In the waters off New Zealand, where a hook and line tuna fishery thrives, 1,000 mako sharks are taken every year as bycatch, threatening the chances of their survival in these waters. A mako female does not mature until the age of 18 or 20, giving birth to up to 15 pups every three years. Releasing these sharks from their hooks will have minimal effect but and needs to be done to protect these magnificent animals.—SJPH

What is the backstory of the fish on our plate? Seabirds, marine mammals and unwanted fish species like mako sharks are caught as bycatch. This film combines the work of commercial fishers, conservationists and community stakeholders to arrive at a solution to minimize bycatch, and achieve more sustainable fish consumption. —DM

Sharks are frequently discounted as demons, but Sharks Emperors of the Deep reveals the complexities around the world’s most feared fish. Horrified after seeing sharks killed at a tournament in Montauk NY, filmmaker William McKeever takes us on a journey around the world, diving and exposing slavery and illegal fishing at sea with Greenpeace. We discover the truth about the massive destruction of shark populations and that humans are the real demons. In Sharks Bay Australia, scientists demonstrate how humans need sharks as they keep the seas healthy. —DM

Seafood is generally considered part of a healthy diet, but many fish contain insidious secrets that belie this bromide. Jin Yu follows two young Chinese students with the NGO Shark Stewards as they investigate mercury content in fish samples collected in San Francisco and Hong Kong Chinatowns. The team reveals ancient cultural connections to mercury, and that the Chinese culture is the most at risk to the negative health effects caused by mercury laden fish, and the need for health education in their community

Reaching speeds of 45mph, makos are one of the fastest fishes and among the world’s most important apex predators, regulating healthy fish stocks that feed billions of people. But they can’t outswim longline tuna hooks or the shark-fin trade that are causing their populations to crash. Award-winning cinematographer Shawn Heinrichs makes an urgent plea for protection.—BB