SHARK WEEK’s LAWS OF JAWS Explores the Rising Number of Shark Attacks

The 30^th anniversary of SHARK WEEK is here, airing until Sunday, July 29 on Discovery. Featuring more than 19 hours of captivating aquatic programming, these undersea specials dive into unexplored locations and reveal groundbreaking scientific discoveries about the changing behavioural patterns of shark species. Shark attacks hit the news last week, with multiple incidents being recorded off the coast of New York’s Fire Island for the first time in 70 years. It’s clear that something fishy is going on here, and researchers are seeking to determine whether the increase in shark attacks is a consequence of increased human interaction with the elusive creatures. A recent study published in Progress in Oceanography anticipates warm-water species such as thresher sharks are likely to become increasingly prominent along the coast of B.C. Researcher William Cheung believes the shifts are the result of warming waters, forcing numerous species to move north to cooler environments, causing their hunters to follow. In the SHARK WEEK special LAWS OF JAWS, filmmaker Andy Casagrande and expert diver Liz Parkinson discuss recent attacks they believe were caused by human activity. Are we partially responsible? And what role can humans play in reversing this trend? Find out in LAWS OF JAWS, airing during SHARK WEEK, Tuesday, July 24 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT on Discovery. SHARK WEEK plunges into the sea all week long on Discovery, airing until Sunday, July 29.