JAWS 2020

By Ben Greenman

From future collection, as yet untitled.

Scientists have discovered thousands of tiny sharks in the ocean, many no larger than a human thumb—this gives the species its informal name, “thumb sharks”—which swim in orbit around coral reefs, most of which are in mortal crisis as a result of marine pollution. Polluted reefs pass through two stages of evolution: the “Blue Desert” and then the “Boneyard.” During the Blue Desert phase, any thumb sharks swimming close to the reef will be pulled into its walls by underwater currents created by erosion, though sharks swimming more than six or eight feet away can resist the attraction of the reef, remain independent, and survive. During the Boneyard phase, no sharks are pulled into the reef, but no sharks can profit from it either, as there is nothing left but the rocky husk, and as a result they swim in tight, rapid pinwheel shapes created by groups of ten or more. Recent research has shown that sand disks appear on the shallow ocean floor beneath these pinwheeling groups, and though it is still unclear what the precise function of these disks might be, they seem to be serve as what one researcher refers to as “conceptual spotlights.” What they are spotlighting is less clear. It is also worth noting that the lead shark in each pinwheel formation is designated as a leader, and that all other sharks are not following the pattern at all but rather following the leader (who does follow the pattern). In this, scientists say, the sharks are very much like humans, accepting subsequence as a condition of survival without regard for their own pride. “No philosophy to speak of,” said Regina Sucre, one of the lead researchers on the team. “No quest. Every thumb shark save that lead is a perfect example of a thought unthought, a heart unstirred, a love affair not only unconsummated but unattempted. Nothing is ventured, as the old saying goes, so nothing is gained.” Sucre sat in a sports car that she had purchased with grant money and wiggled her fingers in a burlesque of the lesser sharks.