Meet Aliah Banchik: Marine Scientist, Shark Advocate, Netflix Explorer, & Founder of The FINstitute

1. Was there a specific moment or experience that made you fall in love with sharks and the ocean?
I was actually terrified of sharks as a kid — like, wouldn’t even go in the ocean. But in 11th grade, I ended up in a marine biology class because the astronomy elective I wanted was full. Total accident. One of the units was about sharks, and I remember being completely hooked. Learning about countershading and their behaviors made me realize… I probably wasn’t on the menu. From then on, every beach day I’d push myself a little further past the shoreline. Fast forward, and I’m now a scuba instructor, freediver, underwater photographer, and shark diver. Wild.

2. What do sharks teach you about life — or about yourself — when you’re in the water with them?
Since my first shark dive, I’ve always said: it’s the calmest and most present I’ve ever felt in my life. Shark diving demands your full attention. With ADHD, my brain is usually racing in a million directions — but when I’m underwater, weightless and surrounded by these ancient, apex animals, everything else fades. You can’t think about your inbox underwater. It’s like the world gets quiet. It’s the closest thing to meditation I’ve ever experienced. That’s my why.

3. What’s the biggest misconception people have about sharks that you wish you could set straight?
That they’re the apex predators. We are. Humans kill an estimated 70 to 100 million sharks every year. Sharks kill maybe 10 people a year globally — and that’s with millions of us in the water every single day. We’ve flipped the script. These incredible animals aren’t out to get us — we’re the ones putting their future at risk.

4. You were featured in Netflix’s All the Sharks — what was that experience like, and how did it change the way you share your work?
It was one of the most thrilling, transformative experiences of my life. Honestly, I’m still figuring out what I want to be when I grow up, but this show accelerated the process. I’ve always leaned into science communication, and being part of this show nailed that home for me. At first, the cameras were a little intimidating — but I quickly fell in love with the idea that sharing my knowledge could reach people on a global scale. All the Sharks felt like the future of shark storytelling: it didn’t rely on fear to grip the audience, it leaned into adventure and competition — and let the sharks (and rays) be the stars.

5. What’s one simple thing anyone can do to help protect sharks and the ocean?
I always want to give a real, tangible answer to this question — not just say “be more sustainable.” So here’s one: talk about sharks. Seriously. Challenge misinformation when you hear it. Share a cool fact. Or just start conversations.

One of my favorite real-life examples: I once went to Sephora to find a new face cream and asked the staff to help me avoid products containing squalene — which is often derived from shark liver. When I explained why (I’m a shark biologist, and shark-based squalene is incredibly unsustainable), they were so interested. We walked around checking ingredients, and I ended up giving them a mini shark talk right there in the store. They even started rethinking their product recommendations afterward.

That’s the kind of ripple effect anyone can create. Whether it’s what’s in your cosmetics or what you order at a restaurant — small conversations really do matter.

Anything else you'd like to add?
Just that sharks don’t need us to be fearless — they need us to be curious, compassionate, and loud in our love for them. The more we can replace fear with fascination, the more space we create for real change. Also, if you want to get into shark conservation, check out my non-profit The FINstitute!!! We are accepting international and non-student members now. DM me of you have question about it!