Host of ‘Sharks of the Dead Zone’ Champions Marine Biodiversity and Career Equity

“Sharks of the Dead Zone,” premiering at 9 p.m. Friday as part of Discovery’s Shark Week, might sound frightening, and indeed it is, especially for those concerned about the health of our planet.

However, the special’s host, dynamic marine ecologist Dr. Tiara Moore, known as Dr. T, is dedicated to preserving the biodiversity crucial for our future. Dr. Moore has traveled extensively in her research, from Costa Rica to French Polynesia.

Dr. Moore is also committed to promoting diversity and improving equity within her profession. She is the founder and CEO of Black In Marine Science, a nonprofit organization that celebrates and connects Black marine scientists worldwide, encourages young people to follow in their footsteps, and promotes environmental awareness.

Recently, Dr. Moore spoke to the Free Press about her role in Shark Week programming, her dual missions, and her experiences with bull sharks for the special. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

When asked if “Sharks of the Dead Zone” is an ecology scary story, Dr. Moore confirms it, explaining that dead zones occur due to excessive nutrient pollution leading to large algae blooms. These blooms deplete the water’s oxygen, making it uninhabitable for marine life.

Dr. Moore explains that dead zones are extremely damaging to all marine life, including sharks, causing a breakdown of entire ecosystems. The impact of this disruption extends to humans as well.

Despite the grim topic, there is some optimism in the special. Dr. Moore and her team investigate whether bull sharks can survive in these dead zones. The focus is on the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, historically a nursery for bull sharks. Due to increased nutrient pollution, largely from human waste and fertilizers, parts of the lagoon have become dead zones, threatening the sharks’ breeding grounds.

The research aims to discover whether bull sharks can still reproduce in these conditions, which is crucial for their conservation. Regardless of the findings, the study is ecologically significant.

Dr. Moore also discussed Black in Marine Science, a nonprofit she founded to support and celebrate Black marine scientists, spread environmental awareness, and inspire future generations. She left her full-time job in 2023 to fully dedicate herself to this mission, seeking to create a more inclusive and supportive environment in the field of marine science.

Dr. Moore shares that her journey was challenging due to racial discrimination in her previous workplace, which motivated her to create a safe space for herself and others. She believes that diverse perspectives enrich the field of marine science.

Discussing her closest encounters with sharks, Dr. Moore mentions that while she has seen non-threatening sharks like nurse sharks during dives, filming “Sharks of the Dead Zone” brought her face-to-face with aggressive bull sharks, which was a frightening yet memorable experience.

Looking to the future, Dr. Moore expresses optimism due to initiatives like Black in Marine Science and platforms like Shark Week. She collaborated with Forrest Galante, who is executive producing the special, to reflect changes in science communication. This inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives is a positive shift, especially in mainstream media.

Dr. Moore emphasizes that marine science is vibrant and exciting, far from the stereotypical image of old white men in white coats. She is hopeful that the younger generation will continue to bring energy and innovation to the field, making significant impacts on environmental conservation.

“Sharks of the Dead Zone” offers an important look at the challenges facing marine ecosystems and the efforts of dedicated scientists to address these issues. It’s a compelling watch for anyone concerned about our planet’s future.

Source: Detroit Free Press