National Geographic premiered a SharkFest special featuring wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory on Disney+ on Saturday, July 4, 2026 [2].
The program highlights the critical intersection of marine biology and environmental crisis. By capturing intimate footage of sharks, the special aims to illustrate how declining ocean health and climate change threaten these apex predators.
Gregory, a National Geographic explorer, filmed the footage in South America [1]. The special, titled “Hammerhead Sharks Up Close with Bertie Gregory,” focuses on the behavior of sharks and the dwindling sightings of certain species [3]. While some descriptions of the footage mention great white sharks filmed without a protective cage, most press coverage identifies the primary focus as hammerheads [1, 3].
The broadcast aired at 9 p.m. ET [2]. This production serves as a cornerstone of the annual SharkFest event, which is now in its 14th year [4]. The event uses high-production cinematography to bring viewers closer to marine life than traditional documentaries typically allow.
Throughout the episode, Gregory documents the challenges facing these animals. The footage serves as a visual record of the stressors placed on marine ecosystems. By focusing on the specific behaviors of hammerheads, the special connects individual animal survival to broader global temperature shifts, and habitat loss [3].
The availability of the content on Disney+ allows for a wider audience to engage with National Geographic's conservation efforts. This accessibility is part of a broader strategy to raise awareness about ocean preservation through immersive storytelling.
“The special aims to illustrate how declining ocean health and climate change threaten these apex predators.”
The continued evolution of SharkFest into its 14th year reflects a shift in science communication, moving from purely observational nature documentaries to urgency-driven narratives. By pairing high-profile explorers like Bertie Gregory with streaming platforms, National Geographic is attempting to translate complex climate data into emotional, visual experiences to spur public interest in marine conservation.
