by Thinus Ferreira
National Geographic will do 21 hours of original programming every Saturday and Sunday in July at 18:00 on Nat Geo Wild (DStv 182 / StarSat 221) as part of its 2021 Sharkfest, starting with the premiere of Shark Beach with Chris Hemsworth on 3 July.
Shark Beach With Chris Hemsworth
follows the film star as he embarks on a mission to investigate how humanity can live more harmoniously with sharks.
The one-hour documentary special from Nutopia features shark icon and conservationist Valerie Taylor, who
takes Chris Hemsworth for a shark dive to experience nurse sharks firsthand, while other shark experts discuss new preventative measures and the latest
technology to help stave off shark-human encounters.
Other shark shows include Shark Attack Investigation: The Paige Winter Story, where experts
unpack the details of Winter’s attack and the inspirational story of how the
teenager remains an advocate for sharks.
There is also the 6-part series Shark
Attack Files that investigates bizarre and fascinating shark behaviour and that features footage from actual attacks, interactions and behaviour captured by both
professionals and observant bystanders.
As part of the 2021 Sharkfest there is also 6 new episodes of When Sharks Attack, which takes a look at
why there are spikes in shark attacks, and Croc That Ate Jaws.
Shark Gangs reveals
what is behind the shark behaviour of hanging out in groups while Rogue Shark? explores a series of shark
attacks in Australia.
"The mysteries of the
ocean's most iconic predators are so vast, even with 8 years of
shark-focused content under our belt, there still remains more to be
discovered," says Janet Vissering, senior vice president of development and production at National Geographic Partners.
"Like every year, shark scientists
and oceanic experts have pulled out all the stops for this year's Sharkfest,
revealing new discoveries, shocking revelations and bizarre shark behaviour
never seen before."
Evert van der Veer, vice president of media networks at The Walt Disney Company Africa, says "National Geographic
Wild’s Sharkfest has become a
celebrated annual event for our viewers across the continent, adding to our
rich premium wildlife programming that brings the world’s fascinating animals
to screens".
"Few creatures hold a fascination as much as
sharks and we are excited to reveal and explore more with exciting, intriguing
and exhilarating specials."
Below is the 2021 Sharkfest original programming line-up:
Shark Beach with Chris
Hemsworth
Saturday 3 July, 18:00
In this one-off special Chris Hemsworth embarks on a personal mission to
investigate how we can live more harmoniously with sharks. Chris, an
enthusiastic surfer and renowned environmentalist, is fascinated by the ocean’s
top predator.
He's equally perplexed by the dangers they pose to
humans when we venture into shark territory. In Shark Beach with Chris
uncovers the complicated truth behind the alarming increase in shark attacks in
Australia.
Joined by surfers, conservationists, shark advocates and marine
biologists, Chris begins his journey in his own backyard at Byron Bay,
Australia. He explores new preventative measures and technology which can help
stave off shark-human encounters.
He dives with sharks himself and
accompanies a tagging team as they handle a captured great white, helping
release it back into the ocean. Chris’s mission to understand sharks is
more than a journey: he’s searching for answers to help us live more
peacefully with these magnificent creatures.
When Sharks Attack 7 - Terror in Texas
Saturday 3 July, 18:45
Every year, Galveston Island in south Texas greets
upwards of 5 million visitors to its beaches. In 2004, the fishing, surfing and
beach play were shattered when 3 locals were attacked by sharks just weeks
apart.
Shark attacks are rare off Texas beaches, so locals want answers.
Experts examine what might have happened. Are the changes permanent? And will
Galveston beaches ever be safe again?
When Sharks Attack 7 - Mayhem in Miami
Saturday 3
July, 19:30
The crystal clear waters just north
of Miami, Florida is some of the most popular coastline in the United States. But in
2017, locals and tourists fell victim to a mysterious rise in shark attacks.
