FOREWORD 



Sharks and their close relatives have been among the most important 

 and successful inhabitants of the seas for some 200 million years. It is hardly 

 surprising, therefore, that man— a relatively recent invader of marine environ- 

 ments—finds much of importance to be learned from studies of these re- 

 markably adapted animals. 



Since many sharks are dominant predators in the sea, their attacks upon 

 man typically elicit sensational reporting. The International Shark Attack 

 File, supported in part by the U.S. Navy and compiled in cooperation with 

 the Smithsonian Institution, is the major source of factual information on 

 that subject and has provided useful guidelines for diminishing the chances of 

 attacks upon humans. Despite the availability of constantly improving rescue 

 methods and more advanced medical attention for personnel in areas where 

 shark attacks are prevalent, even the remote possibility of experiencing such 

 an attack is a powerful psychological factor, often a significant handicap, for 

 those working in such waters. Information about the distribution, biology, 

 and behavior of sharks can help to further increase the odds in man's favor 

 during exposure to such possibilities or whenever encounters with the 

 genuinely dangerous species occur. 



The Office of Naval Research takes pride in having supported, through the 

 Oceanic Biology Program of the Ocean Science and Technology Division, 

 many of the research studies reported here. It seems appropriate at this time 

 to assist the further synthesis and distribution of this information through 

 the present volume. It is hoped that the benefits for present science and 

 future research, like the knowledge that the book brings together, will be 

 worldwide. 



R. K. GEIGER 



RADM, USN 



Chief of Naval Research 



