World of Sharks

How Do Sharks See The World? A Deep Dive Into Shark Vision with Dr Lily Fogg

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 06:02:00 +0100

We know sharks have incredible senses, but just how good is their eyesight? In this episode, we explore the world through a shark's eyes with fish vision expert Dr Lily Fogg. How does fish vision compare to our own? How do the eyes of a fish living on a vibrant coral reef differ from those hanging out in the murky depths? And do sharks see in technicolour, or multiple shades of grey?

We also take a dive deep into Lily's most recent research, which investigated the eyes of the world's longest living vertebrate: the greenland shark. Her findings challenge a commonly held perception of these ancient creatures, and push the boundaries of what we thought was physiologically possible...

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can read the full study on greenland shark vision here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67429-6

You can find SOSF on social media by searching for @saveourseasfoundation across all platforms.

Ask Us Anything About Sharks! With Dr James Lea

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 10:02:41 +0100

To kick off our new season, we're diving into our mailbag to answer your burning questions! From speedy sharks to mimicry and even fossilised shark poop, we're leaving no stone unturned...

Thank you to everyone who sent in a question - we had so many we ended up doing two episodes! Part 2 will be out later in the season.

Questions answered (with timestamps):

04.54: Do any sharks, other than megamouth sharks, use mimicry?
14.15: Are megamouth sharks regional endotherms?
19.22: Do magnetic shark deterrents work?
30.28: Are hydrothermal vent species able to move around?
32.54: How do we know which prehistoric shark fossilised poop came from?
41.13: How do basking sharks find their food?
47.49: Which is the fastest shark?
52.34: If you could pass one international law to help sharks, which would it be?

You can also read our answers in the shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Making Way for Sharks and Rays: Where Do We Go From Here? With Sarah Fowler & Rima Jabado

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The conversations that shape the fate of sharks and rays rarely happen in quiet laboratories or out at sea. More often, they unfold in fluorescent-lit halls, behind nameplates and microphones, inside sprawling congress centres where global decisions about nature are made. At the IUCN World Conservation Congress, surrounded by thousands of delegates debating the future of biodiversity, host Isla sat down with SOSF Scientific Advisor Sarah Fowler and Chair of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, Dr Rima Jabado, to discuss how far we’ve come in the race to save sharks and rays from extinction – and what steps we need to take next to ensure their future on this planet.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) here: www.saveourseas.com or follow @saveourseasfoundation across all platforms.

Bioluminescence: How Glowing Sharks Light Up the Deep

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0100

Did you know that there are over 60 species of shark who are luminous? In this episode, we learn all about the sharks who light up the darkness of the deep sea. How are they able to produce their own light? And why have they evolved the ability to glow? We are joined by Professor Jerome Mallefet, an expert in bioluminescence who has studied some of the most fantastical species on earth, including a shark with lightsabers on its back - the velvet belly lanternshark - and the largest known luminous vertebrate, the kitefin shark.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find us on socials! @saveourseasfoundation

On the Hunt! How Sharks Find and Catch their Food with Dr Yannis Papastamatiou

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 06:00:00 +0100

How do sharks locate prey when they’re roaming the open ocean? What does a shark ambush look like? Are sharks capable of hunting cooperatively? And why do cookiecutter sharks take on prey much larger than themselves (including submarines!)? We are asking all these questions and so much more this week as we dive into the fascinating world of shark behavioural ecology to better understand foraging and hunting, with marine biologist and co-lead of the Predator Ecology and Conservation Lab at Florida International University, Dr Yannis Papastamatiou.

Find out what it was like to dive with over 300 blacktip reef sharks at once (in the dark), what sharks and seabirds have in common, and why white sharks might be more social than we think.

You can follow Yannis (@yannispapastamatiou) and the PECLab (@peclabfiu) on Instagram.

You can find us across all platforms: @saveourseasfoundation.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Sharks in the Dark: Revisiting the Deep Sea with Dr Brit Finucci

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 06:00:00 +0100

It’s spooky season, and what a great excuse to visit our friends in the dark; the deep-sea sharks, rays, skates and chimaeras! We’re joined by fisheries scientist and deep-sea legend Dr Brit Finucci to go on a journey into the darkness – a far from barren landscape filled with weird and wonderful creatures. We’ll meet icons like the small-but-ferocious prickly dogfish, the luminous lanternsharks, the ancient and toothy frilled sharks, and a ghost shark called Colin, who just so happens to be new to science.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

If you want to learn more about ghost sharks, Brit has co-authored a new book all about them! Ghost Sharks: A Fully Illustrated Guide to the Chimaeras of the World is available for pre-order now.

Find out more about Brit and her work here:

Instagram: @britfinucci

https://niwa.co.nz/people/brit-finucci-0

https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/brittany-finucci/

Hammerhead Sharks: Predators with Perspective with Dr Kelly Kingon

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 10:36:53 +0200

From a shovel to a mallet, and even an aeroplane - the hammerheads really do win the prize for some of the most bizarrely shaped sharks out there. But why do they have such oddly-shaped noggins? What do they eat? Where do we find them? And why are one of the most charismatic groups of sharks in the world also one of the most threatened?

In this episode we are joined by Dr Kelly Kingon, Associate Professor at the University of the Bahamas, SOSF project leader and co-director of the non-profit CHaPO (Conserve Habitats and Protect Organisms). Kelly has been trying to find scalloped hammerhead nurseries in Trinidad and Tobago to inform conservation and management strategies for this heavily fished species. We discuss the amazingness of hammerheads, their unique adaptations and conservation status, before zooming in on Kelly's research to discover what's happening to baby hammers in the warm waters of the Carribean.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find out more about Kelly's work:

https://saveourseas.com/project/community-supported-conservation-goals-for-scalloped-hammerhead/

https://www.facebook.com/iCHaPO.TT/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/ichapo/

Instagram: ichapo_tt

TikTok: chapo_tt

ichapo.com

FREEthelab.com

Find out more about us:

www.saveourseas.com

@saveourseasfoundation

Shark Movements, Food Webs and Flower Gardens with Brett Sweezey

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:26:08 +0200

Tagging hammerheads, tracking silky sharks and exploring a remote coral paradise in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico…This week, we’re diving into the fascinating world of shark trophic ecology with PhD researcher and SOSF project leader Brett Sweezey! Brett is investigating the interactions between predators and prey, and how they influence where sharks go amongst the unique habitats of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Join us as we discuss the innovative methods Brett is using, some fascinating early findings, and the challenges and triumphs of studying these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.

You can follow Brett across all platforms: @saltwatersweezey. You can also find out more about his project here: https://saveourseas.com/project/methods-to-reduce-shark-stress/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

The Shark That Swims in Rivers: Protecting the Winghead Sharks of Papua New Guinea with Yolarnie Amepou

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0200

A turtle that looks like a pig, and a shark that looks like a plane...in this episode, we're heading to the colourful, diverse lands of the Kikori River in Southern Papua New Guinea to meet researcher and director of the Piku Biodiversity Network (www.pikubionet.org.pg). In 2018, Yolarnie expanded the PBN - which originally focussed on the community-led conservation of the endangered pig-nosed turtle - to include the 45 species of shark and ray that can be found in the Kikori river system. These species include the unusual and understudied winghead shark, one of the few sharks that passes between salt and freshwater to give birth to its young.

Find out more about Yolarnie's project, which she co-leads with Dr Michael Grant, here: https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/yolarnie-amepou/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Studying Ancient Sharks at the End of the Earth: How Sevengills Are Responding to Climate Change in New Zealand’s Fiordland with Dr Alice Rogers

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 +0200

Dive into the deep, remote waters of New Zealand's Fiordland with us as we meet the mysterious broadnose sevengill shark and the scientist who is trying to study them: Dr Alice Rogers. Alice's research aims to discover how these ancient creatures are responding to climate change - will the fiords provide vital refuge for the species as our waters get warmer?Along the way, she and her team are uncovering uncovering the secrets of these elusive "grandpa" sharks.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Follow Alice: @dralicerogers

Find out more: https://saveourseas.com/project/climate-change-at-the-end-of-the-earth-sevengill-sharks-in-fiordland-new-zealand/

https://www.southernfiordland.nz

Eyes in the Sky: Using Drones to Gain Insight Into White Shark Behaviour with Carlos Gauna (The Malibu Artist)

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 06:00:00 +0200

We're taking to the skies to find out what great white sharks get up to when no-one's looking...

From his drone’s vantage, Carlos Gauna — AKA The Malibu Artist — has captured previously unrecorded behaviours of one of the ocean’s most captivating predators, the great white shark. His footage has fascinated viewers from across the globe, challenged misconceptions of white sharks, and even altered Carlos’ own perspective of the species. In this episode we talk about some of these behaviours; from a shark apparently 'eating' kelp to their interactions with dolphins and people. And, we discuss the moment that Carlos captured the first possible newborn white shark on camera - a key discovery that could secure important protections for white sharks in the area.

You can follow along with Carlos' work and see all his incredible footage here:

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheMalibuArtist

Instagram: @themalibuartist

Website: www.themalibuartist.com

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

The Ups and Downs of Shark Movements with Dr Sammy Andrzejaczek

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:51:19 +0200

Tagging tiger sharks, seamount navigation, and a great white shark called Princess Sparkles... This week, we're diving into the fascinating world of shark movement ecology with research scientist Dr Sammy Andrzejaczek to explore how and why sharks move about the oceans - in particular zooming in on their vertical space use and asking why some sharks take frequent dives to depths of over 1,000 metres. We also discuss the potential effects of the lunar cycle, and what white sharks are up to off the coast of central California. And, we take you behind the scenes as Sammy explains some of the different technologies that she uses to carry out this research and live her dream working with these incredible animals in the wild.

You can follow Sammy on Instagram (@sammy_shark and @MonteraryBayWhiteSharks) and on BlueSky (@sammy-shark.bsky.social)

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Timestamps:

8.48: About Sammy

14.07: Tagging technologies and working in the field

22.59: Shark vertical space use (how and why do sharks move up and down in the ocean)

30.30: Deep water navigation

34.16: Overlap in distribution and what this means for species interactions

37.41: Conservation implications

40.19: The impact of the lunar cycle

44.55: Movements and behaviour of great white sharks

In the Field: Monitoring Sharks and Manta Rays on a Remote Island (PART 2 - Sharks)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0200

In part 2 of our 'In the Field' episode with the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre, we are heading to the neighbouring atoll of St Joseph to tag juvenile sharks and take part in their long term mark-recapture study. We'll also be finding out more about the sharks of D'Arros, and heading out at night in search of bull, mako, silvertip and grey reef sharks...

Time stamps:

03.55: Why is D'Arros so important to sharks and rays?

07.15: Tagging juvenile sharks on St Joseph atoll

23.00: Camping overnight on the atoll and sea turtle survey

31.19: Tagging adult sharks at night

36.00: Tonic immobility

40.00: Diving on receivers

44.09: Translating science into conservation action

49.18: What can we learn from D'Arros?

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre here: https://saveourseas.com/sosf-darros-research-centre/ or on social media: @darrosresearchcentre

In the Field: Monitoring Sharks and Manta Rays on a Remote Island (PART 1 - Manta Rays)

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 06:00:00 +0200

In this episode of World of Sharks: In the Field, we are learning what it’s like to live and work on a tiny, remote island in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and study sharks and rays in what can be considered one of the most pristine marine environments on earth today.

In part 1, we meet the team of the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre (SOSF-DRC), explore the island and its vibrant underwater world, and swim with one of the largest aggregations of reef manta rays in Seychelles.

Time stamps:

02.30: Introduction to D'Arros Island and meet the team

16.00: Swimming with mantas and conducting a manta survey

27.52: Plankton sampling

40.24: Scuba diving to manta cam

43.51: Identifying mantas and the Seychelles Manta Ray Programme (SMRP)

**Learn about tagging sharks and more in part 2!**

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre here: https://saveourseas.com/sosf-darros-research-centre/ or on social media: @darrosresearchcentre

BONUS EPISODE - 50 Years On: Was Jaws Really Bad for Sharks? With Amani Webber-Schultz and Chris Pepin-Neff

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0200

We're gonna need a bigger podcast...

