Sharks in the City
19/05 Marine Ecology Course on Sharks by Geneva Ocean Academy
22/05 Screening of "Older Than Trees" followed by a Science Panel Discussion
Programme of the evenings:
Monday 19 May - mandatory registration
18:30 - Welcome
19:00 - Presentations
Sharks are among the oldest predators on Earth, having appeared long before the first trees or even the dinosaurs! Today, they can be found in every marine ecosystem, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of our oceans.
Despite this, sharks remain surprisingly little-known. Over 500 species have been identified so far, with new ones still being discovered every year — each with its own fascinating features and behaviours. Did you know, for example, that some sharks feed exclusively on plants? Or that the world’s largest fish — growing to over 15 metres long — is actually a shark? And did you know that sharks have real superpowers, including the ability to detect electromagnetic fields and sense the tiniest vibrations in the water?
Sadly, it’s estimated that over 200 million sharks are killed every year, putting many species at serious risk of extinction. What is certain, however, is that sharks are extraordinary, often misunderstood animals — and they deserve far greater attention and protection.
From their ancient origins to their critical role in today’s ocean ecosystems, this session will explore what makes a shark... a shark. We’ll look at their behaviour, their incredible sensory abilities, and their essential ecological role. We’ll also tackle some common myths and misconceptions, and examine the impact of human activity on shark populations — and on the health of our oceans as a whole.
Geneva Ocean Academy (GOA) is a marine conservation organisation and SSI Blue Oceans dive centre, dedicated to raising awareness in Switzerland about ocean protection and marine biodiversity. We offer courses in marine ecology, diving training, marine biology expeditions, citizen science projects, and a space for ocean enthusiasts to connect and share their passion.
Thursday 22 May - mandatory registration
18:00 - 19:00 – Welcome
19:00 - 21:00 – Screening of "Older Than Trees" followed by a panel discussion
21:00 - 22:30 – Cocktail reception
Our main evening event will be a screening of "Older Than Trees", directed by Pippa Ehrlich, followed by a guided panel discussion with RTS science journalist Christophe Ungar. Christophe will be joined by a panel of marine biologists to discuss why we should care about sharks, why they need our help, and what we can do to assist them.
On this same evening, to mark the occasion, the Jet d'Eau will be illuminated in a new colour.
The panelists are:
- Christophe Ungar (moderator) – RTS science journalist
- James Lea – Marin Biologist
- Noémie Coulon – Marin Biologist
- Sheena Talma – Marin Biologist
Sharks in the City is a city-wide event held in Geneva from 16 to 26 May. The aim of the event is to immerse the people of Geneva in the discovery of sharks, highlighting how amazing they are, how they need our help, and how, even here — far from the ocean — we can all be part of the solution. Throughout the week, a series of large, illustrated shark fact files will be scattered across the city, forming a treasure hunt. Participants will use an app to track down all the sharks, unlocking mini-quizzes as they go, and entering themselves into a prize draw for ocean-themed goodies upon completion. The treasure hunt will be complemented by evening events, including a general-interest mini-course on shark biology, ecology, and conservation, provided by Geneva Ocean Academy on 19 May.
Cover image: ©Dillys Pouponeau Save Our Seas Foundation Copyright