Ep 7. Shark City

In "Shark City," the seventh episode of Shark Week 2011, viewers are taken to the bustling metropolis of Sydney, Australia, where shark attacks are on the rise. Over the course of an hour, the episode explores why this city on the Pacific Rim has become such a hotbed of shark activity, and what steps experts are taking to prevent future attacks.

Hosted by renowned shark expert Andy Casagrande, the episode begins by introducing viewers to the so-called "White Death," the great white shark that calls the waters off Sydney home. With razor-sharp teeth and a voracious appetite, these apex predators have long fascinated scientists and laypeople alike. But as Casagrande notes, recent years have seen a surge in shark attacks in the area, leaving many people fearful for their safety.

To better understand what's driving this uptick in violence, the episode turns to a team of scientists based at the Taronga Conservation Society, one of Australia's leading wildlife research institutions. Through careful monitoring and tracking of shark populations in the Sydney region, these researchers hope to gain insights into shark behavior and ecology, and ultimately to find ways to mitigate the risk of attacks.

Casagrande accompanies the Taronga team as they venture out into the Pacific to tag sharks, a process that involves netting the animals, fitting them with GPS devices, and releasing them back into the ocean. The data collected from these tags provides a wealth of information, from the migration patterns of individual sharks to the temperature and salinity of the waters they inhabit.

But tagging sharks is just part of the story. To get a deeper understanding of the ecological forces at play in Sydney, the episode also examines the impact of human behavior on shark populations. From overfishing and pollution to climate change and coastal development, a variety of factors are contributing to the changing dynamics of the Pacific ecosystem. And as sharks and humans increasingly come into contact, tensions are rising.

To better understand these tensions, "Shark City" features interviews with a range of experts, including marine biologists, surfers, and local officials. One memorable sequence finds Casagrande with a group of surfers on Sydney's Bondi Beach, where dozens of swimmers and surfers flock each day. Despite the risk of shark attacks, these thrill-seekers refuse to be deterred. As one surfer puts it, "if you're afraid of sharks, you shouldn't be in the ocean."

Beyond the thrill-seekers and researchers, "Shark City" also explores the perspectives of those most directly impacted by shark attacks: the victims and their families. Through interviews with survivors and loved ones, the episode paints a vivid picture of the trauma and fear that results from these life-altering encounters.

Finally, the episode examines the efforts that are being made to reduce the risk of shark attacks in Sydney and other parts of the world. From innovative new technologies like "smart" drumlines to education campaigns aimed at promoting safety and conservation, a range of approaches are being tried. But as "Shark City" makes clear, the relationship between humans and sharks remains complex and nuanced, and there are no easy answers to the challenges that lie ahead.

Overall, "Shark City" is a thought-provoking and engrossing exploration of one of the most primal and enigmatic creatures on the planet, and the ecological and social forces that shape our relationship to them. With stunning visuals, expert analysis, and poignant insights from those who have experienced the power of the shark firsthand, this episode is a must-watch for anyone with an interest in marine biology, environmental issues, or simply the raw power of nature.