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08/06/2007: "WOBBEGONG & CAT SHARKS ....... Flat Rock,Queensland"

"The public's attitude toward sharks has changed over the years, from hostility in the old days, to fascination during the Jaws craze in the 1970s, to interest and growing affection nowadays.
After hundreds of generations of fearing sharks and wanting to kill them, perhaps we're beginning to appreciate them for the magnificent animals they are". Peter Benchley
Correction.The Australian attitude toward sharks in the Jaws era was more than fascination.
There was absolute fear of the ocean waters, a consequence that lasted years and perhaps had some impact on grey nurse vanishing temporarily while the shark jaw craze was in full swing.
The hatred was for all sharks, with a demand for jaws that pushed prices to seemingly ridiculous new highs.
Peter Benchley was to become a marine spokesperson. He learned much about sharks since writing the fictional Jaws. He passed away in 2006 from a lung-related problem.


