Dr. Pimple Popper Goes Beneath the Waves for Shark Week

Dr. Pimple Popper has entertained millions with her extreme pimple popping videos. Now she heads to Turks and Caicos with Dr. Austin Gallagher to explore the world of shark skin and how she can apply the science they gather to help human skin issues.

Dr. Austin Gallagher is the Chief Executive and lead scientist at Beneath The Waves. He gives us the inside scoop on what happened out on the water while shooting DR. PIMPLE POPPER POPS SHARK WEEK.

Watch DR. PIMPLE POPPER POPS SHARK WEEK Thursday, July 15 at 8P ET or stream on discovery+.

July 15, 2021

By: Beneath The Waves

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Beneath The Waves has partnered with Big Blue Collective since 2020, conducting shark and ray surveys around the islands of the Turks & Caicos on expeditions throughout the year. Their expertise is essential when navigating the shallow waters around the research sites, finding the best spots to dive with sharks, and learning about the natural history of the region.

Even on beautiful sunny days, working on the ocean can be challenging. The team was met with wind and waves as they came around the northern coast of the Caicos islands. Difficult conditions for diving and filming...but great weather for shark activity.

Brendan Shea, Research Associate with Beneath The Waves (BTW), has been on expeditions with BTW around the world -- from the coasts of New England, to the shores of the Mediterranean, and throughout the Caribbean. Bringing skilled experts from the science team on board to assist with research methods and shark safety during filming is crucial for a successful Shark Week shoot.

The Turks & Caicos Islands are a Caribbean paradise. Pristine waters, great vibes, and nothing but gorgeous views leaving the Big Blue Collective dock every morning.

BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video) are an incredible research tool for non-invasively observing underwater behavior. The Beneath The Waves team deploys BRUVs everywhere they work, to monitor habitats and spy on inquisitive predators, from small fish to large sharks. Here, a group of nurse sharks check out the bait and swim in for a nice shot.

Nurse sharks have rough skin, often compared to sandpaper by scientists. Shark skin is actually made of tiny tooth-like structures called dermal denticles or placoid scales. This rough, armor-like skin is helpful when coming into contact with prey, or during mating.

BRUV (Baited Remote Underwater Video) station recording an acoustic receiver, and an excited scientific diver.

Shakas up! Excitement is high after a successful day of shark science (and filming). Long rides to research sites mean long rides back. Diving all day in the tropics can be exhausting! The team is busy throughout the day finding the best shots, sharks, and areas with the best lighting and background. Therefore, leisure time is crucial to maintain enough energy to do it all again the next day. Here, the team is enjoying a nice rest on the boat hammock, admiring the beautiful waters of the Caribbean sea. Breaking down the day and its many adventures, crew members enjoy each others company in the sun. The crew grows into a small-knit family by the end of shoots, relaxing together is one of the highlights of these trips.

The scientists, talent, and film crews work around the clock during Shark Week productions to make each episode come together seamlessly. The BTW team had an amazing time sharing their favorite dive sites of the Turks & Caicos with the rest of the crew! Pictured: Justin Walter, Mark Rackley, David Harris, Dr. Austin Gallagher, Brendan Shea.