Over the course of the year, 9 beachgoers were bitten. A team of investigators
uncover clues in their search for the truth.
When Sharks Attack 7 - Predators in Paradise
Saturday 3 July, 20:15
In 2016, sharks descend on the island of Maui,
turning paradise into chaos. 7 attacks in 11 months - more than twice the
previous 10-year average.
Attacks are usually rare here. Experts investigate
awe-inspiring, underwater volcanoes and ancient craters, to the bizarre, mutant
sharks from Fukushima, to a dark secret about Maui’s sewage system. What they
uncover could be cause for global concern.
When Sharks Attack compilations – Gulf Coast
Reckoning
Sunday 4 July, 18:00
Shark attacks are causing panic along the Gulf.
Harrowing incidents in Florida and Texas leave experts scrambling for answers.
Could the attacks in Florida and Texas be related? What investigators discover
could impact vacationers everywhere.
When Sharks Attack compilations – Trouble in
Paradise
Sunday 4 July, 18:45
The Bahamas is a dream vacation destination. But
for some, the dream quickly becomes a nightmare. A string of shark attacks
terrifies beachgoers and concerns experts. Investigators must find the cause,
to save lives and help the tourist-dependent community.
When Sharks Attack compilations – Trouble in
Paradise
Sunday 4 July, 19:30
The tiger shark is the second deadliest species to
humans, behind only the great white. In Hawaii, a string of tiger shark attacks
has the community on high alert. Experts must find the reason why tiger sharks
are biting humans, before the next devastating encounter.
Rogue Shark?
Saturday 10 July, 18:00
In October 2018, the remote islands of the
Whitsunday in Australia were rocked by a series of shark attacks. Incredibly,
all the victims were attacked in the same small patch of ocean, no larger than
four football fields. Was a rogue serial killer on the loose? Or was something
new drawing sharks and humans into conflict?
When Sharks Attack 7 - Chaos in California
Saturday 10 July, 18:45
San Diego, California is one of the most visited
coastal destinations in the country. But in 2009, this community was rocked by
a spate of shark attacks. After a deadly incident the year prior, there were
six bites in just over six months. A group of experts revisit the accounts to
determine the cause of the spike.
When Sharks Attack 7 - North Florida Frenzy
Saturday 10 July, 19:30
Jacksonville, Florida’s amazing beaches are the
best-kept secret in the South. But this peaceful paradise was rocked in 2015
and 2016 when 12 shark attacks defied the odds and left locals searching
for answers. From surfers to swimmers, experts re-visit the circumstances of
these attacks and search for answers.
When Sharks Attack 7 - Devastation Down Under
Saturday 10 July, 20:15
In 2009, fear grips Australia when sharks terrorize
the coastal community of New South Wales. 17 attacks over the course of the
year - more than 4 times the annual average. Interactions with sharks here
are usually rare, leaving experts searching for answers and what they discover
could impact beach-goers around the globe.
The Sand Eating Shark
Sunday 11 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)
In Fernando do Noronha, offshore Brazil, lemon
sharks have mastered the art of catching sardines in the surf zone… with the
help of unexpected allies!
When Sharks Attack compilations – Carolina Dread
Sunday 11 July, 18:45
Sharks are invading Carolina waters, leaving
experts searching for answers. Strings of shark attacks in North and South
Carolina threaten beachgoers as well as the tourist-driven way of life for
coastal communities. The mystery behind the attacks must be solved, but the
problem may be more dire than anyone could have guessed.
When Sharks Attack compilations – Most Shocking
Spikes
Sunday 11 July, 18:45
The most shocking strings of shark attacks ever
recorded may help experts prevent future attacks. The Jersey Shore 1916 attacks
inspired the most infamous shark story in history, Jaws, but the real-life tale
is even more terrifying.
A string of attacks in Sharm El-Sheikh Egypt leaves
experts dumbfounded, but all is not what is seems. And history may be repeating
itself with a double-shark attack in New York.
