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

Learn a lot about the great white shark — but from the perspective of a 10 year old mastering the use of Lego in a stop-motion animation film. Complete with Shark Trivia and a call to action to tell friends and families about how to protect these important apex predators, this is a delightful short film for audiences of all ages. —AB

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

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