“We saw an enormous black dorsal fin”: All the Sharks winner Brendan talks about surprising moments on the show

The co-winner of Netflix's All the Sharks and marine fisheries ecologist, Brendan Talwar, reminisced about the memorable wildlife moments that characterized the show, not simply when they were above the water's surface.

In order to document uncommon shark species and demonstrate the potential of conservation through film, the six-episode competition sent his crew, "Shark Docs," to hotspots throughout the world. In the end, their talent and passion won them the $50,000 prize, which will be used to assist marine conservation through the Ocean First Institute and REEF, which means Reef Environmental Education Foundation.

“Back on the boat, scanning the horizon, we saw an enormous black dorsal fin slicing through the chop a few hundred meters away.” He continued, “After a few moments, a speck of white emerged from the depths, then another.”

During a search for whale sharks, a group of inquisitive killer whales made an unexpected appearance close to Darwin's Arch on the Galápagos, resulting in that breathtaking sighting. Brendan's favorite part of the experience was being able to enjoy the ocean's magnificence in real time, which was well conveyed by the contrast between intent and wonder and the excitement of genuine discovery.

Unexpected encounters at Darwin’s Arch on All the Sharks

Arrival and an unplanned surprise

Brendan and his Shark Docs attempted to find and capture images of rarely seen shark species as they toured the remote northern reaches of the Galápagos Islands in Darwin's Arch.

The potential of the strong currents and powerful underwater sea life that can bump an expedition off its course is part of this ocean. Nothing, however, had prepared them for what came to the surface next.

The All the Sharks team saw a pod of killer whales gliding through the swell in place of sharks. It was an uncommon and enthralling sight, one that immediately changed the atmosphere from one of expectation to one of wonder. A younger member of the pod was among them, her movements flowing and inquisitive, suggesting the intimate encounter that was about to take place.

A moment to remember

As the orcas drew closer, the crew gazed in awe. The predator and All the Sharks divers were both intrigued by the baby whale's purposeful, almost playful actions.

"The 16-foot-long youngster rolled gracefully to one side, curious to get a closer look at us before making an effortless kick to rejoin her family in the distance. Another pass, and the adults in the group sized us up, each of them a multi-ton bus, paying us just the slightest acknowledgement.”

Observing these apex predators up close highlighted how unpredictable ocean exploration can be. A very different kind of behemoth shared the water with the crew, who were accustomed to lengthy waits and brief sightings of sharks.

According to Brendan, the experience reaffirmed why the filming of All the Sharks was about honoring and capturing all of the sea's surprises, not just the species that served as the title.

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Head to Netflix to watch all the episodes of All the Sharks.

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