Curiosity Weekly: Shark Week Gets Toxic – Forrest Galante Tracks Alien Sharks

Episode Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction

In this thrilling episode of Curiosity Weekly, hosted by Dr. Samantha Yammine from Discovery, listeners dive deep into the mysterious and often misunderstood world of sharks. Titled "Shark Week Gets Toxic: Forrest Galante Tracks Alien Sharks," the episode aligns with the excitement of Shark Week 2025, offering groundbreaking insights and featuring an exclusive interview with renowned wildlife biologist Forrest Galante.

Shark Week 2025 Preview

Dr. Samantha Yamin sets the stage by building anticipation for Shark Week 2025, promising listeners a series of jaw-dropping revelations and unique shark behaviors. She highlights upcoming segments, including:

• Sharks as Migrants: Exploring how certain shark species are altering known ocean migration patterns.
• Shark Communication: Unveiling the surprising discovery that sharks can intentionally produce sounds to communicate.
• Conservation Efforts: Discussing innovative methods like the use of blue stickers and shark collagen in conservation.
• Expert Voices: Featuring insights from Shark Week veterans like Luke Tipple and Paul de Gelder, who provide practical advice on shark behavior and survival.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Samantha Yamin (00:50): "Sharks still hide. Plot twists. There have been some very new and almost unbelievable discoveries around sharks in 2025."

Breaking the Silence: Sharks Make Noise

One of the episode's most groundbreaking revelations is the discovery that sharks are not the silent creatures we've long believed them to be. Dr. Yamin delves into a recent study where researchers recorded the first known shark sounds.

• Research Insights:

  • Sharks produce high-frequency clicks when stressed, particularly when handled by researchers.
  • These sounds are hypothesized to be a stress response or a method to communicate danger among sharks.

• Historical Context:

  • Prior to this study, the consensus was that elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates) were silent.
  • Comparisons are made to how rays communicate through clicking noises, leading scientists to explore if similar behaviors exist in sharks.

Notable Quote:
Forrest Galante (07:00): "Sharks do actively and intentionally make noise to communicate with one another. It is a fascinating breakthrough that builds on years of previous research."

Exclusive Interview with Forrest Galante

The heart of the episode is an in-depth interview with Forrest Galante, a passionate wildlife biologist known for his daring expeditions and commitment to conservation.

• Expedition to Australia:

  • Galante discusses his latest project, "Alien Sharks," which focuses on two venomous shark species: the Port Jackson shark and the elephant nose shark.
  • Emphasis on showcasing unique and lesser-known shark species to promote conservation.

• Venom Research and Personal Experimentation:

  • In a bold move for scientific understanding, Galante recounts injecting himself with diluted venom from the elephant nose shark to study its effects firsthand.
  • Safety Measures:
    • Collaborated with venomologist Dr. Brian Fries and a medic to ensure the procedure's safety.
    • Resulted in intense pain akin to a stingray sting, which required immediate treatment with heat packs to neutralize the toxin.

Notable Quotes:
Dr. Samantha Yamin (12:16): "How do you get that balance in your expeditions where you're thrilling the audience but also promoting the protection of misunderstood species like venomous sharks?"
Forrest Galante (12:16): "We focus on making really fun, really upbeat, really educational, entertaining content. Alien Sharks is no different."

Forrest Galante (14:17): "Don't do what I do. Secondly. Yeah."

Rediscovering Lost Species

Galante shares his experiences in rediscovering species believed to be extinct or data deficient, underscoring the importance of persistence in wildlife research.

• Notable Rediscoveries:

  • Fernandina Island Tortoise: Once thought extinct, its rediscovery in the Galapagos was a monumental achievement.

• Conservation Impact:

  • Finding these species reignites conservation efforts, leading to habitat protections and increased funding for research.

Notable Quote:
Forrest Galante (24:31): "It's literally the most rare animal on the planet. Only one of its species known to this day, two ever in existence."

Shark Communication: A Major Scientific Shift

The episode delves deeper into the implications of sharks making sounds, challenging longstanding misconceptions and opening new avenues for understanding shark behavior and social structures.

• Scientific Significance:

  • This discovery reshapes how scientists perceive shark interactions and their cognitive abilities.

• Future Research:

  • Ongoing studies aim to record and interpret shark sounds in their natural habitats, without human interference.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Samantha Yamin (07:00): "If Jaws ever gets a remake, it's the 50th anniversary over the summer of 2025. After all, the great white won't need to roar. It might rise from the deep clicking."

Innovative Conservation Techniques

Galante emphasizes the innovative approaches being adopted to protect sharks, including:

• Blue Stickers: Used as a non-invasive method to track and monitor shark movements.
• Shark Collagen: Explored for both conservation purposes and potential applications in biomedical engineering.

Notable Quote:
Forrest Galante (22:23): "Once an animal is declared extinct or it's lost to science, all hope is given up. When we go out and find something that's been missing to the scientific world, that opens up a whole new channel of resources to try and conserve not just that species, but the environment that species lives in."

Dancing with Sharks: A Shark Week Special Feature

Towards the episode's conclusion, Dr. Yamin introduces an exciting Shark Week special titled "Dancing with Sharks," hosted by shark expert Luke Tipple. This feature showcases daring divers performing choreographed underwater duets with various shark species, highlighting their grace and intelligence.

• Participants:

  • Professional free divers, boat captains, underwater photographers, and seasoned shark whisperers.

• Challenges Faced:

  • Coordinating movements and rhythms with unpredictable predator behavior.

• Educational Value:

  • Aims to demystify shark behavior and promote understanding and respect for these apex predators.

Notable Quote:
Luke Tipple (32:10): "We're going to go down and dance. We'll see you underwater."

Conclusion

"Shark Week Gets Toxic: Forrest Galante Tracks Alien Sharks" is a captivating episode that not only challenges existing perceptions about sharks but also underscores the relentless spirit of scientists dedicated to unraveling the ocean's mysteries. Through Galante's adventurous spirit and groundbreaking research, listeners gain a newfound appreciation for these ancient and enigmatic creatures. As Shark Week 2025 approaches, this episode serves as a compelling invitation to explore the depths of shark science and conservation.

Key Takeaways:

• Shark Communication: Sharks are capable of producing intentional sounds, redefining their interaction patterns.
• Forrest Galante's Contributions: His expeditions and fearless experimentation provide invaluable insights into venomous shark species.
• Conservation Efforts: Rediscovering lost species revitalizes conservation initiatives and funding.
• Shark Week Highlights: Special features like "Dancing with Sharks" aim to educate and inspire respect for shark species.

Stay Tuned:

Don’t miss Shark Week 2025 starting July 20th on Discovery, where these stories and more come to life with stunning visuals and expert commentary.