“Belly of the Beast” will commence the highly anticipated 2023 edition of Shark Week on Discovery channel this Sunday, with marine biologist Austin Gallagher at the helm. In an exclusive Zoom interview with UPI, Gallagher expressed his excitement and gratitude for being chosen to kick off the week-long event. He shared that during the production of the show, he and his crew were determined to create something truly extraordinary and innovative. By pushing boundaries and adopting a next-generation approach to shark science, they aimed to captivate viewers like never before.
One highlight of “Belly of the Beast” was the use of a life-size whale decoy to capture a shark feeding frenzy off the coast of South Africa. Despite the logistical challenges of transporting equipment and the massive fake whale, Gallagher described the experience as incredibly rewarding. He promised audiences unprecedented sights and revealed the discovery of the largest white shark ever recorded in South African history. Using a drone, they measured the enormous creature, a fact that excited the network and left Gallagher eager to witness the fans’ reactions.
Another exciting program premiering during Shark Week is “Monster Mako: Fresh Blood,” featuring Gallagher and free diver Andre Musgrove. They employed a clear, acrylic diving bell to study 12-foot-long mako sharks as they competed with great whites for food off the coast of California. Gallagher explained that both “Belly of the Beast” and “Monster Mako” focused on understanding shark feeding behaviors and their prey preferences, as well as finding and tracking the largest specimens. According to Gallagher, protecting these breeding individuals is crucial for sustaining shark populations.
Gallagher strongly emphasized that sharks are misunderstood and do not pose a threat to humans as commonly portrayed in movies and TV shows. He debunked this misconception, stating that we are not part of their natural diet. In “Alien Sharks: Strange New Worlds,” wildlife biologist Forrest Galante explores the unique and underrepresented species of sharks exhibiting peculiar behaviors at the tip of South Africa. Galante expressed his satisfaction with the opportunity to shed light on lesser-known sharks during Shark Week and to allow them to take the spotlight.
South Africa provided the perfect setting for both “Belly of the Beast” and “Alien Sharks” due to its diverse habitats resulting from the convergence of the warm Indian Ocean and the cold Atlantic Ocean. This unique mixing zone fosters high levels of speciation, making it a dream come true for shark enthusiasts. Although the region’s waters can be treacherous, Galante chooses to focus on the positive and urges everyone to appreciate and protect the ocean.
Marine biologist Tom Hird stars in two programs during Shark Week: “Great White Fight Club” and “Cocaine Sharks.” While the former delves into the dominance of female white sharks in the world’s oceans, the latter delves into the effects of drugs dumped into the ocean on shark behavior. Hird expressed his delight to have hosted and directed “Cocaine Sharks,” which showcased his expertise in studying fish behavior. He shared that the team observed unique behaviors in sharks and fish during their groundbreaking research on the effects of different chemicals on marine life.
Shark Week not only offers thrilling entertainment but also plays a crucial role in promoting the conservation of sharks and their environments. Hird believes that by captivating viewers and inspiring them to care about these fascinating creatures, the event can encourage personal contributions toward conservation efforts. He highlighted that Shark Week brings together scientists from various backgrounds, including unconventional presenters like himself, to share their knowledge and passion for marine life.
Lastly, it was revealed that Jason Momoa, known for his roles in “Aquaman” and “Game of Thrones,” recorded promotional material for Shark Week before the recent Screen Actors Guild strike. While Tom Hird didn’t have the opportunity to meet Momoa, he humorously expressed his anticipation for a future encounter between the “Aquaman” and the “Blowfish.”
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