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the release of Jaws - one of the most iconic shark movies of all time - we are bringing you a very special bonus episode wholly dedicated to the film. Host Isla is joined by two jawsome guests: shark scientist and science communicator Amani Webber-Schultz (@curly_biologist), and social scientist and Associate Professor in public policy, Dr Chris Pepin-Neff (@csyd2202). Together, they discuss the cultural impact of Jaws and its negative effects on public perceptions of sharks and shark conservation, as well as its positive influences - including sparking the careers of a whole generation of shark scientists. And, they take a deep dive into the film itself, reliving their favourite scenes, sharing behind-the-scenes facts, and dreaming up their own pitches to Hollywood.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Check out Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS), the organisation that Amani co-founded, here: https://www.misselasmo.org/

Amani's appearance on Wired: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8hjTa1IeNc) and Insider: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=habSJ85RFBQ

You can watch Chris' TED talk on Rogue Shark Theory here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcmy2Bd23wE

Find out more about Chris' publications here: https://sydney.academia.edu/ChrisPepinNeff

White Sharks: Secrets of a Top Predator with Dr Alison Kock

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 +0200

They are the most iconic shark species of all time, known for their strength, hunting prowess, and long-distance travel. But there is a lot more to great white sharks than their reputation. They are not the mindless killers that the movies would have you believe – in fact, they are a highly curious and elusive species who continue to surprise us. And someone who knows white sharks inside out is Dr Alison Kock, a marine biologist who has spent the last 20 years studying their behaviour and ecology. In this episode, Dr Kock shares everything she knows about the world's largest predatory fish, including a scientific finding that's hot off the press...

Time stamps

06.08 - 16.00: Alison's career and passion for sharks

16.00 - 30.00: Great white shark physiology, ecology, and behaviour

31.50 - 40.00: Zooming in on False Bay and Alison's research

41.30 - 54.00: Relationships between humans and white sharks

54.19 - 60.00: Orca predation on white sharks

60.01: New scientific findings on white sharks

You can follow Alison on Instagram (@alison_kock) or find out more about her work and research via these links:

https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/alison-kock/

https://www.sanparks.org/conservation/scientific-services/nodes/cape-research-centre/meet-the-team

https://sharkspotters.org.za/

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to www.saveourseas.com, or by finding us on socials:

Instagram: @saveourseasfoundation

Bluesky: @saveourseas.bsky.social

X/Twitter: @SaveOurSeas

Facebook: Save Our Seas Foundation

Filling the Gaps to Protect Sharks in Angola with Ana Lúcia Furtado Soares

Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 +0200

This week on the World of Sharks podcast we are meeting Ana Lúcia Furtado Soares, founder of the Angola Elasmo Project - a grassroots initiative focussed on the research and conservation of sharks and rays along the Angolan coast – to discuss the joys and challenges of building a project from scratch, working with data-poor fisheries and the importance of empowering local voices.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can follow the Angola Elasmo Project on Instagram (angola.elasmoproject) and find out more about the project here:
https://saveourseas.com/project/documenting-shark-diversity-and-fisheries-
in-angola/
https://saveourseas.com/project/the-angola-elasmo-project/
https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/ana-lucia-furtado-soares/

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation), Facebook (Save Our Seas Foundation), Bluesky (@saveourseas.bsky.social) or by heading to www.saveourseas.com.

Forensic Fisheries: Using DNA to Investigate the Trade in Shark Liver Oil with Dr Madeline Green

Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 +0200

The trade in shark liver oil is an invisible threat to sharks. Not only is there limited research on the topic, but liver oil is notoriously difficult to track and trace. Enter Dr Madeline Green, molecular fisheries ecologist and Principle Investigator of the Forensic Fisheries Lab at the University of Tasmania. Madi is working to apply protocols from the tracing of olive oil to extract DNA from shark liver oil samples, in order to identify species and help monitor this complex trade. In this episode, we learn all about Madi's research, and how the trade in liver oil is presenting a significant threat to deep-water sharks.

You can follow Madi on Instagram: @madigreenmarine and find more information about her research here:

https://discover.utas.edu.au/Madeline.Green
https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/madeline-green/
https://saveourseas.com/project/using-dna-to-identify-the-sharks-in-squalene-products/
https://saveourseas.com/project/shark-share-global/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) by following @saveourseasfoundation (Instagram and TikTok), @SaveOurSeas (X/Twitter) and @saveourseas.bsky.social (BlueSky)

Hungry Sharks? How a Shark's Digestive System Works

Thu, 01 May 2025 08:28:26 +0200

Spiral intestines! Curly poop! A shark that eats plants! And…turning your stomach inside out because you ate something dodgy?! In this episode we explore the ins and outs of a shark’s digestive system with animal physiologist Dr Samantha Leigh (@sea_science_sam), an expert in all things shark gut. We learn how a shark’s digestive system is designed for maximum efficiency, the different ways in which they ingest their hugely diverse diets, and how some sharks are able to survive weeks – sometimes months – without a meal. We also take a deep dive into Dr Leigh’s research on the bonnethead – a shark known to chow down on seagrass – and her recent SOSF-funded project, which is using the shark spiral intestine as a model to address one of our greatest environmental conundrums: the removal of microplastics.

You can follow along with Dr Leigh’s work and lab here: https://samanthacleigh.weebly.com/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation by following: @saveourseasfoundation (Instagram and TikTok), @SaveOurSeas (X/Twitter) and @saveourseas.bsky.social (BlueSky).

Epaulette Sharks: The Sharks That Can Walk On Land with Faqih Akbar Algozali

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0200

Why swim when you can just walk from a to b?! This week, we are taking a closer look at the "walking" or epaulette sharks, a group of nine species who have evolved a slightly unusual way of getting around. We're joined by Faqih Akbar Alghozali, co-founder of Elasmobranch Project Indonesia (EPI) and SOSF project leader, who has lots of stories to share from his time in the field with the Kalabia, or Raja Ampat epaulette shark. Faqih and his team are trying to understand more about this poorly studied species, who are endemic to this remote paradise.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find out more about the EPI here: https://elasmobranch.id or follow them on Instagram (@elasmobranchid).

You can learn more about Faqih’s work here: https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/faqih-
akbar-alghozali/ or follow him on Instagram (@faqihbig)

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation: @saveourseasfoundation (instagram), @saveourseas.bsky.social (Bluesky), @SaveOurSeas (X/twitter)

The Fascinating and Weird World of Shark Eggs with Cat Gordon

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0200

Join us for a slightly different easter egg hunt, as we go in search of shark eggcases! From tiny catshark eggcases no bigger than your index finger, to a skate that lays eggs larger than your head and even an egg that looks (and functions) like a corkscrew - we explore them all with Cat Gordon, Senior Conservation Officer for The Shark Trust. And, we learn about one of the longest running citizen science projects for sharks, rays and skates: The Great Eggcase Hunt.

You can find out more about The Great Eggcase Hunt and how you can get involved here: https://www.sharktrust.org/greateggcasehunt

And follow The Shark Trust on social media: The Shark Trust (facebook) @thesharktrust (instagram) @SharkTrustUK (x/Twitter)

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast.

Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF): @saveourseasfoundation (instagram), @saveourseas.bsky.social (Bluesky), @SaveOurSeas (X/Twitter)

Electroreception: The Shark's Sixth Sense with Professor Stephen Kajiura

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

In this episode, we are exploring the ‘sixth sense’ of sharks – electroreception! We are joined by sensory biologist and shark elasmobranch expert Dr Stephen Kajiura, Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) to discuss how sharks are able to detect minute electrical signals and use this sense to pinpoint prey with mind-blowing accuracy. We also get deep into functional morphology, zooming in on the Ampullae of Lorenzini and the unique morphology of the hammerhead. And, we chat about how electroreception doubles up as a kind of internal shark sat nav, helping them to navigate entire oceans without any landmarks to speak of.

You can follow Stephen's lab and research by heading to www.elasmolab.com or by following @sharkmigration on social media.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast.

Find out more about us by following @saveourseasfoundation (instagram and tiktok), @SaveOurSeas (X/Twitter) and @saveourseas.bsky.social (Bluesky)

The Lives of Sharks with Dr Dean Grubbs

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0100

How do sharks learn to be a shark? Do they really eat their siblings? Is there such a thing as a shark teenager? How do sharks find a mate? And what happens when they reach old age? In this episode, we answer all these questions and more as we embark on a true deep dive into the lives and life histories of sharks, with elasmobranch expert and SOSF Scientific Advisor Dr Dean Grubbs!

Dean is Associate Director of Research for the Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory (https://marinelab.fsu.edu) - @FSUmarinelab.

Shownotes for this episode: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation on socials -

Instagram and TikTok: @saveourseasfoundation

X/Twitter: @SaveOurSeas

Bluesky: @saveourseas.bsky.social

Uncovering The Shark Meat Trade With Dr Divya Karnad and Dr Trisha Gupta

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 +0100

The shark meat trade is a multi-billion dollar industry. But it receives relatively little attention, and remains understudied. This week, we sit down with conservation scientists Dr Divya Karnad and Dr Trisha Gupta, who have collaborated on research that aims to better understand the drivers and complexities of this trade. Using India as a case study, they are looking for ways to encourage more responsible and sustainable actions at all stages of the supply chain – from source to consumer.

The papers mentioned in this episode are:

Karnad, D., Narayani, S., Kottillil, S., Kottillil, S., Gupta, T., Barnes, A., Dias, A. and Krishna, Y.C., 2024. Regional hotspots and drivers of shark meat consumption in India. Conservation Science and Practice, 6(1), p.e13069.

Gupta, T., Karnad, D., Oyanedel, R., Booth, H., Abhiram, T., Gaonkar, H. and Milner-Gulland, E.J., 2025. Identifying leverage points for sustainability in India’s shark supply chains. Marine Policy, 173, p.106580.

You can find out more about InSeason Fish here: https://www.inseasonfish.com/ or on Instagram (@inseasonfish)

You can follow Trisha on Instagram (@trisha0405), twitter (@Trisha_0405), and Bluesky (@trisha04.bsky.social).

You can also find the shownotes for this episode, and much more sharky fun over at www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks

Sharks You Might Never Have Heard Of...With Kristian Parton

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 10:24:11 +0100

You asked for more episodes on lesser known or slightly more obscure species - so we're kicking off a new season with a whole episode devoted to just that! Host Isla and special guest, scientist and science communicator Kristian Parton (host of the Shark Bytes Youtube channel) challenge themselves to discuss species and sharky facts that even the most enthusiastic of shark nerds might not have heard of. How about a shark that wags it's tail, or one with glow in the dark armpits? Ever heard of a shark with social anxiety? Or, did you know that venomous sharks exist??

Along the way, we find out how NASA is connected to the largest fish in the ocean and why nurse sharks are unexpectedly good entertainers...

You can catch up on Shark Bytes here: https://www.youtube.com/@SHARKBYTES or follow Kristian on Instagram (@KJparton) and twitter/X (@SharkBytes1994).

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to www.saveourseas.com, and find all previous episodes and shownotes for the podcast here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can also find us on social media:

Instagram and TikTok: @saveourseasfoundation

X/Twitter: @SaveOurSeas

Bluesky: @saveourseas.bsky.social

In the Field: The Great African Seaforest with Dr Jannes Landschoff

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:36:00 +0100

Dive into the wonders of South Africa's kelp forests on this special episode of World of Sharks.

Join us as we head beneath the waves with marine biologist and SOSF project leader Dr Jannes Landschoff, who has dedicated much of his working life to understanding the unique and vast habitat that is the Great African Seaforest. As the only forest of giant bamboo kelp in the world, the seaforest stretches from the rocky shores of Cape Town, South Africa, to the coastline of Namibia. It is home to an astonishing diversity of species – from minute invertebrates invisible to the naked eye, to sharks of all shapes and sizes. In this episode, we accompany Jannes on a dive into the kelp to see what we can find, and learn all about the 1001 Seaforest Species project, which Jannes co-leads with founder of the Sea Change Project Craig Foster.

