Steve Backshall will teach a group of youngsters how to dive with sharks.
The biologist and broadcaster, 50, is most known for his work on BBC’s Deadly 60, but he has also worked on expedition teams for Lost Land of the Tiger, Lost Land of the Volcano, Deadly Dinosaurs, and Lost Land of the Jaguar.
Now he’s bringing some youngsters along on the adventure for a new ten-part CBBC series, which will premiere next month.
The presenter will accompany ten youngsters on a deep dive into shark conservation in Deadly Mission Shark, with the series hoping to inspire a new generation of conservationists via marine adventure in the Bahamas.
Sharks are on the verge of extinction, with 70% of marine sharks having been lost in the previous 50 years.
The youngsters will be chosen to attend a 10-day bootcamp at a shark sanctuary in the Bahamas, where they will learn about the issues sharks face and how they may help preserve them in the future, under Steve’s supervision.
The crew will learn how to dive and engage with sharks throughout the bootcamp.
The young champions will also participate in hands-on conservation initiatives, meet with marine biologists, understand the importance of shark habitats, and delve deeply into Bahamian culture.
Director of BBC Children’s and Education Patricia Hidalgo said that ‘in a time where our natural world faces unprecedented challenges, Deadly Mission Shark aims not just to inform our younger audiences of the importance sharks have to our seas ecosystem, but will aim to inspire them to become defenders of these incredible creatures’.
‘Through Steve’s guidance and the passion of young participants, Deadly Mission Shark brings a thrilling adventure from the depths of the Bahamian oceans to audiences wherever they are across the UK,’ she added.
Deadly Mission Shark is streaming from Monday, September 4, on BBC iPlayer.
