Great White Lies

Gr 6 Up—This informative film details the political and financial machinations behind the Western Australia shark cull. This is a state-sanctioned killing of creatures listed as threatened or endangered. They originally had protections, enacted to help bolster their plummeting populations. Intended to protect beachgoers from shark attacks, the cull is shown to be an ineffective method in doing so. A shark bite researcher, a cull contractor, conservationists, and various person-on-the-beach interviews provide comments on both sides of the issue. Subtitles rebutting the comments being made in some interviews shed light on the misinformation being fed to the public. Footage of sharks being destroyed and the ignorance of certain remarks ("They should all be dead!") will sadden and anger viewers, while the sight of divers swimming with sharks, and remaining unharmed, will delight. There is no scientific, historical, or statistical support for the culling of sharks. Rather, it preys on fears that have allowed politicians to garner support for such action. Additionally, the consequences of removing apex predators from an ecosystem are examined. This program emphasizes the importance of obtaining facts, investigating the science and research behind claims, and thinking critically.