You can find out more about the 1001 Seaforest Species project here: https://saveourseas.com/project/1001-seaforest-species/ and the Sea Change Project here: https://seachangeproject.com/. Instagram: @seachangeproject, @jannes_landschoff.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can also find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) by following us on social media: @saveourseasfoundation

What's Happening to the World's Sharks and Rays? With Dr Rima Jabado and Alexandra Morata

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 08:48:16 +0100

We know that globally, sharks and rays are in trouble. But just how bad is it? And can we still do something about it?

In this special bonus episode of World of Sharks, host Isla sits down with chair of the IUCN SSC Shark Specialist Group (IUCN SSC SSG), Rima Jabado, and program officer of the IUCN SSC SSG Alexandra Morata to discuss their latest report The Global Status of Sharks, Rays and Chimaeras. This pivotal document compiles the knowledge of over 350 experts from 115 countries and stresses the urgent need to address the major threat facing sharks and their relatives across the globe: overfishing. But, it also highlights some beacons of hope. With the right protections and management measures, populations can recover - but for that to happen, we need action now.

You can read the full IUCN SSC SSG report here https://www.iucnssg.org/-the-global-status-of-sharks-rays-and-chimaeras.html

You can follow the work of the IUCN SSC SSG on instagram (@iucnshark).

For a summary and infographics of the report, you can also visit https://saveourseas.com/the-iucns-report-on-the-global-status-of-sharks-rays-and-chimaeras-a-crisis-but-there-are-solutions/ or follow @saveourseasfoundation on instagram and @SaveOurSeas on X/Twitter.

The Next Frontier: How AI and Underwater Robots Can Help Us Better Understand Sharks with Martina Lonati

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Sadly, us humans can't spend every hour in the ocean staring at sharks (unfair, right?!). But do you know what can? Robots. UNDERWATER robots. In today's episode, we are diving into the super cool world of ocean tech with research scientist Martina Lonati! Martina seeks to understand how new technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) can help fill in the gaps in our sharky knowledge, such as what they get up to at night, and who's hanging around in the deep...

You can follow Martina on Instagram (@martipermare) or by heading to these links:

https://aims.jcu.edu.au/our-people/students/martina-lonati.737/

https://www.fishandfisheries.com/

https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/martina-lonati/

You can also read her latest publication, ‘Novel use of deep neural networks on photographic identification of epaulette sharks across life stages’ here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfb.15887

Shownotes for this episode: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can also follow us on social media, we are @saveourseasfoundation on instagram and @SaveOurSeas on x/twitter!

Searching for Sawfish on the Amazonian Coast with Dr Patricia Charvet

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 06:06:00 +0100

There is a place where the largest and most powerful river in the world meets the Atlantic ocean, and one of the most threatened species of elasmobranch - the largetooth sawfish - finds one of its last refuges on earth. In this episode of World of Sharks, we are joined by shark scientist and conservationist Dr Patricia Charvet, who has dedicated her life to understanding and protecting sharks and rays in her home country of Brazil. We discuss why the Amazonian coast is such a special place, the astounding diversity of sharks and rays that live there, and why Patricia's passion for the weird, wonderful but Critically Endangered sawfish. We also discuss Patricia's current SOSF-funded project (co-led with Dr Vicente Faria), which seeks to confirm the region as one of the last strongholds for this species, and works across fisheries, government and law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and encourage support for sawfish, and tackle the illegal trade of sawfish products.

You can follow Patricia on Instagram (@patricia.charvet, @amazoniancoastsawfish) and X/Twitter (@PatriciaCharve2, @amcoastsawfish).

You can also find out more about her project here: https://saveourseas.com/project/conserving-largetooth-sawfish-on-the-amazonian-coast/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Lemon Sharks: Baby Sharks That Live in Trees with Jillian Morris-Brake

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0200

When life gives you lemon sharks...make a podcast about them! This week we are answering a request by listener Charlie to devote an episode entirely to warm-water loving Negaprion brevirostris, the lemon shark. And to help us learn everything there is to know about them is marine biologist, educator, author and founder/president of Sharks4Kids, Jillian Morris-Brake, who has a lot of experience with this species and even describes them as her favourite shark!

Expect a journey into the mangrove forest to meet the baby sharks that live among its tangled roots, with detours into shark yoga, social behaviour, and fish bellybuttons...

You can follow Jillian on social media (@biminisharkgirl) and Sharks4Kids (@sharkeducation). You can also find out more about the non-profit and how to get involved here https://www.sharks4kids.com/ and find out more about Project Lemon Aid here https://www.sharks4kids.com/lemon-shark-research

Find the shownotes for this episode here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Come say hi to us! You can find us on socials: @saveourseasfoundation (instagram) and @SaveOurSeas (x/twitter)

How to Build a Career in Shark Science (Part 2!) Featuring the Guests of Seasons 5 and 6

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0200

Thinking of a career in shark science and conservation? Struggling to find your niche? Found your niche, but trying to advance in your field? Or wondering what on earth to write in that email to the person you admire?

We're back with another special episode dedicated to careers with sharks and the ocean. For the last year, we've asked each podcast guest to share their advice and own experiences to help you on your journey. From tips and tricks for writing grants and developing your research interests, to starting your first book, working with collaborators, getting into science communication, and even what to do when you feel stuck in a career rut - there's something for everyone.

You can find the shownotes for this episode, along with additional resources and links, here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast.

You can also follow us for updates on our grants and fellowships. We are @saveourseasfoundation on instagram, and @SaveOurSeas on X/Twitter.

Capacity Building for Shark Conservation with Dr Andrew Chin

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0200

“Conservation is not drones and DNA samples or pamphlets or computers. It is people, and we should be investing in those people.” In this episode of World of Sharks, we sit down with fisheries scientist, director of the Fish and Fisheries Lab at James Cook University and Save Our Seas Foundation Scientific Advisor Dr Andrew Chin to discuss the challenges and realities of shark conservation and management, and how we can support the people working on the ground to make the ocean a better place.

Key time stamps:

5.47: Andrew's early career and swimming with reef sharks

15.43: Sharks of the South Pacific

23.21: Citizen Science

28.27: The importance of feedback and long-term relationships with stakeholders

33.18: Shark Search Indo Pacific

38.31: Conservation in practice and capacity building

46.00: Support for people in the field

Links

Andrew: @spinnershark7

Fish and Fisheries Lab: (https://www.fishandfisheries.com)

Shark Search Indo-Pacific: (https://www.sharksearch-indopacific.org/).

SOSF Conservation Fellowships: https://saveourseas.com/grants/funding-applications/conservation-fellowship

Dan Pallotta's TED talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pallotta_the_way_we_think_about_charity_is_dead_wrong?subtitle=en

You can also find an accessible summary of this episode and more information here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Megalodon: Inside the Life of a Superpredator with Jack Cooper

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 06:00:00 +0200

It’s the one you’ve all been waiting for…we’re going back in time to meet the largest shark to have ever existed: Otodus megalodon. Growing up to twenty metres long, with teeth as large as a human hand and jaws that could fit you and a friend (with some room to spare), this apex superpredator continues to capture our attention, despite having been extinct for at least 2.6 million years. But what is the truth behind this gigantic fish? Were they just a beefed-up white shark, or did they look completely different? How did they sustain themselves? Why did this apex superpredator cease to exist, and what did that mean for the prehistoric marine ecosystem? We talk about all of this and so much more with Dr Jack Cooper, paleobiologist and expert in prehistoric sharks!

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Follow Jack on X/Twitter (@cooperpaleo) and check out his most recent publications here: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=C2zxEm4AAAAJ&hl=en. You can also find out more about the Pimiento Research Group here: https://www.catalinapimiento.com/

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation on Instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and X/Twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

The Importance of Linguistic Diversity in Shark Science with Jaime Penadés and Hettie Brown

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0200

Sharks and rays are found all over the world; from the freezing waters of the Arctic to the tropical Indo-Pacific, and just about everywhere else in between. This means that shark conservation is a global effort, spanning multiple countries, cultures, customs and languages. But did you know that 98% of scientific research is published exclusively in English? In this episode of the World of Sharks podcast, we discuss how linguistic bias can limit shark conservation and the value of publishing and communicating shark science in multiple languages. We are joined by Jaime Penadés-Suay, founder and president of Associacó LAMNA, and Hettie Brown, conservation officer for The Shark Trust. Jaime and Hettie recently collaborated to organise the first 'Wikimaratón de Tiburones y Rayas' (Sharks and Rays Wikimarathon), an event that motivated people from around the world to expand and improve information about elasmobranchs on the digital encyclopedia, publishing over 100 articles in Spanish!

You can read more about Wikimaratón de Tiburones y Rayas here: https://wikimedia.es/mas-de-100-articulos-sobre-tiburones-y-rayas-enriquecen-la-wikipedia-en-espanol/ and here: https://www.sharktrust.org/tiburones-y-rayas

You can also follow the project on Instagram: @rayas_y_tiburones

You can also follow Jaime (@jaimepenades) and LAMNA (@lamnaassociacio) on instagram. You can find Hettie on X/twitter (@hettiemermaid) and The Shark Trust on both instagram (@thesharktrust) and X/twitter (@sharktrustuk)

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to www.saveourseas.com or by following us on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and X/twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

Regional Endothermy: The Secret Superpower of the Mackerel Sharks with Dr Haley Dolton

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 09:56:55 +0200

Did you know that some sharks can keep parts of their body warm to allow them to move faster, swim for longer, see more clearly and think better?? Or, that basking sharks have a gigantic heart?! This week we are diving into the fascinating world of shark physiology and anatomy to learn about a special trait only found in a handful of species: regional endothermy. To take us on this journey of discovery we are joined by Dr Haley Dolton, marine biologist specialising in the physiology and ecology of large, regionally endothermic fishes!

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can follow Haley on X/Twitter (@haleydolton) or head to her website, www.haleydolton.com

You can find out more about us by heading to www.saveourseas.com, or following us on social media. We are @saveourseasfoundation on Instagram and TikTok, and @SaveOurSeas on X/Twitter.

Failure to Launch: Understanding Reproductive Failure in Turtles and Tortoises with Alessia Lavigne

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 06:30:00 +0200

This week on the podcast we are taking a brief detour from sharks to explore the fascinating world of turtles and tortoises! We are diving into the research of SOSF project leader and turtle specialist Alessia Lavigne, who has been trying to understand why turtle and tortoise eggs sometimes fail to hatch. Turtles and tortoises (known collectively as the testudines) are, like sharks, one of the most threatened groups of animals on the planet. Understanding when and why reproduction fails is crucial to ensuring their protection - and Alessia has made huge strides in this area. In this episode we dive deep into her research and learn everything there is to know about these amazing creatures. Plus, we meet some iconic species, including the Aldabra giant tortoise.

Alessia is on instagram and TikTok as @turtle_eggsplorer.

Timestamps:

0-7.00: Intro

7.07-17.11: How did Alessia get into the world of turtle research?

17.28 - 26.20: Turtle biology

26.40 - 32.51: Climate change and other threats

32.00 - 47.00: Alessia's research and reproductive failure

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation on Instagram and TikTok (@savourseasfoundation) and twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

Building Safe Spaces for Sharks, and Shark Scientists with Jasmin Graham

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 08:18:27 +0200

We welcome back shark scientist and CEO/Co-Founder of Minorities in Shark Sciences, Jasmin Graham, and celebrate the release of her new book, Sharks Don't Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Scientist. We talk about the incredible adaptations and resilience of sharks, the glorious weirdness of sawfishes - a species Jasmin has worked closely with - and why Jasmin feels innately connected to sharks and compelled to protect them. We also talk about the barriers faced by gender minorities of color in STEM fields, and Jasmin's journey to continue science outside the confines of traditional academia. On this journey, Jasmin co-founded Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) with Carlee Jackson, Amani Webber-Schultz and Jaida Elcock, to promote diversity and inclusion in shark research. We discuss how MISS has grown into a global community, and how Jasmin and her fellow co-founders have built a safe, accessible and welcoming space for the good of people and sharks.

Sharks Don't Sink is available now: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/726129/sharks-dont-sink-by-jasmin-graham/. You can follow along with Jasmin’s work on her website (www.learningwithjasmin.org) or on X/Twitter (@elasmo_gal).

