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August 15, 2011
Contraversial SHARK WEEK Footage Creating a Frenzy
An interesting conversation has popped up on Wetpixel. Adam Hanlon reports that Discovery Channel’s show How Shark Hunt, which aired as part of SHARK WEEK, included “controversial footage.” In the footage, the famous tiger shark Emma “is baited and when she takes the bait, is pulled by the crew up towards the surface. The shark resists and the line holding the bait parts, causing the gantry arm to which it was attached to swing round and strike the crew.”
The footage prompted Hanlon to ask Wetpixel forum members if “this sort of activity really acceptable for people's entertainment and does this do any good for shark or marine conservation?” In response, one person said, “Discovery & Shark Week are BOGUS, moronic & destructive.” Another said, “I haven’t watched a Shark Week program in over a decade. This shows I’ve made the right decision.” I searched for positive responses, but was unable to find any.
As I’ve said before, I’m not a fan of SHARK WEEK. Sadly, this video pretty much sums up why. I’m doubtful the Discovery Channel will learn its lesson though because SHARK WEEK opened to 3.3 million viewers its first hour, which was one of the annual programming event's best Sunday night numbers ever.
Do you think SHARK WEEK does anything good for shark conservation?
Posted by jroualdes at August 15, 2011 07:10 PM
