Ep 10. Sharkageddon

Shark Week season 2014 episode 10, titled "Sharkageddon," takes viewers to the coast of Hawaii, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the location of a series of shark attacks that has left both locals and tourists shaken. In the summer of 2013, within a span of just two weeks, there were an unprecedented 13 shark attacks in Hawaii, far more than the average annual tally of 4-5 attacks. Most of the victims were surfers and swimmers, and several of them lost limbs in the attacks.

The episode sets out to explore what caused this sudden spike in shark activity, and whether it was just a fluke or a sign of something more ominous. To do this, the show follows a team of experts, led by both local and mainland shark researchers, as they try to answer some of the most pressing questions about the attacks.

One of the first things the team looks at is the species of sharks that were involved in the attacks. They discover that most of the sharks were tiger sharks, a notorious predator known for its size, speed, and aggression. Tiger sharks are common in Hawaiian waters, but they usually don't pose a serious threat to humans. So, why were they suddenly attacking people on such a large scale?

To answer this question, the team investigates the food sources of tiger sharks in Hawaii, and how they might have been affected by changes in the environment. They discover that one likely culprit is a surge in the population of green sea turtles, which are a favorite prey of tiger sharks. In recent years, the number of green sea turtles in Hawaii has skyrocketed, due to conservation efforts, and this has created an abundance of food for the sharks.

The team also explores the role of climate change in the shark attacks. They interview scientists who argue that rising ocean temperatures and sea levels are altering the behavior of sharks, making them more likely to venture closer to shore and interact with humans. Additionally, the changing climate is causing disruptions in the ecosystem, such as changes in the migration patterns of prey species, which could be forcing sharks to seek out new sources of food.

As the team delves deeper into the mystery of Sharkageddon, they encounter a range of fascinating characters, from local surfers to veteran shark hunters. They also use cutting-edge technology, such as underwater cameras and satellite tracking devices, to monitor the movements of sharks and track their behavior.

Throughout the episode, the tension builds as the team races against time to uncover the truth about what caused the rash of shark attacks. They are determined to find a way to prevent such incidents from happening again, and to help restore a sense of safety for those who live and play in the waters of Hawaii.

In the end, Sharkageddon is an eye-opening and thought-provoking episode of Shark Week, one that sheds light on the complex and fragile ecosystem of the Hawaiian coast, and the delicate balance that must be maintained between humans and sharks. It is a cautionary tale of what can happen when that balance is disrupted, and a reminder that we must always respect the power and majesty of these magnificent creatures.