You can also find out more about Minorities in Shark Sciences and how to get involved here: www.misselasmo.org. Or, you can follow them on social media (@miss_elasmo).

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can also find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to www.saveourseas.com or follow us on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and X/Twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

In the Field: Basking Sharks with Dr Alexandra McInturf

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0200

We are so excited to share with you a very special bonus episode of World of Sharks! Join us as we head into the field in search of the second largest species of shark in the world: the basking shark. We’ll be heading out on the boat with Dr Alex McInturf (@drsurfnturf), shark scientist at the Chapple Big Fish Lab (@big_fish_lab), SOSF project leader and project coordinator for the Irish Basking Shark Group (@baskingirish). You'll be right there with us as we conduct some basking shark research, and you'll learn what it's like to tag, track, ultrasound and swim with a 32 foot (10m) shark in the wild.

Keep up to date with Alex here: https://alexandramcinturf.squarespace.com, find out more about Taylor and the Big Fish Lab here: https://marineresearch.oregonstate.edu/chapple-lab and the Irish Basking Shark Group here: https://www.baskingshark.ie/

Key timestamps:

2.25 - Heading out on the boat and Alex's research

8.47 - Finding basking sharks

17.02 - Tagging

32.48 - Active tracking

38.35 - Ultrasounding

44.13 - Social behaviour

50.00 - Basking shark threats and conservation

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Follow Save Our Seas Foundation on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and x/twitter (@SaveOurSeas). You can also head to www.saveourseas.com

Angel Sharks: Masters of Stealth and Critically Endangered

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 06:00:00 +0200

This week we are diving into the world of angel sharks, the second most threatened group of elasmobranchs in the world. Joining us is co-founder and co-lead of the Angel Shark Project, Eva Meyers, and project coordinator for the Angel Shark Project: Wales, Jake Davies. In this episode we learn all about angel sharks, their super-powered ability to “disappear” and ambush prey, and the work of the Angel Shark Project which aims to protect these unusual sharks throughout their range.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find out more about the projects mentioned here: www.angelsharkproject.com, here www.angelsharknetwork.com, here https://angelsharknetwork.com/wales/ and here https://www.projectsiarc.com/.

You can also follow @angelsharkproject and @ProjectSIARC on instagram

You can follow Eva on X (@angelshark2014) and Bluesky (@evameyers.bsky.social) and Jake on instagram (@JDScuba).

If you want to know more about us, you can follow us on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation), X (@SaveOurSeas) and TikTok (@saveourseasfoundation).

Around the ocean in 80 sharks with Dr Helen Scales

Thu, 30 May 2024 06:28:00 +0200

Sharks with beards. Deep sea sharks with glow-in-the-dark bellies. Sharks that take on submarines. Sharks that walk instead of swim and rays with a hedge trimmer for a nose…this episode has it all! We explore the fantastic diversity of sharks and their relatives (and of all marine life!) with marine biologist, scientific writer and broadcaster Dr Helen Scales, ahead of the release of her new book, What the Wild Sea Can Be. Join us as we travel from the ocean depths to the shallowest rockpools, meeting a colourful bunch of characters along the way.

Timestamps:

05.01 - Helen's career journey from scientist to writer

16.33 - Pom-pom crabs, cleaner wrasse

22.14 - Sharks! Lanternsharks, greenland sharks, walking sharks, shysharks

27.10 - Sharks in history and culture

32.30 - The deep sea!

47.04 - Deep sea sharks

51.00 - What the Wild Sea Can Be and the future of our ocean

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Helen’s Instagram: @drhelenscales

Helen’s twitter: @helenscales

Website: https://helenscales.com/

Helen’s latest book: https://atlantic-books.co.uk/book/what-the-wild-sea-can-be/

Save Our Seas Foundation is on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and x/twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

Exploring Galápagos, the sharkiest place on Earth with Pelayo Salinas de León

Thu, 16 May 2024 06:06:00 +0200

Come with us on a voyage to one of the most remote, biodiverse and "sharkiest" places on the planet with leading expert Pelayo Salinas, co-principal investigator of shark ecology and conservation at the Charles Darwin Foundation and Save Our Seas Foundation project leader. In this episode we go on a dive to observe scalloped hammerheads visiting their after-work spa, get booped by the bouncer of the reef, Galapagos sharks, and swim alongside the world's largest fish. And, if that wasn't enough, we head off on an expedition into the deep to visit a very unusual egg-laying site on a hydrothermal vent...

You can follow Pelayo on instagram and twitter (@pelayosalinas) and find out more about the Charles Darwin Foundation here: https://www.darwinfoundation.org/en/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Follow SOSF: @saveourseasfoundation (instagram), @SaveOurSeas (x/twitter)

Thresher Sharks: The Biomechanics of Tail-Whipping with Jamie Knaub

Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 +0200

Thresher sharks are known for their unusual hunting strategy. They use their long tail like a whip, striking it so fast that it creates a shockwave capable of stunning multiple fish at once! But how does their anatomy support such an extreme movement? In today’s episode we find out! We talk with Jamie Knaub, who researches the biomechanics and vertebral anatomy in large, swimming animals - including whales and sharks. In this episode we explore Jamie's research, including her most recent work studying the vertebrae of the thresher shark to understand how they are able to carry out that iconic tail whip. This episode has it all: the Olympians of the shark world, surprise humpbacks, sharks with anxiety, digital dissections and of course some deliciously nerdy science.

You can follow Jamie on X/twitter (@CornOnTheKnaub) or LinkedIn (Jamie Knaub). And you can find out more about the Fab Lab, run by Dr Marianne Porter, here: https://mepbiomechanics.com/

You can find us on social media on X/twitter (@SaveOurSeas) or instagram (@saveourseasfoundation)

Episode shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Protecting sharks and coastal livelihoods with Dr Hollie Booth

Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 +0200

Conservation is often more about understanding people than studying the animals we are trying to protect. In this episode we learn from Dr Hollie Booth, research fellow at the University of Oxford, who has worked extensively with small-scale fisheries in Indonesia, the world’s largest shark fishing nation. Hollie’s work aims to disentangle the drivers of shark fishing in order to find solutions that have positive outcomes for both sharks and coastal communities. Here, we discuss the complexities of fisheries and the many reasons why someone might catch and trade sharks. And, we talk about the importance of finding conservation strategies that are socially just as well as ecologically effective.

You can follow Hollie and her work:

@the_hollietype (instagram)

@kebersamaan_untuk_lautan (instagram)

@hollieboothie (twitter)

https://saveourseas.com/project/solutions-for-shark-fisheries-in-a-surfers-paradise/

https://mcem.web.ox.ac.uk/incentive-based-marine-conservation

Shownotes:

www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Could climate change affect baby sharks? With Noémie Coulon

Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:05:00 +0200

The ocean is warming at a rapid pace. This year (2024) began with the highest global Sea Surface Temperature (SST) on record, and scientists are already warning of mass coral bleaching events and other worrying consequences for marine life. But how could rising temperatures impact sharks, particularly in the early stages of life when they are most vulnerable? PhD student and “mother-of-sharks” Noémie Coulon is trying to understand the effects of ocean warming and acidification on baby sharks, using an egg-laying species – the small-spotted catshark – as an example. In this episode, we follow her work as she raises catsharks in the lab, testing the effects of different environmental conditions at key stages in their development.

Follow along with Noémie's work on twitter (@noemie_coulon) and instagram (@noemie.coulon.9).

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

The mystery of Charlotte, the pregnant stingray with Dr David Shiffman

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 07:31:01 +0100

In February 2024, a round stingray from a small, rural aquarium in the middle of a shopping mall unexpectedly took the world by storm. She was pregnant, but how this had happened was a complete mystery - there were no male stingrays in the tank, nor had there ever been...

In this episode we are joined by scientist and science communicator Dr David Shiffman (@whysharksmatter) to examine Charlotte's case. We go deep into the various theories that could explain Charlotte's pregnancy to get to the bottom of what really happened. No, a shark did not get a ray pregnant, but what did happen is even more fascinating. It's a good excuse to take a deep dive into the more unusual methods of shark and ray reproduction, including the super cool zoological phenomenon that is parthenogenesis!

You can find out more about David here https://davidshiffmancv.com/, find his book here https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12267/why-sharks-matter and read his article on Charlotte for Southern Fried Science: https://www.southernfriedscience.com/no-a-shark-did-not-get-a-stingray-pregnant-but-what-really-happened-is-pretty-cool/

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Tackling the fin trade with CITES with Luke Warwick

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 +0100

The international shark fin trade is a billion-dollar industry. It is also driving declines in shark populations around the world. In this episode, we are joined by Luke Warwick, expert in global shark policy, to learn how CITES - an international agreement between governments to regulate trade in endangered species - could help protect sharks and rays from overexploitation. In particular, we discuss a landmark vote that occurred in 2022, which saw 90% of the fin trade come under regulation almost overnight. Luke walks us through what has happened in the year since, from getting the vote passed to implementing the new regulations at local level. And, we discuss some of the trials and tribulations of trying to get 100+ countries to agree on something, especially when most of them have a vested interest...

You can learn more about Luke and his work with the Wildlife Conservation Society on twitter (@WCSsharks) and here https://www.wcs.org/our-work/wildlife/sharks-skates-rays. You can also check out the shownotes for this episode here www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

For more sharky content, find us on social media! We are @saveourseasfoundation on instagram, and @SaveOurSeas on twitter.

The acoustic world of sharks: how do they hear? With Dr Lucille Chapuis

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 06:00:00 +0100

Do sharks have ears? Are they good listeners? What are they listening for? Do great white sharks get freaked out by orca sounds? And what kind of music do sharks like?! We cover all this and so much more with bio-acoustician and shark hearing expert, Dr Lucille Chapuis. Join us for a fact-filled episode that includes disco sharks, curious humpbacks, putting sharks in 'sleepy-time baths' and R2D2 with a throat problem.

You can follow Lucille on twitter (@sharkslikejazz), instagram (@lucillechapuis) and via her website, www.sharkslikejazz.com.

If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a rating and a review. You can get in touch with the podcast by emailing isla@saveourseas.com, or via social media (@saveourseasfoundation on instagram, @SaveOurSeas on twitter).

Going back in time with shark skin! With Dr Erin Dillon

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 10:16:26 +0100

Time travel. Ancient coral reefs. Shark sleuthing. The AMAZING properties of shark skin...this episode has it all! We're chatting with Dr Erin Dillon, conservation paleobiologist and researcher at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Erin's work uses fossilised shark skin (fancy term: dermal denticles) as a window into the past, to understand what kinds of sharks were around on coral reefs thousands of years ago and how that has changed over time. It's a fascinating deep dive into shark life before humans made their mark, and an insight into what healthy reefs could look like with a little bit of help.

You can follow Erin's work by heading to her website, http://erinmdillon.wordpress.com, or by following Erin on social media (@erinmdillon).

You can find the shownotes for this episode here www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast and find us on social media, we are @saveourseasfoundation on instagram and @SaveOurSeas on twitter.

Why have sharks been so successful? With Dr James Lea

Thu, 21 Dec 2023 06:11:00 +0100

It's our 50th episode!! To celebrate, host Isla is joined by shark scientist and CEO of the Save Our Seas Foundation Dr James Lea to talk about the amazing evolutionary success of sharks and their relatives. We talk about just how much sharks have had thrown at them over the 440 million years they've existed on this planet (super volcanoes, ice ages, the terror of plants and a mass extinction event called the 'Great Dying'!) and discuss their super-powered adaptations and efficient body plans. Plus, we answer a listener question: how can I get my friends into shark conservation?

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find us on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

How do I build a career in shark science? Featuring the guests of season 4!

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 +0100

Starting out on your own career journey can be a little daunting, which is why we’ve put together this special episode of World of Sharks, filled with advice, experiences and anecdotes from the guests of season 4. We talk about how to make your dreams of working in shark science and conservation a reality – from how to approach professors, to finding your niche, to overcoming setbacks and staying true to yourself.

