“Sharks”: an essential book to understand and protect the great travelers of the ocean

Some books arrive to fill a gap: to organize scientific knowledge, to bring misunderstood species closer to the general public, and to offer an honest perspective on the conservation status of sharks worldwide.

Sharks, the new work by Claudio Barría Oyarzo and Ana Colmenero Ginés, does exactly that. A rigorous, accessible, and beautifully illustrated book that has already become a reference for those of us who work with and coexist alongside these animals in their natural environment.

At MAKO PAKO, we have had the privilege of contributing several original photographs captured during our snorkeling expeditions and documentation work in the Cantabrian Sea. Being able to visually contribute to a work of this magnitude is not only an honor, but also a recognition of the constant effort to portray these animals as they truly are: wild, elegant, and essential to the health of the ocean.

Sharks stands out for its balance. The book successfully combines science, outreach, and emotion, clearly explaining the biology and ecology of different species, detailing their role in marine ecosystems, and providing up-to-date information on threats, conservation, and their global status.

Taking part in Sharks through our photographs means much more than seeing our work in print—it represents a bridge between scientific research and real-world experience in open waters.
The images include moments captured alongside blue sharks (Prionace glauca) and shortfin mako sharks (Isurus oxyrinchus) in the waters of the Basque coast, the result of hundreds of hours of responsible observation, documentation, and fieldwork. In addition, the book features photographs of several other shark species taken by Isaías Cruz during expeditions to different parts of the world to observe and document these animals.
These photographs were not created “for the camera,” but to tell the truth about the ocean—its beauty, its fragility, and the enormous ecological importance of large pelagic species.
Whether you are passionate about sharks, the sea, or simply want to better understand a group of animals essential to the balance of our planet, this book is a must-read.
It is clear, in-depth, visual, and above all, honest.

Being part of Sharks is both a source of pride and motivation. We celebrate the work of Claudio Barría Oyarzo and Ana Colmenero Ginés on such a necessary publication and thank them for the trust they placed in our photographic work. We will continue documenting, sharing, and defending sharks.
The ocean deserves it.