Shark Week 2012

Shark Week has now been airing on the Discovery Channel for 25 years.  Anyone that has been watching the last five years can attest to the degradation of the show year after year. Focused on sensationalism, it has lost its soul and passion that it once had way back when.  Of course television has changed as well - in a time of "reality shows" such as The Real House Wives of (insert city of choice) viewers are more interested in plastic drama than quality, while the executives in ratings / eyeballs / advertising money.  I guess the comparison can be made with The Real World (MTV) - remember the first season in NYC - compare that to the Real World St. Thomas (really???)

As I set my DVR to record the week, I am reminded of the past titles that are being shown as reruns, similar to those D horror movies that only make it to DVD.  

But among all the blood, gore, and sinister sharks apparently there is hope for this 25th anniversary - at least that is what the industry insiders are buzzing about...a bit hard to believe when teasers such as the following are being aired:



JAWS will never die…

This year’s conservation partner of the show is Shark Savers – solid organization that brings a lot of credibility and a definite plus.  

Hoping for a great week - one that will change perceptions.

Shark Savers launches new Shark Fin Soup campaign

Shark Savers have launched a new shark fin soup campaign which includes the video below, apparently it is also available in Cantonese but I have not been able to find it.  The video has a good message and is the first installment of what is to come...


As per Shark Savers: "We believe the most effective way to reduce demand for shark fin soup is to educate consumers. Research has shown that when consumers learn more about shark fin soup, a majority of them will reject it."


For the complete campaign go here.


This is a great initiative, and we hope that it will continue to have a positive reaction among people that are exposed to it.


On a separate note, it would have been nice if some of the Shark Savers' board of directors would have been more supportive of the South Africa baiting debate.


"Success is the sum of small efforts..." - Robert Collier


 

Shark Savers

Jamie, Julie, Felix, and Janet

While in New York City last week, I had the opportunity to meet the women behind Shark Savers, a non-profit organization whose mission is simple: “…to save sharks, we will increase awareness, educate, bring organizations together, and empower a grassroots effort to protect and sustain sharks on a global scale."

Janet, Jamie, and Julie started the organization about six months ago and thus far have created a big splash. They are an extremely motivated bunch, energetic, and more importantly, they love sharks. I think they will be successful at growing the organization and spread the message; they have quit their jobs to protect sharks fulltime. Convinced, I have become a monthly donor, and I encourage you to do the same – make a donation, help these girls help sharks.

Sharkwater DVD Launch Celebration

Sharkwater is probably one of the best shark documentaries I have seen. In 2006 I saw the movie twice (Ft. Lauderdale and Key West) - also had a chance to have dinner with Rob.

On April 11, 2008 - Shark Savers are having a party which will be hosted by Rob and Captain Paul Watson:

When: Friday, April 11th, 7-11pm
Where: Pink Elephant, 527 W 27th Street, New York City

RSVP: http://sharksavers.eventbrite.com/

There is a $20 cover charge if you buy the tickets in advance, and $25 at door. I am not sure where or how this money will be spent - I assume it is a 100% donation going to the cause - that would be the only right thing to do.

My only question is: Why is Rob featured so prominently on the movie poster - promoting sharks or himself? I do not think I have ever seen a documentary director on a movie poster before.

Finally, some good news amidst the 'shark attack' hysteria

Tiger Shark and Lemon Shark in perfect Harmony
Photo: Wolfgang Leander
Click to enlarge

Julie Andersen, Director of the Shark Savers www.sharksavers.org, sent me this "Miami Herald" article today:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking_news/story/441506.html#recent_comm

We are all very glad to see that the Bahamian government officials have kept their cool despite the misinformation and plain distortion of facts in the press that was fueled by self-styled shark experts such as Neal Watson and George Burgess.

Both gentlemen do not appear to have ever dived with tiger sharks or other 'dangerous' species, and certainly do not know the exact circumstances that led to the lamentable incident. Yet, their statements talking to the press smack of a specialist expertise they do not have. They are the know-it-all types media pros usually resort to not knowing better. I will not waste more words on Watson.

As to Burgess, who believes, and wants to make others believe, to be a "shark attack" expert, let me just quote an internationally renowned shark scientist:

"....... The study of 'shark attack' is an unscientific endeavor. This is because it is impossible with our state of technical knowledge to set up an experiment to test an hypothesis. Any statement as to causality is just mere speculation. This is a plain fact. The scientific method is not available to those who 'study' shark attack."

As much as Burgess wants to be recognized as an authority on "shark attacks", he is not more than a mere statistician who collects data on shark incidents. The conclusions he draws from his data collection are nothing but speculations as he simply cannot claim to do his research as director of the International Shark Attack File in a scientific manner.

Here is what Maris Kazmers had to say on the subject of being a "shark attack" expert:

"Assuming that being a scientist means applying the scientific method to problems/questions, how does one resolve the fact that virtually all shark attack information is anecdotal, that most shark attack information comes from unreliable sources, that even the identity of the shark involved is often in question, etc, etc?"

Enough said?