You can find additional resources in the shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can keep track of when our grants and funding opportunities are announced by following us on social media, we are @saveourseasfoundation on instagram and @SaveOurSeas on twitter!

How might pollution impact sharks? With Franco Cristiani

Thu, 23 Nov 2023 06:31:00 +0100

Plastics. Oil spills. Industrial chemicals. Herbicides. Pesticides…the list of substances that we have dumped in the sea is endless. But scientists are only just beginning to understand the true extent of the impact of marine pollutants on marine life. Fish biologist and SOSF project leader Franco Cristiani is investigating the effects of harmful pollutants on chondrichthyans, using the American elephant fish (a chimaera) as a model species. We invited Franco onto World of Sharks to discuss this important research and learn about the potential consequences of marine pollution on the reproductive health, immune function and overall survival of sharks and their relatives. And, of course, we take some time to talk about the gloriously weird and funky American elephant fish!

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find out more about Franco and his project here: https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/franco-cristiani/ and follow him on twitter (@franco_c89).

You can also follow us on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

Translating science into conservation action with Rob Bullock and Henriette Grimmel

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:10:00 +0100

We’re heading back to the Seychelles this week to chat with research and programme directors for the Save Our Seas Foundation D’Arros Research Centre (SOSF-DRC), Dr Rob Bullock and Henriette Grimmel! Both Rob and Henriette have lots of experience and knowledge in the application of scientific research to marine policy, spatial planning and conservation. And, where they live and work – D’Arros, located in the outer islands of the Seychelles – is the perfect example of how science can be applied to protect and restore marine ecosystems. We talk about the magic of D'Arros, the impressive suite of long-term monitoring programmes carried out by the SOSF-DRC, and the long and complex process of designating and managing a Marine Protected Area (MPA). There are also cameos from the Aldabra giant tortoises, baby sharks, Sir David Attenborough and a VERY friendly manta ray called Jackson.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find out more about the D'Arros Research Centre here https://saveourseas.com/sosf-darros-research-centre/ or by following them on instagram, @darrosresearchcentre.

And you can find us on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

Ghost sharks: chimaeras, the sharks’ forgotten cousins with Dr Luz Erandi Saldaña Ruiz

Thu, 26 Oct 2023 10:58:19 +0200

It's spooky season! And we're taking the opportunity to celebrate some close relatives of sharks and rays who don't get talked about as much as they deserve: the chimaeras. Also known as ghost sharks, spookfish, ratfish and rabbitfish, these ancient creatures glide in the dark of the deep ocean, much of their life shrouded in mystery. Helping us learn more about them is our guest, fish biologist and SOSF project leader Dr Luz Erandi Saldaña Ruiz. In this episode we learn all about Luz's work, which aims to improve the management of data-poor and data-limited fisheries in Mexico and find out all there is to know about the sharks' enigmatic cousins, who Luz works closely with. Digressions include Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas, sea creatures that defy reality, and a shark with starry skin.

You can follow Luz on Instagram (@erandiscienceart), twitter (@Sarudanya) and Facebook (ErandiScienceArt). You can also read more about her project here: https://saveourseas.com/project/catch-up-mexicos-shark-fisheries/.

You can find the shownotes for this episode here: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

You can find out more about us by following @saveourseasfoundation on instagram, and @SaveOurSeas on twitter.

Shark brains: how are they wired? With Dr Kara E. Yopak

Thu, 12 Oct 2023 06:44:00 +0200

Have you ever wondered what a shark’s brain looks like? How the brain of a goblin shark compares to a mako? What makes a whale shark tick? Or…what it’s like to get a shark brain in the post?

These are all things that Dr Kara E. Yopak, shark brain expert and director of the EXCELLENTLY named ZoMBiE lab knows a thing or two about! Kara is interested in what different shark brains look like and how these differences have evolved over time. She looks at variations in brain size between species, as well as differences in how the brain is organised and structured. This information can give us insight into how sharks live, their habitat, and even their behaviour. Grab your lab coats, because neuroscience is served…

Join the zombie squad and find out more about Kara by following her on social media (@ProfSharkbrain, @YopakZoMBiELab, https://yopaklab.com).

You can find the shownotes for this episode here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast and find out more about us by following @saveourseasfoundation on instagram and @SaveOurSeas on twitter.

Saving sharks in the Seychelles with Ellie Moulinie and Dillys Pouponeau

Thu, 28 Sep 2023 10:53:21 +0200

This week, we are transporting you to a tropical island haven for sharks and rays in the beautiful outer islands of the Seychelles! We will be guided by the wonderful Dillys Pouponeau (@dillyseychelles) and Ellie Moulinie (@miss_tropics), who are research officers at the Save Our Seas Foundation D'Arros Research Centre. D'Arros island and its sister atoll, St. Joseph, have been labelled a 'pristine wilderness', with thriving coral reefs, sandy beaches, lush seagrass beds, dense mangrove forests and clear waters all bursting at the seams with life. But it is that way because of the hard work of the scientists and conservationists at D'Arros to restore, research and protect this incredible environment. In this episode we learn all about D'Arros and its inhabitants, including a whole suite of sharks from baby black-tip reef sharks to fully-grown bull and tiger sharks, and of course, the manta rays. And we find out all about Ellie and Dillys' research into these species, their great adventures into the 'crazy wild' Amirantes islands, and what it was like to grow up in the island nation.

You can find out more about D'Arros by following them on social media (@darrosresearchcentre) or on their website: https://saveourseas.com/sosf-darros-research-centre

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

How powerful is a shark’s sense of smell? With Dr Lauren Eve Simonitis

Thu, 14 Sep 2023 06:00:00 +0200

Sharks have a reputation as 'swimming noses' - but just how well can they smell?

This week we are diving into the fascinating world of snoot science with aquatic sensory biologist Dr Lauren Simonitis! Expect the ins and outs of shark noses, along with detours to explore the anti-predator strategies of sea slugs and cuttlefish, a shark that eats its greens, and a type of whale that inks while it poops. And we break down some famous myths about sharks…like do they really go into a feeding frenzy from the mere scent of blood?

Find out more about Lauren: @explauren, https://www.laurenevesimonitis.com/, https://www.misselasmo.org/

Find out more about us: @saveourseasfoundation (instagram and tiktok) @SaveOurSeas (twitter), www.saveourseas.com

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Greenland Sharks: Old, Cold and Fascinating with Dr Julius Nielsen

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0200

Greenland sharks are the world's longest living vertebrate, with a longevity that can be measured in centuries. But what do they do during that long life? In this episode, we speak with scientist and "Greenland Shark Detective" Dr Julius Nielsen, who has studied these mysterious creatures for many years. Julius was part of the first team to estimate their extraordinary lifespan, and explains exactly how they did it. He also walks us through some other fascinating aspects of their biology and ecology, including what they eat (answer: pretty much anything), how deep they can go (pretty deep!), their reproductive habits (becoming sexually mature at 150 and then having hundreds of babies, anyone?!), and some very unusual parasites…

You can follow Julius on instagram and twitter: @juniel85

You can also follow Save Our Seas Foundation on instagram and tiktok (@saveourseasfoundation) and twitter (@SaveOurSeas).

Shownotes for this episode: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

The history and politics of shark ”attacks” with Dr Chris Pepin-Neff

Thu, 17 Aug 2023 07:00:00 +0200

The impact of the Hollywood blockbuster Jaws on shark conservation, public perception and even policy-making has been studied since its release in 1975, but today we’re looking even further back in time to understand where that idea of sharks as man-eating monsters first came from, and how it gained traction to get to where we are today. It’s a fascinating story involving Victorian game hunters, shark “rabies”, the U.S. Navy, film soundtracks designed to make your heart race, and an Australian surgeon who decided to try his hand at marine biology. To walk us through all of this, we have an amazing guest who has pieced all of these puzzle pieces together – Dr Chris Pepin-Neff, senior lecturer in public policy at the University of Sydney, Save our Seas Foundation project leader and expert in shark bite politics.

You can follow Chris on twitter (@pepin_neff) or read more about them here https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/christopher-neff/ and find some of their research here https://sydney.academia.edu/ChrisPepinNeff.

You can find the shownotes for this episode here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

What can we learn from a shark’s DNA? With Professor Mahmood Shivji

Thu, 27 Jul 2023 07:30:00 +0200

Grab your labcoats! This week we are diving into the fascinating world of genetics to find out what we can learn from shark DNA with Mahmood Shivji, professor of marine science at Nova Southeastern University in Florida and director of the Guy Harvey Institute and Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Research Center (SOSF-SRC). In this episode we discuss shark forensics, the magical healing abilities of white sharks, and what DNA can tell us about the conservation status of some of the world's most endangered species.

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation here: www.saveourseas.com. You can also find us on twitter (@SaveOurSeas) and instagram (@saveourseasfoundation).

Celebrating weird, wonderful and obscure sharks with A-bel Gong, Brit Finucci and Vicky Vásquez

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 06:05:00 +0200

Something we talk about a lot on this podcast is the sheer diversity of sharks and their relatives. With over 500 species of shark alone - not to mention the rays, skates and chimaeras - there is so much to them than just the Jaws stereotype. In this episode, we are talking about some species you may never have heard of, each with their own fantastical adaptations - a tiny deep sea shark with lightsabers on its back, a seriously laid-back species with a highly unusual shape, a fearsome pink predator with slingshot jaws, and a shark so rare that our deep sea shark expert had to wait a decade to see it.

We had the help and expertise of three amazing shark scientists, go show them some love!

Dr Brit Finucci: @BritFinucci (twitter), @britfinucci (IG)

Vicky Vásquez: @VickySharky (twitter), @VickyShark (IG), www.VickyShark.com, www.RogueSharkLab.org

A-bel Gong: @Elasmabel (twitter), @gong_and_a_bell (IG), https://agong1564.wixsite.com/website

Timestamps:

Getting to know our guests [7.09 - 22.20]

Goblin sharks (Vicky's species) [22.20-35.23]

White-tailed dogfish (Brit's species) [35.23-43.10]

Shovelnose guitarfish (A-bel's species) [43.10 - 51.20]

Velvet belly lantern shark (Isla's species) [51.20 - 54.10]

Shownotes:

https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Documenting the Great African Seaforest with Craig Foster

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 06:02:00 +0200

This week on World of Sharks, we are diving into the Great African Seaforest - the world's only forest of giant bamboo kelp, which stretches more than 1000km from the shores of Cape Town to the coastline of Namibia - with conservation film-maker and SOSF project leader Craig Foster (The Sea Change Project, My Octopus Teacher). In this episode we talk about the importance of the Seaforest, especially to sharks and rays, cold water immersion and Craig's deep connection with the ocean. Digressions include some inquisitive tiger sharks, napping pyjama sharks and how it feels to fly through an magical underwater forest!

You can find out more about the Seaforest and the Sea Change Project here: www.seachangeproject.com.

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast.

Encouraging the next generation of shark conservationists with Dr Clova Mabin

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 09:28:33 +0200

On today's episode of World of Sharks, we are discussing a very important topic in conservation: how to encourage, support and nurture young people to care for and protect our ocean, while being mindful of the many other pressures that they face. How can we teach them about the issues facing the natural world, while maintaining hope? How do we empower them to take action for conservation, while still allowing them to be kids? We're talking about all this and more with Dr Clova Mabin, director of the Save Our Seas Foundation Shark Education Centre (https://saveourseas.com/sosf-shark-education-centre/). Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the centre works with under-resourced communities who face many barriers to connecting with the ocean. We talk about the work that the education team do to help build knowledge and confidence around the marine environment, provide a safe space to enjoy blue spaces and help young people find their own place in protecting it.

