The Tiger Shark’s Suffering

Blueback

This flow follows Abel’s response to a suffering tiger shark and his recognition of Costello’s cruelty beyond the reef.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Shark Enters the Bay A Shark Enters the Bay from "Blueback". A Shark Enters the Bay An unsettling visitor A large Tiger shark swims sluggishly into Longboat Bay.

A Shark Enters the Bay from "Blueback". A Shark Enters the Bay An unsettling visitor A large Tiger shark swims sluggishly into Longboat Bay.

A Shark Enters the Bay An unsettling visitor A large Tiger shark swims sluggishly into Longboat Bay. Abel takes his boat out to see it, while Dora refuses to look at another shark. A changed impression The animal should be powerful, but it appears weak and worn. Abel’s curiosity gives way to concern as he sees its distress.

The Hook and Buoy The Hook and Buoy from "Blueback". The Hook and Buoy Captured A meat hook pierces the shark’s jaws and a chain drags a red buoy behind it. The buoy prevents the animal from diving.

The Hook and Buoy from "Blueback". The Hook and Buoy Captured A meat hook pierces the shark’s jaws and a chain drags a red buoy behind it. The buoy prevents the animal from diving.

The Hook and Buoy Captured A meat hook pierces the shark’s jaws and a chain drags a red buoy behind it. The buoy prevents the animal from diving. Painful exhaustion The shark’s strength is fading. Abel understands that each effort to escape only worsens its suffering.

No Rescue Possible No Rescue Possible from "Blueback". No Rescue Possible Helpless witness Abel considers shooting the shark to end its pain, but he has no gun and cannot safely cut it free.

No Rescue Possible from "Blueback". No Rescue Possible Helpless witness Abel considers shooting the shark to end its pain, but he has no gun and cannot safely cut it free.

No Rescue Possible Helpless witness Abel considers shooting the shark to end its pain, but he has no gun and cannot safely cut it free. He watches from the jetty instead. Moral distress The animal’s suffering forces Abel to face the consequences of human fishing gear. Pity replaces the excitement that first drew him to the shark.

The Name on the Buoy The Name on the Buoy from "Blueback". The Name on the Buoy Death The tide leaves the shark dead on the beach. Abel turns over the buoy and finds Costello’s name stencilled on it.

The Name on the Buoy from "Blueback". The Name on the Buoy Death The tide leaves the shark dead on the beach. Abel turns over the buoy and finds Costello’s name stencilled on it.

The Name on the Buoy Death The tide leaves the shark dead on the beach. Abel turns over the buoy and finds Costello’s name stencilled on it. Recognition The discovery connects the cruelty to the diver whose reef harvesting Abel had opposed. The damage extends beyond one contested fishing ground.

Release to the Deep Release to the Deep from "Blueback". Release to the Deep A final act Abel tows the shark offshore, replaces the buoy with lead weights, and cuts it free. Its body sinks into the dark water.

Release to the Deep from "Blueback". Release to the Deep A final act Abel tows the shark offshore, replaces the buoy with lead weights, and cuts it free. Its body sinks into the dark water.

Release to the Deep A final act Abel tows the shark offshore, replaces the buoy with lead weights, and cuts it free. Its body sinks into the dark water. A lasting lesson Abel returns to school changed. He sees that greed can be more cruel than the natural dangers he once feared.

Weeks after Costello loses his license

During Abel’s first inspection of the shark

As Abel watches from shore that afternoon

The morning after Abel watches the shark

After the shark is found dead