Sharks would no longer be regulating the ecosystems underwater causing vital habitats to undergo serious damage.
- By keeping their environments stable and resilient, sharks could help slow climate change and dampen the effects of extreme weather events, such as heat waves and hurricanes
What Can you Do?
- Properly educate yourself on the crucial role sharks play on our planet and
- influence the opinion of others who view sharks negatively.
- Do not purchase products containing shark fins, or support businesses that offer them.
Request Action: My goal is to change the perception that sharks are villains in my immediate community of Hawai’i through a short film. I will be reaching out to some of the top shark biologists in the field, including Ocean Ramsey, the most prominent shark advocate in world who just happens to be based out of Hawaii, and hope to interview them for my film. I will be including footage of myself diving with sharks with the hope that my audience will see their beauty in their natural habitat.
Formal Proposal (OCT 15)
Demo/Prototype (NOV 23)
Exemplary prototypes’s test assumptions and create actionable information, they validate learning in real time, and provide constant feedback. In this phase you will:
- Quickly develop a tangible prototype
- Gather feedback
- Present your findings
Product Creation (MAR 9)
Exemplary product progress is driven by iteration as your product interacts with the world, leading to redesigning your scope and outcomes in a macro and micro scale based on realities both positive and negative. In this phase you will:
- Refine your prototype
- Develop a final product
Showcase (APR 25-29)
Exemplary presentations communicate how you have grown and gained insights into who you are and what you can do. In this phase you will:
- Present your Capstone work
- Share your product
- Engage in reflection through question and answer with an authentic audience
Legacy (APR 29)
Secure the continuum of your capstone product and journey by creating a white paper, Standard Operating Procedure, Training Manual, and/or digital artifact you are allowing rising seniors for decades to carry your capstone product and ideas forward. Here is where you lay the foundation to do so. In this phase you will:
- Create a white paper to document and capture your Capstone journey
- Propose future work
