‘Shark Attacks in Paradise’ examines a French island’s shark attack epidemic and how they dealt with the issue
Réunion is a gorgeous French island on the Indian Ocean that saw record numbers of shark attacks in 2011. With this unprecedented uptick in violence, residents, business owners, surfers, and politicians found themselves fighting a “proxy war” with conservationists and ocean lovers.
The situation divided their society and snowballed into a public crisis, where no party could agree on one focal issue or how to solve it. “Shark Attacks in Paradise” chronicles the deadly string of shark attacks, vanishing tourists, the aftermath, and resilience when faced with an environmental threat.
Start The Binge’s “Shark Attacks in Paradise” from episode 1 to hear the complete story, with new episodes released over the next few weeks. Episodes run less than 45 minutes on average, and all 14 installments are now streaming for subscribers.
In episode 1, we meet Réunion resident Jean-Francois Nativel. In 2011, a bull shark attacked a vacationing surfer visiting Réunion with his wife and kids, prompting Jean-Francois’ attempts to catch the killer shark.
When a local surfer was mauled by 2 sharks near a high-end hotel, the island’s culture got divided into 2 opposing sides. Surfers feared for their lives and asked the government to kill sharks while environmentalists hoped to thwart their efforts.
Episodes share stories from pro bodyboarders-turned-lifeguards, Marine Biologist Sarah Andreotti, and examined questions like how we can continue to love one of the most dangerous animals on the planet while making the ocean a safer place.
Hear how Brigitte Bardot sprung into action, fought on the sharks’ behalf after a famous French surfer died in a horrific attack, and learn how the French government interceded with a plan to kill sharks. Also this season, hear about shark attack survivors, how Professor Christopher Pepin-Neff and author of “The Jaws Effect” became a consultant to Réunion, and more stories.
When the government outlawed surfing, learn how locals like Coralie Fridmann decided to carry on, avoid authorities, and how hardcore surfers paid the price when adhering to their own safety rules. Episode 13 covers shark fishing tactics and research to avoid attacks. In the last episode, surfer and host Dan Duane traveled to Réunion, learned more about the shark attacks’ effects on society and felt the ocean’s pull to surf.
“Shark Attacks in Paradise” shares insight on wildlife, society, and how society attempts to solve a natural threat to humans. Check out new episodes wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
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