Shark Week 2023

Shark Week serves as a reminder of sharks’ awe-inspiring beauty and importance in our oceans. We must actively engage in conservation efforts to ensure their survival and the health of marine ecosystems. By combating shark finning, supporting sustainable fishing practices, and raising awareness, we can protect these extraordinary creatures and safeguard the ocean for generations. Let us embrace the spirit of Shark Week and become champions for shark conservation!

Would You Swim with Sharks?

One unique experience you can have in any SeaQuest location is being able to snorkel in clear salt water with tropical fish, stingrays, and various reef sharks. Instead of having to book an expensive flight to some far-away tropical location, experience these amazing animals up close and personal at SeaQuest! For $49.99 + admission, you’ll get to see what it’s like to swim among these fascinating marine creatures. Celebrate shark week by booking your snorkel adventure today!

Use code SHARKWEEK25 in-store or online for 25% off snorkeling in our shark & stingray tank! Offer valid through August 31st 2023!

What is Shark Week?

Believe it or not, Shark Week originates all the way back to 1987. Named for a special television special event, Discovery Channel developed a concept to create a weeklong extravaganza of shows and programs all about sharks. Since then Shark Week has evolved into a pop culture juggernaut. It’s now the longest-running cable TV programming event ever, and it continues to grow in ratings and popularity year over year. The first-ever Shark Week debuted in the summer of 1988 with the show Caged in Fear. The show explored the science of creating and testing motorized shark cages. 

On top of that, Shark Week benefited immensely from its implicit association with Steven Spielberg’s mega-blockbuster Jaws, which was released in 1975. Shark Week inspires people to learn about conservation of sharks and marine life. It’s an in-depth and scientific look at the lives of sharks, without trying to glorify them. This cultural phenomenon has shaped the way we perceive sharks. Shark Week allows us to emphasize the importance sharks have on our ecosystem and educate our guests on the importance of shark conservation. The most important thing to remember is that they are fierce predators and the vast majority of sharks want to be left alone by humans. 

Did You Know? The species featured in the movie, Jaws, is the Great White. However, there are no Great White Sharks held in captivity anywhere on the planet! Several attempts have been made to house the animal safely in oceanic facilities throughout the world but the longest one has only survived in captivity for 198 days.

Join the 2023 Shark Week Scavenger hunt for tiny rubber sharks hidden throughout the mall and gift shop! Find one, and you get one free admission to SeaQuest.

What is Shark Finning?

Shark finning is the horrific practice of catching a shark just to remove its fins. The shark’s fins are cut off while they are still alive. The shark is then thrown overboard and back into the ocean. Sharks can not swim without their fins and suffer from significant blood loss. They ultimately starve to death or are slowly eaten by other fish. Most drown because sharks need to keep moving to force water through their gills for oxygen.

SeaQuest touches on the dangers of shark finning and overfishing. While all species of sharks are known as apex predators, the real predators are humans.  It is our responsibility to take action and explore the importance of shark conservation, the devastating practice of shark finning, and provide actionable steps to protect our oceans and their inhabitants. To learn more about the negative effects of shark-finning on our oceans and sharks, check out our article on shark-finning here. 

How Can We Stop Shark Finning

You can play a role in preventing the practice of shark finning. There are several ways that campaign groups, government bodies, and organizations are working to address this cruel practice. Placing bans on finning, trade restrictions, and shark sanctuaries are some current movements many volunteers participate in. Encourage friends and family to read more about shark finning and support organizations that are working towards better conservation regulations. Visit your local aquarium or SeaQuest, to learn about the variety of shark species in the worlds oceans, and find out how you can help these magnificent creatures. 

SeaQuest is committed to protecting our world’s oceans and endangered animals. We focus on how to be proactive in finding solutions. To learn more about how you can help SeaQuest with this cause, book your visit today at any of the following locations: Utah, Las Vegas, Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Connecticut, Lynchburg, and New Jersey.

Internal Links:

https://visitseaquest.com/blog/the-dangers-of-shark-finning/

https://visitseaquest.com/blog/the-six-types-of-shark-that-call-seaquest-home/