It is easy for the media to vilify the mega-toothed and ancient predator, with whole weeks of the year dedicated to their power and mystery.  But many (like you?) now realize that their portrayed villainy is a diversion from the real truth: these magnificent beasts are dying.

We are asking our readers to help us tell the shark story in different way. We’re aiming to raise $5,000 from readers to establish a fund for a series of stories on sharks and their current plight. Every donation helps — even $5 puts us closer to commissioning an article.

Make 2015 the year of the shark in your house.

Donate today.

Articles are produced under the Mongabay Reporting Network, which provides paid opportunities to journalists around the world to do stories on interesting and important topics.