Shark Education

Welcome to Nature’s Nursery

New Smyrna Beach is home to the Indian River Lagoon, North America’s most biologically diverse estuary. With over 2,200 animal species, the lagoon serves as a nursery or “preschool” for many organisms that later move into the Atlantic Ocean at maturity. A wide variety of animals, including small sharks can be found in the lagoon. Species like bonnethead, bull, spinner, blacktip, and the Atlantic sharp-nose spend their youth in the IRL—in fact, it can take 15 years for these little ones to reach full growth and swim to the ocean.

Sharks tend to get a bad rap, but these sea creatures are essential to the food chain—they eat a wide variety of fish, shellfish, and mammals. Without them, the marine ecosystem would be threatened, and the food chain would become dangerously unbalanced. Our waters would eventually become slimy and swamp-like with an uncontrolled fish population. If sharks were to disappear from the world’s oceans, the consequences would be catastrophic. While often feared by humans, sharks actually have even more to be afraid of—their population is decreasing at an alarming rate. Things like shark finning, overfishing, and pollution all pose threats to these ancient creatures. Learn how you can help protect sharks by visiting the Marine Discovery Center.

A Sign of Clean Water

Sharks only live where the ecosystem is healthy! Their presence means our coastal waters are thriving, full of fish, and clean enough to support a balanced marine environment.

Mostly Small Sharks

The majority of sharks near the shore are small species like blacktip and spinner sharks, which are generally timid and uninterested in humans.

They Avoid Humans

Sharks don’t like the taste of humans! Most bites are accidental and happen when visibility is low. Sharks quickly swim away once they realize their mistake.

Essential Ocean Cleaners

Sharks play a critical role in keeping the ocean clean by feeding on weak or sick fish, which helps maintain the health of fish populations and coral reefs.

Support Local Research

Shark researchers from all over the country study here, helping to increase understanding and protection of these incredible animals.

They Keep the Fish Populations Healthy

By preying on the slower or weaker fish, sharks help maintain stronger, healthier fish schools. That’s great news for local fishing, diving, and overall ocean health.

Sharks Help Tourism

Believe it or not, the “shark bite capital” nickname actually attracts curious visitors! It adds a bit of mystery and adventure to our beach town (while still being perfectly safe to enjoy the water).

Surfers Still Love It Here

Despite the headlines, New Smyrna Beach remains one of the most popular surf spots in Florida. The surf culture is strong, and beachgoers return year after year because they know the risk is minimal.

No Serious Injuries

Even though New Smyrna Beach is known as the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” no one has ever been seriously injured or killed by a shark here. Most bites are minor and happen when surfers accidentally bump into small sharks in murky water.

Shark Week Favorite

New Smyrna Beach is often featured during Shark Week, not because it's dangerous, but because it’s fascinating for scientists and marine life enthusiasts

Sharks Are Seasonal Visitors

Most shark activity peaks during certain times of the year, like late summer and early fall, which helps local experts monitor and educate beachgoers about when to be extra aware, without needing to avoid the beach!

OCEARCH Science Program "OCEARCH conducts research expeditions aboard the M/V OCEARCH, which serves as an at-sea laboratory. The M/V OCEARCH contains a 75,000 lb. capacity hydraulic platform designed to safely lift marine animals out of the ocean for access by a multi-disciplined research team." - OCEARCH.

OCEARCH Education Program "The OCEARCH STEM curriculum, created in partnership with Landry's, enables the students to learn STEM skills while following the real-time movements of their favorite sharks on the OCEARCH tracker, for free. This dynamic curriculum prepares students, of all ages, for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math." - OCEARCH.