The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper: Season 2, Episode 17

2 - 17: Deep Dive: The Shark Wars

CNN Anchor Boris Sanchez returns with a descent into the heightening conflict between an ancient predator and their modern-day competition for prey.

Humans kill 100 million sharks worldwide each year, threatening one-third of shark species with extinction. Despite warnings that sharks are endangered globally, some fishermen say the shark population in the US is out of control, and the rate at which sharks are feasting on their catch is crippling the fishing industry. However, some scientists disagree, arguing that depredation may be due to overfishing and depleting prey sources. Sanchez speaks with parties on both sides of the issue, bringing their concerns to government regulators and even free dives with the sharks himself.

"Despite their deadly reputation, sharks are sophisticated and intelligent creatures that merit recognition as critical partners in maintaining a healthy ocean," said Sanchez. "Our story aims to dismantle horror-movie tropes while highlighting the very real challenges fishermen face. The relationship between humans and apex predators is central to developing a sustainable future."

Sanchez travels from Nova Scotia to The Bahamas to speak with marine biologists studying shark populations and dives with them to see these magnificent creatures firsthand on the ocean floor. Off the coast of Florida, he speaks with anglers organizing controversial shark hunting tournaments and notorious shark hunter Mark "The Shark" Quartiano.