Ep 1. Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite
- July 30, 2006
In Shark Week season 2006 episode 1, entitled "Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite," viewers are taken on a wild ride as host Mike Rowe joins a team of shark experts in Florida to partake in some of the most dangerous and dirty jobs related to these massive ocean predators.
Rowe begins by visiting a group of fishermen who make their living catching and tagging sharks for research purposes. This job requires not only a fearless attitude but also physical strength, as the sharks can weigh over 1,000 pounds. Rowe bravely jumps right into the action, helping to reel in and tag a 10-foot tiger shark. As viewers watch the fishermen handle the sharks up close, it becomes clear that this is not a job for the faint-hearted.
After spending some time on the boat, Rowe heads to the Florida Aquarium to participate in another dirty job: cleaning the tanks of their resident sharks. Armed with a scrub brush and protective gear, Rowe dives into the tanks filled with sand tiger, nurse, and blacktip sharks. The sharks curiously swim up to Rowe as he diligently scrubs algae from the glass walls. The segment also features a fascinating look at the aquarium's shark breeding program, where scientists are studying the reproductive habits of these creatures to better understand and protect their populations.
In the third and final segment of the episode, Rowe spends the night in a shark cage in the middle of the ocean. His goal is to capture footage of Caribbean reef sharks at night, which is a rare occurrence as these sharks are typically more active during the day. Rowe's dive into the dark and murky waters of the ocean is truly a nail-biting experience. Despite his fear and discomfort, the stunning footage captured during this segment is worth the risk.
Throughout the episode, Rowe brings his signature humor and wit to the dirty and dangerous jobs related to sharks. He also takes time to emphasize the importance of shark conservation and the vital role that these creatures play in maintaining the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems.
Overall, "Dirty Jobs: Jobs That Bite" is a fascinating and exciting look at the world of sharks and the daring individuals who work with them. Whether you are a fan of Shark Week or just have a general interest in learning more about these creatures, this episode is an engaging and informative watch.