You can follow the Shark Education Centre on Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok: @sharkcentre

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

Save Our Seas Foundation: @saveourseasfoundation (Instagram), @SaveOurSeas (twitter) and www.saveourseas.com

Exploring human connection with the ocean with Pippa Ehrlich

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 11:56:47 +0200

We're learning new things about the ocean every day, but for centuries the ocean has taught us so much more. After the pandemic, many of us evaluated our connection to the sea and nature in general, seeking deeper meaning in our relationship with it and realising how necessary it is for our mental and emotional wellbeing. Award-winning film-maker and conservation storyteller Pippa Ehrlich (My Octopus Teacher, Older Than Trees) is passionate about telling stories of human-nature connection. For years, she has worked with scientists around the world, using storytelling to capture their passion and emotion for marine life and inspire others to feel the same. In this episode, we talk about Pippa's approach to storytelling and the story behind the Oscar winning documentary, My Octopus Teacher. We also discuss Pippa's love for the ocean, exploring the beautiful kelp forests of the Cape peninsula, and how she stays connected to nature - even when life gets in the way. And, we talk about her new film Older Than Trees, which celebrates 20 years of the Save Our Seas Foundation.

You can follow Pippa on social media: @the_rewilding (instagram) and @PippaEhrlich (twitter). You can also find out more about her current work for the Sea Change Project, an organisation aiming to spread awareness of the Great African Seaforest through storytelling and immersion: https://seachangeproject.com/.

You can find out more about us by heading to www.saveourseas.com, or following us on social media: @saveourseasfoundation (instagram) and @SaveOurSeas (twitter).

You can find the shownotes for this episode here: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast

The brilliant world of the blue shark with Dr Jenny Bortoluzzi

Thu, 18 May 2023 07:00:00 +0200

This week on World of Sharks we are diving into the world of an iconic species: the blue shark, Prionace glauca. Known for their big eyes, pointed snouts, mesmerising metallic blue colour and inquisitive nature, blue sharks are a species of requiem shark that occur in temperate and tropical oceans around the world. We are joined by Dr Jenny Bortoluzzi, shark scientist and SOSF project leader, who studied this species in Irish waters for her PhD and tried to understand why they came to the area in such large numbers, and discovered some quite surprising things about their eating habits…

Digressions include some very friendly sunfish, travel-happy porbeagles, and why on earth a shark would choose to eat jellyfish.

Time stamps: Jenny's life and career [6.30-20.10], blue sharks and Jenny's research [20.20 - 45.00], porbeagle tagging [45.30-49.50], conservation implications [50.00].

You can follow Jenny's work by heading to her website (https://jennybortoluzzi.wordpress.com/) or following her on social media (@DrSharkyJenny).

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to www.saveourseas.com.

Do sharks hang out with their siblings? With Fenella Wood

Thu, 04 May 2023 07:00:00 +0200

In this episode of World of Sharks by the Save Our Seas Foundation, we're chatting all things spurdog, relatedness and genetics with molecular biologist and PhD student Fenella Wood! Fenella's research delves into the fascinating world of spurdog population genetics to find out if the individuals that form large aggregations are related, which could have conservation implications if they are caught as by-catch. We learn all about shark DNA, life at sea, and what it was like to work at the legendary Bimini Field Station, AKA Shark Lab.

You can follow Fenella on twitter, she is @Fenella_Wood.

And you can follow our work on instagram (@saveourseasfoundation) and twitter (@aaveourseas).

Grants 101: tips for getting your project funded with Dr James Lea, Lee Crockett and Sarah Fowler OBE

Thu, 20 Apr 2023 11:21:05 +0200

So, you want to study sharks. You have a brilliant research question, a solid methodology, and buckets of passion. There's just one thing missing...funding. Applying for grants to support your research is a huge part of the scientific process - and it's certainly not easy. But fear not! This week, we are taking a break from chatting about sharks to bring you some expert tips on how to get your dream project funded, from three people who definitely know their stuff when it comes to grant applications. Dr James Lea, CEO of the Save Our Seas Foundation, Lee Crockett, executive director of the Shark Conservation Fund and Sarah Fowler OBE, scientific advisor to both organisations, have tonnes of experience both as reviewers and applicants. Every year, they sift through hundreds of proposals and know exactly what sets an application apart from the rest. In this episode we talk about growing your idea into a realistic, achievable project and what funders are looking for in a successful applicant. And, we discuss what to do if you get rejected - which is a hard, but very normal, part of the process.

Applications for the Save Our Seas Foundation small grants are open NOW until June 16th 2023. Find out more here: https://saveourseas.com/grants/funding-applications/

You can also find out about opportunities with the Shark Conservation Fund here: https://www.sharkconservationfund.org/

A global approach to shark and ray conservation with Rima Jabado, Emiliano García Rodríguez and Ciaran Hyde

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:01:00 +0200

Sharks and ray populations across the world are in freefall. Reversing these declines requires a coordinated, global effort - but how can this be achieved? At the International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, Canada, host Isla sat down with Rima Jabado, fisheries scientist and head of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group, and elasmobranch scientists Emiliano García Rodríguez and Ciaran Hyde to talk about Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs). Lead by a growing international team of scientists, policy-makers and practitioners, the ISRAs project aims to put sharks on the map - collating information on areas around the world that serve a vital function for sharks and rays, and making this information freely available to help decision-makers and managers build better, informed protective measures for sharks and rays around the world.

You can find out more about ISRAs here: https://sharkrayareas.org/ and by following @SharkRayAreas.

You can find out more about us over at www.saveourseas.com, or by following @SaveOurSeas (twitter) and @saveourseasfoundation (instagram).

Creating impact through imagery with Thomas Peschak

Thu, 23 Mar 2023 06:07:00 +0100

We are kicking off season 4 of the World of Sharks podcast (formerly the Whole Tooth podcast) with a bang! This episode, we are talking to legendary conservation photographer, National Geographic explorer and our very own Director of Storytelling, Thomas Peschak. Thomas has photographed marine life all over the world, including a huge diversity of sharks and rays, and has dedicated his life to creating images that have real world impact for conservation. We asked Thomas about going on assignment for Nat Geo, his process – from finding the perfect story to crafting an affecting photograph – and what makes an image stand out from the crowd. And, of course, we spent quite a bit of time discussing our favourite group of animals, and what it’s like to work with them in the field.

You can find out more about his work here, https://www.thomaspeschak.com/ or follow Tom on social media via @thomaspeschak.

An announcement!

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 18:39:35 +0100

Shark nerds unite! WE'RE BACK!

The World of Sharks podcast (formerly The Whole Tooth) will be back on Thursday 23rd March with a brand new season. As always, we will be breaking down topics in shark science and conservation with some very special guests. A friendly reminder to look out for our shiny new logo - we think you'll like it!

See you there!

What’s been happening in the world of sharks? With Dr James Lea and Jade Schultz

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0100

As season 3 and 2022 draws to a close, host Isla sits down with Dr James Lea, CEO of the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF), and Jade Schultz, content manager for SOSF, to look back on the year and all the important events that have happened for sharks and shark conservation. Plus, they have a very exciting announcement about this very podcast!

You can follow our work on social media (@SaveOurSeas on twitter, @saveourseasfoundation on instagram) and by heading to www.saveourseas.com.

You can find the shownotes for this episode, and all previous episodes, here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

Working with local communities for shark conservation with Alifa Haque and Dr Nadia Rubio

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0100

We know that overfishing is the primary cause of global shark and ray declines. But, shark fisheries provide income and subsistence for many coastal communities. Inevitably, any regulation or conservation measure involving these fisheries must be culturally, socially and politically appropriate in order to be accepted, and to achieve this we need to work with and understand the people they will affect. Equally, there are many gaps in our knowledge relating to sharks and rays, including in their distribution, status and how they are traded. SOSF project leaders and marine scientists Alifa Haque and Nadia Rubio specialise in integrating local and traditional knowledge with ecological data to gain a bigger picture on what is happening to endangered species of shark and ray, and have gained a solid understanding of what limits the capacity and willingness of fishers to engage in conservation initiatives and policies. Host Isla sat down with them to discuss their work with fishers in the field, and how they are slowly building shark conservation programmes that work for the community.

Follow Alifa: @haque.alifa (instagram), @alifa_haque (twitter)

Follow Nadia: @nadsocean (instagram), @MarSustenable (twitter)

Find the shownotes for this episode, and all previous episodes, here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

Climate change storytelling and Frozen Planet II with Yoland Bosiger and Rachel Butler Scott

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 08:00:00 +0100

Frozen Planet II and Blue Planet II are landmark natural history series and masterclasses in climate change storytelling. Via captivating sequences, charming characters and compelling stories, the viewer is deliberately drawn into a world that they can’t help but care about, before being told about the very serious threats facing it. Such powerful storytelling can have a big impact; Blue Planet II, for example, persuaded people across the world to give up single-use plastics. But how are these films made? Who crafts the stories? And how do you engage people in the climate emergency without freaking them out? At Wildscreen film festival in Bristol, host Isla sat down with film-makers Rachel Butler Scott and Yoland Bosiger, producers who have worked on both Frozen Planet II and Blue Planet II among many other series, to chat about filming in the most remote and hostile environments on earth, diving under sea ice, and connecting people to life under the waves.

Follow Yoland: @yolandbosiger

Follow Rachel: @rachelbutlerscott

Watch Frozen Planet II: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episodes/p0cw0nb8/frozen-planet-ii

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

What is the most endangered species of shark? With Dr Dave Ebert

Thu, 24 Nov 2022 08:10:00 +0100

Recent studies have shown that over a third of shark and ray species are threatened with extinction. But which species are the most at risk? What are some of the rarest, but least well known, sharks in the world? And, when a species has seemingly fallen off the face of the earth, how on earth do you find it again?

This week, we’re joined on the pod by rare shark expert Dr Dave Ebert (@lostsharkguy)! Dave has travelled all over the world in search of sharks who are thought to have gone extinct, and has contributed to many an IUCN red list assessment for sharks and rays. At Sharks International in Valencia, host Isla sat down with Dave to talk pondicherry sharks, lost sharks, sawfishes and guitarfishes; how to find sharks that haven’t been seen for 50 years and what it’s like to name a shark that’s brand new to science.

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

Get in touch: isla@saveourseas.com (email), @saveourseasfoundation (instagram) and @SaveOurSeas (twitter)

Telling epic stories about sharks with Bertie Gregory

Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:41:54 +0100

What's it like to be booped by a leopard seal? Or dive with over 300 fin whales in Antarctica? And how do you keep your cool when filming underwater in one of the most challenging and remote places on earth, while tiger sharks patrol the shallows above you? At Wildscreen film festival, host Isla sat down with award winning film-maker and wildlife cameraman Bertie Gregory to chat about his new series, Epic Adventures, and go behind the scenes of episode 3, 'Shark Island', where Bertie searches for aggregations of scalloped hammerheads in the Cocos Islands. We talk about insane wildlife spectacles, how to interact with and portray large predators responsibly, and telling stories about some of the issues facing the natural world with hope and optimism.

Epic Adventures is now streaming on Disney Plus. You can also follow Bertie's escapades on instagram (@bertiegregory).

You can find the shownotes for this episodes, and more episodes of The Whole Tooth, over at www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth.

What did prehistoric sharks look like? With Emma Bernard

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0200

What did the oceans look like 450 million years ago? Who were the weird and whacky ancestors of the sharks we know today? And could megalodon still exist? This week we're going back in time to answer all these questions and more at the Natural History Museum in London, with curator of fossil fish Emma Bernard!

Find out more about Emma and the Natural History Museum here: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/our-science/departments-and-staff/staff-directory/emma-bernard.html. Read her fintastic article about Megalodon here: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/megalodon--the-truth-about-the-largest-shark-that-ever-lived.html.

You can follow the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to @saveourseasfoundation (instagram), @SaveOurSeas (twitter) or by heading to www.saveourseas.com. And find the shownotes for this episode at www.saveourseas/worldofsharks/thewholetooth.

Orca predation on white sharks with Alison Towner

Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:00:00 +0200

What happens when two top ocean predators collide? This was a question that PhD candidate and white shark expert Alison Towner was faced with six years ago, when the subjects of her thesis started to wash up on shore with unusual, but fatal, injuries. Fast forward to 2022 and Alison has just led her second publication on the predation of white sharks by orca in South Africa, a behaviour that has never been documented until now. In this episode we chat to Alison about her findings, why we think orca are only now starting to show interest in white sharks, and the potential effects of predation by orca on not just white sharks as a species, but the entire ecosystem…

Follow Alisons work here: @alisontowner (instagram), @AlisonTowner1 (twitter)

You can find the shownotes for this episode here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

Find out more about us by following @saveourseasfoundation on instagram, @SaveOurSeas on twitter, or by heading to www.saveourseas.com

How can art help shark conservation? With Rachel Brooks

Thu, 29 Sep 2022 08:03:00 +0200

Art has the power to change perspectives, and promote awe and wonder - can it do the same for sharks? We chat to ocean artist Rachel Brooks about putting pen to paper in the name of shark conservation.

