Sharks, Guardians of the Sea

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Image courtesy of CosmoCaixa.

Sharks have dominated the planet's oceans for 450 million years. They existed long before dinosaurs, have survived five global extinction events, and remain crucial to the balance of marine ecosystems. Today, however, they are under threat. The climate crisis, industrial fishing, and pollution are compromising the oceans and directly affecting their survival. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), one-third of shark species are currently at risk of extinction.

The exhibition begins with the origins of the earliest species and explores the biology, diversity, and ecological importance of sharks through artifacts, installations, and experiences that dispel myths and reveal surprising facts. It features ten life-size models of iconic species, including the great white shark, the hammerhead shark, and the extinct *Helicoprion*—known as the "spiral-saw shark"—which inhabited the oceans 270 million years ago.

Tactile elements include a megalodon jaw, shark skin replicas, and a great white shark tooth. Interactive modules allow visitors to explore the animal's anatomy via a 3D scanner, adapt different species to changing environments, and experience 360-degree vision from a hammerhead shark's perspective. An oceanarium specially designed for the exhibition rounds out this immersive experience. The exhibition also offers an opportunity to reflect on the fear we feel toward these animals, the respect we owe them, and our responsibility to prevent their extinction. It presents the latest research on conservation and showcases concrete tools for understanding what is at stake and what we can do about it.

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