Save This Shark

Save This Shark is a dynamic and vital series aired on Outside TV Features in 2020. Taking a deep dive into the world of sharks, this show provides a sensational and thrilling exploration of one of the most enigmatic and feared creatures on the planet. It is presented by Mick Fanning, a professional surfer and shark attack survivor, who embarks on a personal journey to better understand these aquatic animals that once nearly ended his life.

The mission of "Save This Shark" is not only to entertain and educate but primarily to conserve and protect these magnificent but endangered species whose existence is under severe threat from overfishing, pollution, and climate change. The series provides a unique perspective by presenting the controversy and struggle surrounding shark conservation issues, attempting to balance the safety of humans and the survival of sharks.

Throughout the two-part series, Mick Fanning offers the audience a riveting recount of his 2015 encounter with a Great White, the largest predatory fish on Earth, during a surfing competition at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa. Fanning uses this frightening personal experience to fuel his pursuit of understanding. He shares a passion and a mission, along with marine biologists, conservationists, and other experts, to bring the audience closer to these apex predators and stress the importance of their preservation.

The series unfolds with Mick venturing to areas worldwide, known for frequent shark sightings, including his home country, Australia, which records the highest number of shark-human encounters globally. Alongside marine experts, Mick faces his fears, comes up close with different species of sharks such as Tiger sharks, Bull sharks, and Great Whites, and embraces them, quite literally, to breakdown the demonization unjustly cast upon these creatures.

Save This Shark delves deep into the role of technology in understanding and preserving these oceanic beasts. It highlights innovative advancements like non-invasive tagging methods and drone surveillance, aiding in studying the shark's behaviour and their migration patterns. Fanning showcases submarine tourism aimed at challenging and transforming the shark's image from a human predator to a wonder of the natural world deserving admiration and protection. It emphasizes that safety precautions can prevent mortality on both sides.

Simultaneously, the show opens tough dialogues addressing issues related to shark nets and drumlines, measures introduced for human safety but often result in harming innocent marine life, including sharks. It advocates for the necessity of finding a harmonious coexistence between people and sharks, essential for the ecological balance in our oceans. A balance that if tipped, could have disastrous consequences considering these creatures have a crucial role in shaping marine ecosystems.

Parallelly, "Save This Shark" exposes the cruel industry of shark finning, responsible for the slaughter of millions of sharks yearly. It uncovers the unsustainable demand for shark fins, largely driven from Asia’s culinary market, leading to the breath-taking mortality rates among sharks every year. Fanning informs the viewers about the fatal impacts of such practices on shark populations, causing an imbalance in the food chain and other dire environmental consequences.

Complementing the gripping storytelling, the series provides stunning underwater cinematography. The viewers are treated to a majestically shot and narrated expedition of Mick swimming with the sharks— from shallow, crystal clear waters to the dark, mysterious depths of the ocean. The visual offering is a blend of beauty, thrill, and education.

While, Save This Shark gives an adrenaline boost, it never loses focus of its purpose - to generate a paradigm shift in our collective outlook towards sharks. Mick's audacious journey serves as an invitation for viewers to ride the emotional wave, spanning from fear to fascination, ultimately leading to a much-needed respect for these misunderstood oceanic predators.

So, whether you are an adventure enthusiast, a wildlife lover, a conservationist, or someone curious about the underwater world, Save This Shark manages to appeal to a vast demographic. Its purposeful content coupled with breathtaking visuals creates an engaging watch, leaving the audience more informed and respectful of our planet and its incredible marine life. The series serves as a timely reminder that every creature, no matter how fierce or feared, plays a crucial role in maintaining the fragile balance of our planet’s biodiversity. Save This Shark is a clarion call for everyone to participate in preserving the majestic predators of our oceans.