What Is The Dive Deeper Shark Discovery Event At The Deep In Hull?

Ever felt a shiver of excitement and maybe a tiny bit of fear when thinking about sharks? They're often painted as the villains of the ocean, but there's so much more to them than what movies show. For anyone whose curiosity is sparked by these incredible marine creatures, The Deep in Hull has something special planned. On Wednesday 22nd October 2025, the popular Dive Deeper event returns, and this time, it’s all about the shark.

This isn't a stuffy university lecture. Think of it more like a relaxed get-together where the drinks are flowing and the topic of conversation just happens to be some of the most amazing science and conservation stories from under the waves. It’s an evening designed for everyone, from hardcore marine biology fans to someone who just wants to learn something new. The event kicks off at 6:30 pm, offering a proper deep dive into the world of sharks.

Meet a shark that's older than Shakespeare

First up, the evening starts with a story that sounds like it’s straight out of a fantasy novel. Expert speakers Dr Cath Waller and Dr Charlotte Hopkins from the University of Hull will be talking about a truly ancient creature: the Greenland shark. Just imagine an animal that can live for over 400 years. That means there are sharks swimming in the Arctic ocean right now that were alive before the Great Fire of London. It's a mind-boggling concept.

The Greenland shark is an elusive animal, meaning it’s incredibly hard to find and study. It moves slowly through the freezing, dark waters of the deep, making every bit of information about it a hard-won discovery. This talk will pull back the curtain on this mysterious shark, sharing the latest science about its astonishing lifespan and its life in the deep. It’s a unique chance to hear about a genuine mystery of the marine world, a true scientific discovery in progress.

Ever wondered how you give a shark a check-up?

It’s one thing to study a shark in the wild, but what does it take to care for one in an aquarium? Graham Hill, the Head of Animal Care at The Deep, is set to give a peek behind the scenes. People can find out how the team at one of the UK’s leading aquariums looks after the health of its resident sharks. This isn't just about feeding them; it's a complex science.

The talk will cover everything from pioneering veterinary breakthroughs to the daily husbandry that keeps these animals thriving. One of the most interesting parts will be about ‘behavioural enrichment’. What’s that? Well, just like a dog gets bored without toys and walks, a smart animal like a shark needs things to keep its brain active and engaged. Behavioural enrichment is the science of creating stimulating environments to ensure the best possible animal care. It’s a look into the thoughtful work that goes on away from the public eye at The Deep. This work by the charity is so important for the welfare of the animals.

Saving the wanderers of the big blue

The evening closes with a look at the bigger picture: shark conservation on a massive scale. Paul Cox, the CEO of The Shark Trust, will present the latest work from their Oceanics Programme. This is a huge global initiative aimed at protecting sharks that don't stick to one place. These are the great ocean wanderers, species that travel thousands of miles across the high seas.

But what are the high seas? Think of them as the wild west of the ocean. They’re the vast areas that don’t belong to any single country, making them incredibly difficult to police. Unfortunately, this leaves many shark species vulnerable to overfishing. Paul’s talk will highlight the threats these incredible animals face and, crucially, what The Shark Trust’s ambitious global initiative is doing to safeguard their future. It's a powerful reminder of why marine conservation is so vital.

More than just an event

This whole Dive Deeper event is designed to do more than just present facts. It’s about creating a connection and sparking a passion for the marine world. Katy Duke, CEO of The Deep, sums it up perfectly.

“We’re thrilled to welcome audiences back for another unforgettable Dive Deeper event. Sharks are some of the ocean’s most misunderstood and extraordinary creatures, and this evening is a chance to connect people with the science, the stories, and the conservation efforts that are shaping their future. It’s events like this that ignite curiosity and inspire action — and we’re proud to offer these events.”

Here are the key details for this shark event:

• Event: Dive Deeper: Into the world of sharks
• Date: Wednesday 22nd October 2025
• Time: 6:30pm
• Location: The Deep, Hull
• Tickets: £7.50