TOMS and University of Miami Release Shark Shoe in Time for Shark Week

"My niece is 1 year old and she's been wearing TOMS because they're comfortable and cool. It's not every day as scientists we get to engage in a dialogue with that type of public audience," Hammershlag said.

The Shark Shoe aims to generate funding and awareness for a species of animal that is fascinating, terrifying, and about which we still have so much more to learn.

Tiger Shark tagged by RJD.

"Populations of sharks are declining globally due to destructive overfishing. As top predators, they play an important ecological role in the ocean, and when you remove sharks there can be rippling effects to other community members and have other deleterious effects," Hammershlag said.

You can participate in RJD scientist's research in tracking Hammerhead, Bull, and Tiger sharks in South Florida waters by checking out their satellite-tagged sharks, and learn how you can Adopt a Shark here.

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