National Geographic
Hammerheads: Shark Side of the Moon
Disney+

In this captivating episode, scientists investigate the connection between the moon and the migration patterns of scalloped hammerhead sharks. Led by Dr. Pelayo Salinas De León, the team seeks to determine if the lunar cycle influences the reproductive journeys of these sharks from the Galapagos Islands to their nursery areas in Central America. Using advanced satellite tags, they track the movements of pregnant females and develop innovative sonar technology to observe their hunting behaviors. Despite challenges, including a failed camera deployment, the researchers remain determined to uncover the hidden lives of these incredible creatures. As they analyze the data, they discover a significant correlation between the timing of the sharks' migrations and the full moon. Most tagged sharks began their journeys during a full moon, suggesting that lunar forces may guide their movements. This groundbreaking finding enhances our understanding of scalloped hammerheads and raises important questions about other migratory shark species, informing conservation strategies to protect these vital marine predators.