The shark model used in Jaws.

Selachophobia - the scientific name for an abnormal and persistent fear of sharks - is a serious problem for many would-be swimmers. Sufferers are usually completely unable to swim in the sea, even when reassured that shark nets and other safety procedures are in force.

Some people are so scared of sharks that pictures of them alone can induce panic attacks, and there are many recorded cases of people who are so terrified that they are unable to swim in pools hundreds of miles from the sea, or even to take baths, for fear that they will be attacked by a shark.

The occurrence of selachophobia rose sharply after the release of Jaws, and many sufferers and psychologists attribute a fear of sharks specifically to watching this film. Some scientists have argued that Jaws has been indirectly responsible for the wide-scale and irresponsible slaughter of sharks all over the world since 1975 and has contributed directly to the decline of great white populations as a result.

Selachophobia can be professionally treated in the same way as other irrational fears of things, such as flying or spiders, although finding the right approach for an individual can be difficult. Hypnotherapy, behavioural therapy and medication have all been used successfully.