Introduction
Quick Navigation
Some countries pay attention to other living creatures in the environment besides humans. By living creatures, that means both terrestrial and marine. There is a direct relationship between the two habitats, and man’s influence on them determines whether a stable ecosystem can be achieved or not.
Marine life piques the interest in the conservation and preservation industry because they are prone to exploitation until they become endangered. Sharks are one of those animals of interest with several programs set up to monitor and ensure their proper conservation.
The United States of America and some other world countries have programs, like Shark Week, to celebrate and orientate people on these large marine animals. While some people are a bit confused on why Shark Week is being celebrated, others take it seriously to celebrate every July 17th. In this article, you will be enlightened on the importance of marine preservation – especially the Great Whites.
What is Shark Week? How Did it Start?
Shark Week is an annual week-long program on Discovery Channel used to raise awareness and show respect for Great Whites and any other giant fish. During this period, documentaries, film footage, and factual information are provided to the media – social media, inclusive.
The Shark Week history originally started on July 17th, 1988. Ever since then, it has gained mass popularity in over 72 countries of the world. The program sometimes airs in July or August, every year.
Why is Shark Week Important?
Shark Week is one of the active ways to create awareness for marine life preservation. It is everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment, especially the world’s oceans, because life and habitability depend on it.
If the oceans and other large water bodies aren’t taken care of, i.e., constantly polluted, the entire ecosystem is at risk. The shortage of a marine animal will ultimately affect the feeding habits of other animals that depend on the former for food – hence, an unstable system.
Sharks and other marine creatures need to be celebrated and preserved every day of the year; however, the annual event is used to raise awareness at maximum. It teaches people how to respect these apex predators because they are likely to be endangered.
How is Shark Week Celebrated?
Knowing the date for the week-long annual program isn’t enough; you need to participate actively. While you learn about sharks and understand everything about their growth, habitats, feeding patterns, and threats, you should also celebrate them by joining a community of shark lovers or marine enthusiasts.
Some people even host parties to celebrate these marine animals, while others binge-watch week-long documentaries on Discovery Channel and any shark-related films or games.
Finally, shark lovers raise awareness by doing the following.
Adopting a shark from the right authorities
Campaigning against illegal exploitation, overfishing, human pollution, and finning
Campaigning against Shark Fin Soup
Hosting a Shark Cake Bake Sale
Raising awareness about ocean plastics and their dangers
Supporting shark conservation programs
Raising money for charity
Exchanging Shark-themed gifts
Signing a petition to save sharks
Whatever is done during this period is basically to get people informed and committed towards marine preservation.
Are there Controversies About the Annual Program?
Shark Week has received compliments and also criticisms. Currently, there are controversies about the annual program with Discovery Channel being under attack by the public.
Marine enthusiasts believe that the Discovery Channel has been producing docufiction for a while now while entirely negates everything the event stands for. A docufiction as known is a fictional documentary with vague or misguided facts delivered to an audience for the sole purpose of entertainment.
One of these misguided facts is how sharks are dangerous predators capable of wiping out humanity en masse. However, that is not true because, so far, fatal attacks haven’t been more than 10. In 2018, a total of 66 unprovoked attacks were confirmed. Thus, it leaves us knowing that there are only about 6 fatalities per year on average.
If you are familiar with the Discovery Channel, the program “Megladon: The Monster Shark Lives” is only a fictitious misrepresentation. It says that the shark species still exist, which it doesn’t. It has raised several comments, and many shark lovers are starting to raise campaigns on having the show pulled down because of its misguiding facts.
Unfortunately, it holds the rank of being the most-watched episode with over 5 million views, helping to make the annual event more popular.
Why is Marine Preservation Important?
Marine preservation and conservation is only a new concept formed due to the subsequent decline in fish populations every year. This decline is one of the many world problems today because it affects the entire existence of life living on earth.
Several factors contribute to the poor quality of oceans housing many water animals species, including Climate Change, Pollution, Eutrophication, Overfishing, Overmining, Sedimentation, and Acidification. While many of these problems are caused by man’s actions on the environment, the others are natural.
Unfortunately, this invisible problem comes with many consequences; hence, marine preservation and conservation was introduced to help.
Different world countries have set up various agencies to monitor and control the use of oceans for activities and control pollution. Likewise, some people are actively contributing by raising awareness and hosting events that will help properly educate people on why the oceans and animals need to be preserved.
Slight improvements have been recorded every year; however, there is still much work to do.
See more information about the World Endangered Species Day here.
Conclusion
Sometimes, the best way to create awareness and educate people about certain concepts is through weekly or annual programs. Shark Week is one of those programs that orientate people about sharks and why they need to stop being exploited for different reasons. As you look forward to this year’s Shark Week, prepare whatever is necessary and join a community to spread awareness.
