The article headlined 'Is this the summer of the sharks?' (South China Morning Post, June 2) was a piece of shameless, tabloid sensationalism.
It did not successfully inform or educate the reader about either the real risks of shark attacks in Hong Kong or the threat to the existence of these misunderstood and endangered species. Instead it served to create fear and hatred of sharks in a community that is already party to decimation of the shark population.
The content of the article, at times, gave the appearance of trying to bring a balance of views on the topic. The words of some very creditable experts in the field were used. These were, however, mired in polemic.
Running a Jaws-inspired picture of a great white shark on your front page and in extra gory detail on the cover of the Features section can only have been intended to strike fear into the reader.
The great white also featured top of your 'Jaws watch' list, and this is a shark that has no confirmed sightings in Hong Kong.
The photo headline, highlighted quote and standfirst of the story all reinforced the message, 'Be afraid. Be very afraid.' As many people will not read beyond these, the message that this piece will carry to the majority of your readers will remain 'Sharks are a danger to be feared'.
Given the overreaction shown by the authorities to this season's two supposed sightings, surely you should be trying to quell fears rather than provoke them.