Saving the shark that bit me | The Nature Conservancy

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Shark Week

"Saving the shark that bit me"

Watch Conservancy scientist Kydd Pollock's story on Shark Week, Aug. 15, at 9 p.m EST on the Discovery Channel.

Gray reef sharks cruising in the waters off Palmyra Atoll. Photo © Kydd Pollock

Nature Conservancy marine scientist Kydd Pollock. Photo © TNC

Kydd Pollock

Shark Week is coming. It’s that time each year when people gather around their TV and online screens to see one of the most feared-yet-fascinating animals on Earth.

It’s natural to have some caution for sharks, but we must learn to co-exist and respect them. Healthy shark populations are essential to thriving coral reefs. We need sharks in the ocean.

And yes, I still maintain this view two years after I was injured by a gray reef shark at Palmyra Atoll.

Discovery Channel celebrates 25 years of Shark Week starting August 12, 2012 and my story will be part of the adventures they broadcast, along with other survivors who remain advocates for shark protection. Tune in to see me on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 9 p.m. eastern standard time.

Watch my story on Shark Week and visit TNC’s web site to hear more about what happened to me and why I still love being around sharks today. We’ll also share lots of other information about saving and preserving sharks around the world, and why we need sharks for a healthy ocean. It’s going to be “jawsome!”

Read Kydd's blog on Cool Green Science!

August 15, 2012