You can see her work for yourself by following RachelBrooksArt on social media, or here https://rachelbrooksart.com/.

Shownotes for this episode are here: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth.

Could microplastics impact sharks? With Dr Alina Wieczorek

Thu, 15 Sep 2022 08:00:00 +0200

Whale and basking sharks are some of the biggest fish in the ocean – but could these gentle giants be threatened by something so small it can’t even be seen with the naked eye? We pitch this question to microplastics and pelagic fish expert Dr Alina Wieczorek. Alina has studied microplastic pathways from the smallest to the largest creatures in the ocean, and in some of the deepest and most remote places in the world. She has some really interesting, and at times deeply concerning, insights for us, but also a message of hope.

Shownotes: www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

You can follow us: @saveourseasfoundation (insta) @SaveOurSeas (twitter).

Secrets of the Galapagos whale sharks with Jonathan and Sofia Green

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 07:00:00 +0200

This week we celebrated International Whale Shark Day! In honour of the world's largest fish, we spoke to Jonathan and Sofia of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project to find out all about this incredible species, their connection to the Galapagos Marine Reserve, and what questions Jonathan and Sofia are striving to answer through their research. We discuss the mysterious life history of the whale shark, how climate change and fishing pressure might affect them, and how to conduct an ultrasound on a 30-foot shark while swimming alongside it...

You can find out more about the Galapagos Whale Shark Project here: https://www.galapagoswhaleshark.org/, or by following @galapagos_whale_shark_project on instagram.

You can find the shownotes of this episode at www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast.

Season 3 Trailer!

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0200

We're back!

Season 3 of The Whole Tooth goes live on Thursday September 1st! We'll be answering ALL your shark and ocean related questions with the help of more fantastic experts in shark science and conservation, including whether sharks are affected by microplastics, if great white sharks are still apex predators, and what prehistoric sharks looked like...

Tune in for all these episodes and so much more!

Find out more over at www.saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/podcast or follow us on social media on @saveourseasfoundation (instagram) and @SaveOurSeas (twitter).

Ask us anything about sharks! With James Lea, Jade Schultz and Lauren de Vos

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 07:00:00 +0200

It's the last episode of the season which means once again, the Save Our Seas team have gathered to answer as many of your questions about sharks as we can in 45 minutes! In this episode, we cover:

- How do ampullae of lorenzini work? (6.48)

- How do baby sharks get out of their egg-cases? (10.43)

- Are sharks fish or mammals? (15.14)

- How many species of sharks are there? (18.58)

- Is it okay (and safe) to freedive with whale sharks? (22.23)

- Is using bait to lure sharks harmful? (25.38)

- Any positive ocean news? (35.00)

- Any advice for high school students looking to get into marine science and/or conservation? (43.11)

- What is your favourite elasmobranch? (59.30)

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth.

Diving into deep sea sharks! With Paul Clerkin and Sofia Graça Aranha

Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:29:00 +0200

Welcome back to the Whole Tooth, a podcast all about sharks, rays and the oceans. This week, host Isla is joined by deep-sea shark researchers Sofia Graça Aranha and Paul Clerkin to explore the depths, and meet some of the fantastical, alien-like and perfectly adapted sharks, rays and skates that live there. And, just how much they need our protection.

Follow Sofia and Paul's work on instagram: @sofiagracaaranha and @paul_j_clerkin

Find us on @saveourseasfoundation (insta) and @saveourseas (twitter), or head to www.saveourseas.com to find out more about our work.

Do sharks have friends? With Dr Bryan Keller

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 09:24:39 +0200

Welcome to another episode of The Whole Tooth, a shark podcast that asks YOUR questions to experts in shark and ocean science! This week, we are asking SOSF project leader and Science and Policy advisor for Saving the Blue, Dr Bryan Keller, all about shark social behaviour. Are sharks the lone wolves they’re always made out to be? Why do we sometimes see sharks in groups? And do they have preferences for who they hang out with? Diversions include some pretty cool encounters with sawfish - shark midwifery, anyone? - and, a first for this podcast, Love At First Sight...

You can find out more about Bryan's work by following @bryankeller, more about his project here: https://saveourseas.com/project/not-just-a-fad-protecting-silky-sharks-in-fishing-hotspots/ and Saving the Blue by following @savingtheblue.

Shownotes for this episode: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth.

If you want to find out more about us and the work we do, head to www.saveourseas.com.

Celebrating ocean wins! With Sarah Fowler OBE

Thu, 09 Jun 2022 08:00:00 +0200

We all know that our oceans are in trouble, and that taking action to protect and fight for them is incredibly important. But it can also be hard to motivate yourself to keep going, especially when it feels like change isn’t happening. But we are slowly turning the tide – and that is what this episode is all about. In honour of World Ocean’s Day (June 8th), host Isla sits down with Sarah Fowler OBE, scientific advisor to SOSF and founding trustee of The Shark Trust, to discuss some the actions YOU are taking to help save our seas, and talk about how they are contributing to a positive impact worldwide.

You can find out more about the Save Our Seas Foundation, and the work that we do, at www.saveourseas.com.You can also access the show-notes for this episode, along with an accessible summary, here: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth.

Do sharks matter? With Dr David Shiffman

Thu, 26 May 2022 08:00:00 +0200

We all know that the majority of shark species are in decline. But what actually happens if they are lost from the ecosystem? How important are sharks? We pitch these questions to scientist, shark enthusiast and author Dr David Shiffman, who spends a lot of his time highlighting why sharks really do matter – not just in an ecological sense, but also from a social, economic and cultural perspective. We talk to David about the ecological role of sharks, sustainability, the dangers of spreading misinformation, and David's brand new book 'Why Sharks Matter'. And, of course, the most important question of all: sharks or dinosaurs?!

You can follow David on social media over at @whysharksmatter, and check out his brilliant new book here: https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12267/why-sharks-matter

Shownotes: https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/thewholetooth

Find out more about our work here: www.saveourseas.com

Going Beyond Jaws with Andrew Lewin and Dr Dave Ebert

Thu, 12 May 2022 08:00:00 +0200

Our guests this week are scientists, communicators and hosts of the Beyond Jaws podcast Andrew Lewin and Dave Ebert. Beyond Jaws is all about showcasing the diversity of shark science and the people behind the research, asking them about their career journeys and how they got to be where they are. Whole Tooth host Isla flips the script and asks Dave and Andrew about finding their own niche in science, their passion for lesser known shark species, and the importance of science communication in promoting marine conservation to a wider audience.

You can find Andrew and his podcast network over at @speakupforblue and https://www.speakupforblue.com/. You can follow Dave at @lostsharkguy. Listen to episodes of Beyond Jaws here: https://www.speakupforblue.com/show/beyond-jaws/.

You can find out more about the work we do at the Save Our Seas Foundation by heading to www.saveourseas.com

What’s happening to Antarctica’s penguins? With Dr Tom Hart

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 08:00:00 +0200

On April 25th, we celebrated World Penguin Day - a day dedicated to celebrating these incredibly charismatic birds and raising awareness of the immense challenges they face. Someone who knows a lot about this subject is SOSF project leader and penguinologist Dr Tom Hart. Aside from having one of the coolest job titles out there, Tom has dedicated his life to researching the wildlife of one of the most remote places on the planet - Antarctica. It is also a place that is changing rapidly, and its residents are coming under increasing pressure from anthropogenic impacts. Broadly, penguins are in decline, and Tom wants to know why. This episode, we dive into his fascinating research to disentangle the drivers of penguin decline, and find out what it's really like to have one of the wildest environments on earth as your office. We talk about how amazingly adapted penguins are to a very challenging lifestyle, how they cope with the relatively new arrival of tourists, and some things we can all be doing to help safeguard them, and the place that they call home.

If you want to get involved in penguin conservation, why not head to Penguin Watch (https://www.zooniverse.org/projects/penguintom79/penguin-watch or check out @penguin_watch), a citizen science initiative set up by Tom and his collaborators where you can contribute to vital penguin research from the comfort of your sofa!

This podcast was brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). Find out more about our work here: www.saveourseas.com.

How do marine animals navigate the oceans? With Jesse Granger and Kyle Newton

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 09:00:00 +0200

The global ocean is a vast place, spanning the entire planet and tens of thousands of kilometres deep. Many marine animals undertake huge migrations across the ocean, but there’s no signposts or google maps…so how on earth do they know where to go? This episode, we delve into the incredible world of sensory and cognitive ecology to understand how sharks, rays, whales and a host of other critters navigate the underwater world with scientists Jesse Granger and Kyle Newton. Jesse and Kyle ask big questions about how animals find their way around, mainly focussing on the possible ways that they are able to detect and use the earth’s magnetic field to orientate themselves.

You can follow Jesse on @JesseGranger6 and Kyle on @SharkMagneto. You can also follow their work by heading to https://sites.duke.edu/jngranger/ (Jesse) , https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kyle-Newton and https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/kyle-newton/ (Kyle).

This podcast is brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). Find out more about us here: www.saveourseas.com

Magnificent Mantas! With Lois Flounders, Yani Mohamed and Simon Hilbourne from the Manta Trust

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0200

Get ready to chat all things sea pancake! This episode, we pitched all your questions about the mesmerising manta ray to Yani, Simon and Lois who work for the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP), the flagship research project of the Manta Trust. We learn so much about these enigmatic, highly intelligent animals - how do they feed? Why do they jump out of the water? And why is the Maldives such a special place for them? We also chat about what it's like to work in the Maldives and swim with mantas for a living, as well as how YOU can help in the research and conservation of these incredible elasmobranchs.

Find out more about the MMRP here: https://www.mantatrust.org/maldives, the manta trust here: https://www.mantatrust.org/, and how to submit to IDtheManta here: https://www.mantatrust.org/idthemanta. You can also find out about a job opportunity to work in the Maldives with this amazing team here: https://www.mantatrust.org/careers.

The Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) are proud to have funded and supported the Manta Trust since the very beginning. You can find out more about our work, and the other projects we fund, here: https://saveourseas.com/.

Reframing the narrative of sharks with Steve Backshall

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0100

Grab your gear and get ready for an adventure, because this week I am joined by extreme explorer, naturalist and presenter Steve Backshall MBE! Throughout his career, Steve has endeavoured to change public perception of species perceived as 'deadly' or 'dangerous' - changing the narrative from fear to respect, joy and awe. He's spent a lot of time in the water among sharks, most recently for his latest Sky series 'Shark with Steve Backshall' which aims to promote wonder and dispell popular myths about these animals. In this episode we discuss some of the most common misconceptions of sharks, the classic 'Jaws' trope, and how we can begin to change the narratives about sharks that have become so entrenched. And, of course, we hear some of Steve's fascinating stories from the field, and introducing the next generation to the adventure and wonder of the natural world.

You can find Steve on instagram (@backshall.steve), twitter (@SteveBackshall) and learn more about his upcoming series and tours at www.stevebackshall.com. You can also watch his latest TV series, Shark with Steve Backshall, here: https://www.sky.com/watch/shark-with-steve-backshall.

This podcast was brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). You can find out more about our work by heading to www.saveourseas.com.

Can sharks adapt to changing seas? With David Sims and Freya Womersley

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0100

We're back! And we're kicking off season 2 by exploring our rapidly changing seas and the impacts of these changes on shark movements, distribution and behaviour with scientists David Sims and Freya Womersley. Both David and Freya work on the Global Shark Movement Project (https://www.globalsharkmovement.org/), which aims to collate data on pelagic shark movements from around the world and investigate the potential impacts of human activities on these movements. In this episode, we discuss the cumulative effects of rapidly decreasing oxygen levels and warming temperatures on the foraging behaviour of blue and mako sharks; how fisheries and climate change can overlap and place further pressure on shark populations; and whether species can adapt to an increasingly hostile marine environment.

