The documentary team of Discovery Australia learned more than they bargained for during the filming of Shark Week program, Bride of Jaws. The feature focused on the search for a 16-foot, 3,000 pound Great White shark known as “Joan of Shark.” While they weren’t able to attract their target, they did lure two other Great Whites with an innovative new approach—blasting death metal music through underwater speakers. 

Typically, chum—a mix of fish blood and entrails—is used to attract the large fish. But as it turns out, the grinding, low-frequency tones popular in the death metal genre mimic the sounds of thrashing prey, such as seals or other fish. Sharks have remarkably sensitive ears, and their sense of hearing is the first tip-off that their next meal is nearby. Their inner ears are made up of three sensory areas, allowing them to detect prey from distances as far as 800 feet. These areas are lined with fine, tiny hairs that pick up vibrations in the water, which leads them to struggling animals. Since sound travels faster and farther underwater, it makes sense that they would eagerly respond to the tempting music. 

The implications of this discovery are enlightening on several fronts--no longer using bait could potentially be more environmentally friendly, and studies have shown that the natural behaviors of sharks could be impacted by associated humans with food. The risk of sharks being domesticated, or even comfortable, with humans is likely low, but reducing contact with people will only serve to protect the animals. Shark Week programming has been criticized in the past for not being exactly scientific, so any measures taken to preserve the natural environment of the animals is positive. Imagine if scientists, film makers and naturalists could use harmless means to attract their subjects--perhaps one day bands could create shark-specific albums, inspiring a whole new genre of music: shark core!

And although the band Discovery Australia was using, Darkest Hour, isn't exactly death metal, their sound has elements of the genre: double bass drums, tuned down guitars and growling vocals. So while the sharks, clearly, are not music fans, the visuals of them being lured by brutal harmonies is too wonderful and ridiculous to ignore. Even though sharks are not the savage beasts pop culture would have us believe, their reputation lends itself to humorous speculations.