Shark Attack Survivors Unite to Save Sharks

Shark attack survivors from around the globe have joined the Pew Environment Group’s effort to restore and conserve the world’s dwindling shark populations. Despite terrifying attacks and grave injuries, the survivors recognize that these predators are in peril, a situation that puts the ocean and all its marine life at risk.

The shark attack survivors are pressing world leaders to act for shark conservation. So far, the survivors have been instrumental in persuading the U.S. Congress to close loopholes in the nation’s shark finning ban—a law signed by President Obama in 2011. They have supported leaders, including the presidents of Palau and Honduras, who declared their waters shark sanctuaries. And the survivors have visited the United Nations to urge countries to develop shark sanctuaries, conservation plans, and similar measures.

The group of more than a dozen is organized by Pew’s Debbie Salamone, herself a survivor of a shark attack. Others in the group come from the United States, Europe, Australia, and South Africa. They include a school principal, a Wall Street banker, an Australian navy diver, and a professional photographer. Some have lost arms or legs, yet they harbor no animosity toward their attackers and believe they are uniquely qualified to call for shark protections.

Meet the Survivors

Debbie Salamone, Achmat Hassiem, Mike Coots, Krishna Thompson, Chuck Anderson, Laurie Boyett, Kent Bonde, Scott Curatolo-Wagemann, Paul de Gelder, Al Brenneka, Mike Beach, Michelle "Micki" Glenn, Jonathan Kathrein, Eric Larsen

1x1placeholder

Shark Attack Survivors: Save the Sharks!

Learn more
Quick View

Shark Attack Survivors: Save the Sharks!

Learn more
1x1placeholder

Shark Attack Survivors Fight for Conservation

Learn more
Quick View

Shark Attack Survivors Fight for Conservation

Learn more
1x1placeholder

Will Rise in Shark Attacks Hurt Tourism?

Learn more
Quick View

Will Rise in Shark Attacks Hurt Tourism?

Learn more
1x1placeholder

I Was Attacked By A Shark, Now I Want To Save Them

Learn more
Quick View

I Was Attacked By A Shark, Now I Want To Save Them

Learn more

Additional Resources

America’s Overdose Crisis
America’s Overdose Crisis

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Quick View

America’s Overdose Crisis

Sign up for our five-email course explaining the overdose crisis in America, the state of treatment access, and ways to improve care

Sign up
Article

37 Scientists Pioneering the Future of Biomedical Research

Quick View
Article

Biomedical researchers are at the heart of nearly every medical advancement. From cutting-edge cancer treatments to breakthrough discoveries about emerging viruses, these scientists use creativity and ingenuity to explore new horizons in human health and medicine. And for nearly 40 years, The Pew Charitable Trusts has supported more than 1,000 early-career researchers committed to this work.

Composite image of modern city network communication concept

Learn the Basics of Broadband from Our Limited Series

Sign up for our four-week email course on Broadband Basics

Quick View

How does broadband internet reach our homes, phones, and tablets? What kind of infrastructure connects us all together? What are the major barriers to broadband access for American communities?