INFORMS Open Forum

My worlds truly collided in the latest episode of the Resoundingly Human podcast! I have the unique opportunity to combine the role of data (or the lack thereof), with the INFORMS journal Management Science, and my own personal obsession with marauding killer sharks (thank you for that, Jaws ...) during my interview with Daniel Duane, award winning journalist and author. We discuss his new podcast and what exactly data science has to do with a series of shark attacks on a small island in the Indian Ocean.

Listen now!

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Ashley Kilgore
Manager, Communications
INFORMS
Catonsville MD
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The "Réunion: Shark Attacks in Paradise" podcast, hosted by Ashley Kilgore and featuring journalist Daniel Duane, is about a shark attack crisis on Réunion Island, France. Duane talks about the events, the human responses, and the difficult decisions faced by island authorities when a series of deadly shark attacks escalated between 2011 and 2019. Duane's investigation dives into both the emotional and scientific complexities of the situation, shedding light on the deep tensions between conservation efforts, public safety, and the political pressures that arise during a crisis.

In the first part of the podcast, Duane introduces the broader context of the attacks, explaining how multiple factors-including banned shark fishing and a booming shark population-might have contributed to the surge in attacks. As the series progresses, he examines the conflicting narratives surrounding the shark population, surf culture, and local politics, all while navigating the challenge of making decisions in the face of incomplete or contradictory data.

One aspect of the podcast that works particularly well is Duane's ability to translate the scientific uncertainties surrounding the shark crisis into a compelling narrative. He explains the challenges of obtaining reliable data about shark populations, their behavior, and the ecological consequences of culling sharks, all while acknowledging the emotional stakes and the "wicked problem" nature of the issue. This blend of scientific inquiry and human storytelling makes the podcast engaging and thought-provoking. Duane's decision to "lean into" the complexity of the problem, as he puts it, avoids oversimplification and provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of how difficult it is to make evidence-based decisions under pressure.

One suggestion for improvement would be to include more direct interviews or perspectives from local residents, scientists, or policy-makers involved in the decision-making process. While Duane's reporting is thorough, incorporating voices from a wider range of stakeholders-such as fishermen, surfers, or conservationists-could deepen the listener's connection to the human aspect of the crisis and offer more insight into how different groups on the island navigated the tension between public safety and shark conservation.

On a personal level, this podcast resonates with my interest in environmental science and policy. The discussion of "wicked problems" and decision-making under uncertainty reminded me of topics from environmental policy classes I took in undergrad, particularly how incomplete or conflicting data can complicate policymaking in environmental conservation. This podcast is an excellent case study in how emotional, cultural, and scientific factors can shape public policy and crisis management in ways that are both complex and far-reaching.

Overall, "Réunion: Shark Attacks in Paradise" is a deeply engaging and educational podcast that takes listeners on a journey through a real-world environmental crisis. It successfully balances technical analysis with compelling storytelling and provides valuable lessons on the challenges of science and policy in the face of a crisis.