When is the moment that a human becomes afraid of a shark? According to multiple medical studies, humans are born with only two innate fears: the fear of falling and a fear of loud noises. All other fears are learned, including the fear of sharks.

“Most kids think sharks are cool. If we can give them a little ammunition, we can create a new generation that will do the right thing,” says Erich Ritter, founder of SharkSchool and SharkSchool Teaching. For more than 20 years, Ritter, who has a Ph.D. in behavioral ecology and is considered an expert in shark-human interaction, has lived by the motto of “conservation through education.”

He’s taught hundreds of divers about shark behavior through in-water interactions, seminars, and his books and scientific articles, with the hope that if people can only understand these animals, they’ll be more inclined to protect them. Recently, that lifetime motto triggered a new approach for Ritter—kids first—when he realized that engaging with young people before they learn a fear of sharks is a better way to protect these animals than relying on working through governments for policy change.

But it’s not only about kids, or educators. It’s important to Ritter that people understand “everybody who is passionate can do the right thing.” SharkSchool offers teaching and interaction in almost a dozen destinations, such as Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon Resort, Galapagos and the Red Sea.

SharkSchool Teaching was designed as a simple way for an ordinary person to translate science for kids. Spend some time with Ritter and you’ll see his passion for sharks is unmistakable.

The agency or group you support isn’t the most important piece of the conservation puzzle—Ritter just wants you to get involved.

LEARN MORE Sign up with SharkSchool Teaching and help create the next generation of shark activists and enthusiasts.