Set sail for the most un-fin-believable SHARKFEST to discover even more groundbreaking insights about the ocean’s most fearsome predator. Nat Geo’s annual must-see summer event will splash off with Marvel superhero Anthony Mackie navigating the waters of his hometown in New Orleans to learn why shark sightings are increasing in local fishing communities, plus ultra-athlete and shark advocate Ross Edgley will attempt to pit his mind and body against four of the ocean’s most formidable sharks. Then, sink your teeth into more fin-tastic programming to explore a newly discovered great white shark nursery off the coast of New York City, unravel in forensic detail WHY sharks attack, investigate unusual shark encounters around the world, and learn more about the biggest tiger sharks on Earth dominating the shores of Australia. SHARKFEST is the de-FIN-itive destination for everything about these jaw-some predators — exclusively on National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo, Disney+, Hulu and ESPN2.

Dr. Mike Heithaus is dean of the College of Arts, Sciences & Education (CASE) and Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University (FIU). A marine ecologist specializing in predator-prey interactions and the ecological importance of sharks and other large marine species, Heithaus is the principal investigator and co-principal investigator on grants totaling $28 million. His research leverages a number of cutting-edge technologies, including drones and animal-borne cameras, to unravel the mysterious lives of hard-to-study marine creatures. His work in Shark Bay Australia is the most detailed study of the ecological role of sharks in the world. Working with several prominent non-governmental organizations, it has been used as the underpinning for affecting positive policy changes.