Shark Attack-Tics
Saturday 17 July, 18:00
We’re all familiar with Jaws. But the Great White
is not the only shark to rule the oceans. We’ll watch Wobbegong sharks go
tail-fishing and Epaulet sharks walk on land.
From the tiger shark that chews
through metal to the reef tips that prowl in packs…sharks come in 500 different
shapes and sizes and many are top-notch hunters in their own right.
Shark Attack Files Part 1, Great Whites Vs Cage
Saturday 17 July, 18:45
Cage diving is a popular way to see sharks – until
they ram, bite or get behind the bars. A few key factors may explain this
troubling behaviour.
Shark Attack Files Part 2, Land Shark
Saturday
17 July, 19:30
Most shark attacks happen near shore and more
sharks are being spotted on beaches across the world. Could sharks one day step
onto land?
Shark Attack Files Part 3, Deadliest Bite
Saturday
17 July, 20:15
Shark experts examine the jaws of the world’s
three deadliest shark to determine what about a shark's bite is so deadly.
Shark Gangs
Sunday 18 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)
For years sharks have been viewed as solitary
predators, but scientists have recently discovered a surprising new behavior.
In this special, we reveal how this apex predator likes to hang out in gangs.
So what is behind this behavior? Do sharks enjoy a social life or are they
working together to become even more effective hunters?
50 Shades of Sharks
Sunday 18 July, 18:45
50 Shades of Sharks reveals facets of sharks that
are rarely chronicled; they’re fragile, delicate, ingenious, collaborative and
even clumsy at times.
World's Most Dangerous Shark?
Saturday 24
July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)
By some estimates, the Oceanic Whitetip has
attacked and eaten nearly 2 000 humans - more than the Great White, Tiger and
Bull sharks combined. But could the “Most dangerous of all sharks….” be even
more dangerous?
Shark Attack Files Part 4, Man vs Shark
Saturday
24 July, 18:45
Never-before-seen footage explores the most
astounding shark attacks from the last several years – and how each victim
fought back.
Shark Attack Files Part 5, Man vs Shark
Saturday
24 July, 19:30
Over the past two decades, there have been
multiple instances of sharks attacking humans in pairs - is there something
fishy going on?
World's Biggest Bullshark?
Sunday 25 July, 18:00 (Repeat 20:15)
Marine Ecologist, Dr Neil Hammerschlag teams up
with former Royal Marine Commando, James Glancy and Evolutionary Biologist, Dr Toby Daly-Engel to uncover how Big Bull, one of the largest Bull Sharks ever
caught, grew to become a giant and find out if there could be more like her.
The Sharks of Hawaii
Sunday 25 July, 18:45
A living Eden for all creatures, including one of
the most misunderstood in the entire world – the shark. Some 40 species call
these waters home, and so does world-renowned wildlife cinematographer Paul
Atkins.
This film will take us from the remote reefs of the Hawaiian
archipelago to the world-famous beaches of Waikiki. The sharks here offer up
extraordinary behaviour, some seen nowhere else on earth.
Shark Attack: The Paige Winter Story
Saturday 31 July, 18:00
Paige Winter was only 17 years old when she lost a
leg and portion of her hand to a shark. Experts unpack the details of Paige’s
attack to determine what kind of shark is responsible and what can be done, if
anything, to avoid this happening again.
Despite all Paige has lived through,
this inspirational teen remains an advocate for sharks and, with the guidance
of professionals, takes brave steps to overcome her greatest fears.
The Croc That Ate Jaws
Saturday 31 July, 18:45
What happens when two of the world’s most deadly
and ancient predators go head to head? Drawing on spectacular UGC from around
the world, and the latest scientific research, shark and croc experts Dr Mike
Heithaus and Dr James Nifong unpack and analyse the evidence.
With growing
signs crocs and alligators are pushing far out to sea and deep in to shark
territory, are clashes on the rise?
