Shark Week’s 37th Year Focuses on Science and Safety

OBA Staff • July 20, 2025

What Viewers Can Expect from July Broadcasts

Shark Week’s 37th Year Focuses on Science and Safety

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — Shark Week is set to captivate audiences once again on the Discovery Channel. This annual event dives into the world of sharks through documentaries and specials. Residents along the Alabama Gulf Coast may tune in with extra interest due to recent local shark activity. Marine scientists use the week to share knowledge about these ocean-dwelling creatures.


The 2025 edition runs from Sunday, July 20, through Saturday, July 26. It kicks off at 7 p.m. Central Time on July 20. Programming airs nightly until 10 p.m. Central Time each day.


This marks the 37th year of
Shark Week, a tradition since 1988. Shows explore shark behavior, habitats, and conservation efforts. Highlights include "Dancing with Sharks" and "Air Jaws: The Hunt for Colossus." Viewers can expect real footage from underwater expeditions.

In the Gulf Coast area, shark sightings have made headlines this year. Beachgoers in Orange Beach reported a second shark encounter in early July. This follows a trend of increased activity near Alabama shores. Local parks hosted Shark Fest events in June.

Experts note that warmer waters draw sharks closer to the coast. Great white sharks like one named Ormond, were tracked in the Gulf earlier in 2025. Such data helps predict patterns and promote safety. 

Alabama plans to launch a shark alert system this year. It will notify beachgoers and responders about potential risks. This comes after teen attacks in 2024 off the coast. Officials aim to reduce incidents through better monitoring.


Also see:
Local Orange Beach Doctor Heads Back to the Beach Where Lulu Gribbin was Attacked 

Shark Week programs often feature similar coastal stories. They explain why sharks approach beaches, like for feeding on fish. Shows debunk myths, showing most sharks avoid humans. This educates viewers on safe enjoyment.

The shows offer facts at an easy-to-understand level. They encourage respect for marine life without fear. This could inspire more local interest in beach safety programs.


Overall, Shark Week blends entertainment with education, where viewers gain insights into the Gulf's underwater world.


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