Along the way we hear about the amazing healing capabilities of whale sharks, learn how satellite tagging works and what it's like to be emailed by a basking shark...

Follow David (@TheSimsLab) and Freya (@FreyaWomersley) for more jawsome insights into the life of pelagic sharks!

If you liked this episode, be sure to rate, review and subscribe. Head to www.saveourseas.com to find out more about what we do.

How will climate change impact sharks? With Dr Jodie Rummer and Carolyn Wheeler

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 09:29:51 +0100

For the FINAL episode of season 1, I am joined by fish physiologists Dr Jodie Rummer and Carolyn Wheeler to talk about a the most-asked-about subject of 2021: climate change, and its impact on sharks. This topic has been playing on a lot of people's minds this year, and we've had a lot of questions since the start of the pod about how sharks and the oceans will be affected, and what WE can do to help. So buckle in - we're headed on a rollercoaster ride into the stormy seas of the climate crisis. But fear not! Guiding us on this journey are the brilliant Jodie and Carolyn, who study the effects of climate stressors and other human-driven issues on fish, including sharks and rays, in tropical waters, and we talk about their pretty sobering findings. On the way we meet Edna the epaulette shark, visit some picturesque shark nurseries in French Polynesia and learn what it’s like to observe coral bleaching in real time…

We also end the episode on an optimistic note for 2022, as we talk about how humans still have a real chance to make positive changes, slow climate change and help safeguard our favourite elasmobranchs.

You can find out more about Jodie and Carolyn and their work here https://www.physioshark.org/our-team here https://www.jodierummer.com/ and here https://www.coralcoe.org.au/person/carolyn-wheeler and follow them over at @Wheel_House23 and @PhysiologyFish.

You can also find out more about us by heading to www.saveourseas.com.

Thanks for listening! And we'll see you in 2022!

Ask us anything! With Dr James Lea and Jade Schultz

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0100

This week SOSF content manager Jade Schultz put out a call on social media for all your shark and ocean related queries, so we could pitch them to shark scientist and SOSF CEO Dr James Lea! And boy the listeners didn't disappoint - this episode takes us on a wild ride from careers in marine conservation to shark eyelids, schooling behaviour to conservation successes and even fossilised shark poo...

Together James, Jade and I attempt to answer as many of your questions as possible in an hour - with informative, and at times hilarious, results. Including which shark we'd have a beer with!

You can find out all about James, Jade and the awesome work SOSF do at www.saveourseas.com.

What do basking sharks eat? With Shane Wasik and Rachel Brooks

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 10:15:00 +0100

This episode we are jumping fins first into the weird and mysterious life of the second-largest shark in the world - basking sharks! I am joined by Shane and Rachel from Basking Shark Scotland, an organisation on the beautiful west coast of Scotland, which happens to be one of the global hotspots to see these sharks. Over summer they spend everyday in the water with basking sharks and know a thing or two about them...together, we answer all your questions about the big beasties, including what they eat, where they go after summer, how they mate and what threats they face. Stay tuned to find out how such a huge shark is adapted to eat enough of its tiny food source, meet a humpback whale called Barney, and why basking sharks touch fins sometimes...

Rachel: @rach.underwater, @rachelbrooksart, https://rachelbrooksart.com/

Shane: @shanewasik

Basking Shark Scotland: www.baskingsharkscotland.co.uk, @baskingsharkscotland

Video of basking shark breaching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJgon0C3bbs

This podcast was brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). You can find out more about our work here: https://saveourseas.com/

What is the fin trade, and what does it mean for sharks? With Ali Hood and Diego Cardeñosa

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 09:25:00 +0200

Get your SCUBA kit ready for a deep dive...because this week, we're taking a closer look at the global shark fin trade. We'll be finding out exactly what finning is, why there is a demand for shark fins in the first place, and the impact this can have on shark populations globally. Additionally, we'll explore finning in the context of overfishing - the biggest threat to sharks worldwide - and discuss other shark products sold on the global market, as well as how we might begin to overcome the huge and very complex issues associated with the shark trade to forge a better future for sharks.

My VERY special and knowledgeable guests this week are scientist and expert on the international shark trade, Diego Cardeñosa, and Director of Conservation for the shark trust Ali Hood. They offer insights from the perspectives of scientific research and analysis, policy-making, campaigning and raising public education and awareness, and talk about how important it is to tackle issues with the trade from all angles. We also find out why it's important to make sure you know exactly what you're feeding your cat, and what it's like to fight for sharks at the highest levels of government...

Diego: @diegocardenosa (instagram), @DiegoCardenosa (twitter), https://case.fiu.edu/about/directory/profiles/cardenosa-diego.html

Ali: @SharkTrustUk (twitter), @thesharktrust (insta), https://www.sharktrust.org/FAQs/ali-hood

You can find references to the papers they discuss here https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9 and here https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0960982221011982, as well as check out a free breakdown of Pacoureau et al here https://saveourseas.com/going-going-going-oceanic-shark-species-on-the-decline/.

You can find out more about these issues by heading to the Save Our Seas (SOSF) website (https://saveourseas.com/worldofsharks/).

Becoming scientists and overcoming barriers with Alifa Haque, Dr Catherine Macdonald and Jasmin Graham

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 10:45:00 +0200

*TW: This is a powerful and very important conversation, however, there are references to systemic racism, sexism, discrimination and sexual assault which some listeners may find triggering [32-47 mins]*

Pursuing a career in marine science can be hugely rewarding. You can make a living studying the ocean and its inhabitants, and answering those important questions that one day might help save our seas – pretty cool, right? But setting out on the scientific path can also be a daunting, and at times, overwhelming experience. Where do you even begin? How can you get a foot in the door? Should you do a PhD? What should your research question be? And what if you don’t ‘fit the mould’?! If you’re about to take the plunge into science, or are just considering dipping in a toe, then fear not - this week we have amazing shark scientists Alifa Haque, Catherine Macdonald and Jasmine Graham on the pod to discuss their own journeys into science, the triumphs and challenges along the way, and any advice they have for budding scientists out there. We also discuss some of the systemic and structural barriers still present, and how the scientific community can work to make science a more inclusive, representative and accessible profession, on both an individual and institutional level.

Alifa: https://saveourseas.com/project-leader/alifa-bintha-haque/, @alifa_haque (twitter), @haque.alifa (Instagram)

Jasmin: @Elasmo_Gal (twitter), @MISS_elasmo, https://www.misselasmo.org/, https://www.marscilace.org/

Catherine: Field School (www.getintothefield.com), RSMAS (rsmas.miami.edu), Instagram: @drcatmac, Twitter: @dr_catmac

Can recreational shark fisheries be more sustainable? With Hannah Medd and Jill Brooks

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 10:45:00 +0200

You might be familiar with fishing for sport, but have you ever heard of reeling in great hammerheads for fun? This episode we take a deep dive into the lesser known world of catch-and-release shark fishing, discuss the potential impacts on shark populations, and how it might become a more sustainable practice. Digressions include the wonders of the gulf stream, sharks with anxiety, “snowbirds” and 3am spaghetti Bolognese rituals…

Our guests this week are Hannah Medd, scientist and founder of the American Shark Conservancy (ASC), and Jill Brooks, PhD candidate at Carleton University and researcher with ASC. Together, Hannah and Jill lead a research project (https://saveourseas.com/project/shark-survival-from-the-shore/) aiming to understand the impact of catch-and-release recreational fishing on endangered great hammerhead sharks in Florida, in order to help draft better, more sustainable practices for the future. As they explain in the episode, the project is almost split into two halves: the ecological information they obtain from tagging data, and the social information gained from working directly with the angling community. The importance of having both is a theme throughout our conversation, and Jill and Hannah stress the need to facilitate knowledge exchange, and build trust and relationships, to help encourage sustainable practice.

You can find out more about ASC here https://www.americansharkconservancy.org/, or by following @SharkStudies. You can find Hannah at @sharkhugger and Jill at @jillbrooks85.

This podcast was brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). You can find out more about us here: www.saveourseas.com

Do sharks glow in the dark? & other jawsome adaptations with Amani Webber-Schultz, Meghan Holst and Jaida Elcock (PART 2!)

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 10:40:00 +0200

This episode we dive back into our bumper episode on shark adaptations with phenomenal scientists and communicators Amani, Jaida and Meghan! In part 2, we pick up where we left off - exploring the depths of the ocean with some glow-in-the-dark sharks. We find out how and why some sharks emit their own light, meet some pretty weird characters from the deep sea, and discover the shark who loves to chow down on moose (but very, very slowly). Stay tuned to learn about Amani's love for bonnetheads, Meghan's adoration for broadnose sevengills and find out why Jaida mistrusts invertebrates...

We also learn more about Meghan (@megholst), Jaida (@soFISHtication) and Amani's (@curly_biologist) scientific careers, as well as the work they do outside of science. This includes their roles with Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Sciences (MIAZS), two organisations that strive to overcome systemic barriers and promote diversity and inclusion within their fields. You can find out more, and learn how to support and get involved, here www.misselasmo.org and here www.miazs.org.

This podcast is brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF). You can find out more about us here: www.saveourseas.com

Do sharks glow in the dark? & other jawsome adaptations with Amani Webber-Schultz, Jaida Elcock and Meghan Holst (PART 1)

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 11:00:00 +0200

Attention all shark nerds - boy do we have a treat for you! Over the next two episodes, we'll be answering not one, but SEVEN questions about some of the weirdest, most bizarre and extreme shark species on the planet with three amazing guests: scientists and communicators Amani Webber-Schultz, Jaida Elcock and Meghan Holst!

Part 1 is jam-packed full of sharky facts. We'll be learning all about big sharks, tiny sharks, super speedy sharks, and the adaptations that allow them to survive and thrive. Tune in to find out which species has teeth on their eyeballs (!), which can emit its own light from its 'ARMPITS', and how some sharks can reach speeds of up to 45mph... We'll also be chatting about sharks that glow in the dark, but you'll have to stay tuned next week to find out why!

It was so much fun chatting to Amani, Jaida and Meghan. These ladies are seriously passionate about sharks, and their enthusiasm for all things elasmobranch really shines through! Amani (@curly_biologist) is a PhD student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology where she will be studying shark morphology. Jaida (@soFISHtication) is a PhD student in the MIT-WHOI joint program, studying the movement ecology of migratory elasmobranchs. And Meghan (@megholst) is working towards her PhD in the conservation ecology of broadnose sevengill sharks in San Fransisco bay.

Meghan is co-founder of Minorities in Aquarium and Zoo Sciences (@MIAZS_now, www.MIAZS.org).

Jaida and Amani are co-founders of Minorities in Shark Sciences (@miss_elasmo, www.misselasmo.org)

Amani and Meghan also co-host the Sharkpedia podcast! You can find it here @sharkpediapod and listen wherever you get your podcasts!

Should I swim with sharks? With Nicki Meharg and Rich Rees (Celtic Deep)

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 10:06:45 +0200

This episode we get our teeth sunk into the dos and donts of shark tourism. Is it okay to get in the water with sharks? What could the impacts be on the animal? And what should we look for in a tourism operator? We discuss the upsides and downsides of the tourism industry and the importance of being a responsible, conscious tourist - both at sea, and on social media. Digressions include glow-in-the-dark orca, British weather and what it's like to encounter a curious blue shark in the wild...

Our jawsome guests this week are Nicki Meharg (@morlo_wildlife) and Rich Rees (@richardmrees), two incredibly experienced divers and marine conservationists who are hugely passionate about protecting and raising awareness of marine life. Together they founded Celtic Deep (www.celticdeep.org), a UK based organisation that specialise in taking people on amazing experiences off the Pembrokeshire coast, including underwater encounters with blue sharks. They have a strong focus on responsible tourism, and follow strict codes of conduct to ensure the well-being and protection of these animals. They offer their insights as both conservationists and tour operators, and give us an open and honest account of the nuances of wildlife tourism.

This podcast is brought to you by the Save Our Seas Foundation (SOSF) - you can find out more about our work here: www.saveourseas.com