HONOLULU (KHON2) -- Hawaiʻi's sharks are a bit of both legend and mystery. From Kāmohoaliʻi, the Hawaiian god with a shark's head, to the modern-day research that uncovers their crucial role in ocean ecosystems, sharks have long been woven into the fabric of Native Hawaiian culture and scientific inquiry. Revered as sacred protectors and feared as predators, these creatures continue to capture our imaginations while also playing a vital part in maintaining the balance of marine life. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You As part of the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium’s Tim Guard Distinguished Lecture Series, Dr. Meyer will delve into the fascinating discoveries his research has uncovered about sharks and their critical role in ocean ecosystems. Dr. Meyer’s journey into marine biology was sparked by a childhood fascination with the ocean. "I grew up on a small island, and I've never lived more than a mile from the ocean," he explained. His early love for fishing and fish naturally led him to his career as a marine biologist. "Even when I was in elementary school, I wanted to be a marine biologist," Dr. Meyer said. "That dream stayed with me as I pursued it all the way through to where I am today." However, he acknowledged with a chuckle that his career path didn't unfold exactly as he had imagined. "Sadly, I didn’t realize I was going to become a desk-bound bureaucrat when I was having those childhood dreams," he joked. Despite the occasional detour into administrative work, Dr. Meyer’s research has focused on some of the most important aspects of marine biology today with a specific emphasis on sharks. Sharks, often misunderstood as mindless predators due to sensationalized portrayals in media, are vital to the health of ocean ecosystems. "Sharks are apex predators," Dr. Meyer explained, "and they play an important role in food web dynamics." He elaborated, saying that sharks’ presence in the ocean helps regulate other species, ensuring a balanced and healthy marine environment. "Because of their activities, the rest of the food chain is healthier," he added Sharks’ importance is not just biological, but also tied to their survival in a rapidly changing environment. Dr. Meyer has pointed out that sharks are facing unprecedented challenges due to human activities, particularly overfishing and bycatch. "In our modern age, sharks actually face more threats than at any other time in history," he said. "Industrial fishing has put them in a perilous position." If shark populations are overexploited and their numbers dwindle, it could have cascading negative effects on the entire marine ecosystem. "That’s why it’s so important to conserve these predators," Dr. Meyer stressed. Dr. Meyer is offering a free lecture that will highlight some of his groundbreaking research on shark survival strategies which provide key insights into how sharks adapt to the challenges of their environment. "We’ve uncovered some really unexpected findings in our studies," Dr. Meyer shared. "We’re learning more and more about how sharks survive in this challenging ocean environment, and what role they play in maintaining balance." These discoveries have become an important tool in advancing conservation efforts aimed at protecting shark populations and reducing human-shark conflicts. Dr. Meyer’s research also explores practical solutions for mitigating shark-human conflicts, such as shark bites and the accidental capture of sharks in commercial fishing nets. "One of the things I’ll be discussing is how we can reduce the number of shark bites on people," he said. "It’s also crucial to address issues like shark bycatch, where sharks are accidentally caught during fishing operations, and catch depredation, where sharks damage fish catches." These problems not only harm sharks but also threaten the livelihoods of fishermen. Dr. Meyer emphasized the importance of making these issues accessible to the general public and stressed that the lecture would be engaging for everyone from keiki to professionals. "This lecture is really tailored to engage the general public," he said. "Anybody with an interest in sharks, ocean activities, or fishing can come and learn something new." He assured that the content would avoid getting bogged down in overly technical details in order to make it accessible to a wide range of audiences. For those considering a career in marine biology, Dr. Meyer offered advice on how to stand out in a highly competitive field. "You have to work hard in school and focus on subjects like science and math," he said. "But it’s also really important to gain practical experience in marine activities." Dr. Meyer encourages students to seek out opportunities to volunteer at local aquariums or for agencies involved in marine research. "When you’re looking for a job or applying to grad school, it’s important to have that practical experience on your resume. It helps set you apart," he explained. Dr. Meyer himself receives hundreds of inquiries each year from aspiring marine biologists hoping to join his lab. He said this underscores the competition in the field. Looking back at his own journey, Dr. Meyer reflected on how his deep connection with the ocean and his scientific education have shaped his career. "It’s a combination of working hard in school and gaining life experience in the marine world that helps you succeed," he said. "The more you understand the science, the more you can appreciate what you’re seeing out there in the ocean." Dr. Meyer’s lecture on Nov. 21 will offer a rare opportunity to hear firsthand about the latest advancements in shark research and their implications for conservation. With sharks facing threats from all directions -- overfishing, habitat loss and negative public perceptions -- Dr. Meyer’s work has never been more relevant. His insights will provide a deeper understanding of these misunderstood creatures and the critical role they play in maintaining the health of our oceans. The lecture is an important step in fostering a more sustainable coexistence between sharks and humans. The event is free to the public, and those interested in learning more can visit the Friends of the Waikīkī Aquarium website for further details. Dr. Meyer’s lecture will offer an engaging and informative look at the "secret lives of sharks" in order to shed light on these fascinating creatures that play such an important role in the natural world. The lecture, titled "Science Reveals the Secret Lives of Sharks", will take place at the University of Hawai‘i’s Art Building in Honolulu on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. As Dr. Meyer aptly put it, "We live in an exciting time of discovery when it comes to understanding sharks, and it’s an exciting opportunity for everyone to be a part of it." Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 This lecture promises to deepen our understanding of sharks and inspire a greater respect for these apex predators who help maintain the balance of life in our oceans.