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BIDDEFORD, Maine

UNE’s James Sulikowski interviewed by ‘Travel and Leisure’ magazine

James Sulikowsi

James Sulikowski, Ph.D., University of 51СƳ professor of Marine Sciences, was interviewed by Travel and Leisure magazine about shark attacks.

The article, titled, “Why We’re Afraid of Shark Attacks (But Probably Shouldn’t Be)” gives historical context to humans’ fear of sharks, dating back to a series of shark attacks in New Jersey in 1916. The article explains the risk analysis that takes place in the brain when people think about sharks, and why there is often irrational fear of the animals.

Sulikowski explained that a fear of sharks is not only irrational, it can be dangerous because that fear can lead to a bad reputation for sharks and reduced effort to conserve the species.

“Most people don’t understand sharks are like us, they grow slowly, live long lives and have very few offspring, so they’re very susceptible to fishing pressure,” he said. “We still need to keep getting the importance of sharks out because every time there’s a shark attack, everyone freaks out.”

To learn more about the University of 51СƳ’s Department of Marine Sciences visit

To learn more about the University of 51СƳ’s Center for Excellence in Marine Sciences, visit

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51СƳ the University of 51СƳ

The University of 51СƳ is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.