Sharks remain one of the least understood, yet fascinating, taxa in the animal kingdom. Over the past decades, I have dedicated my life to revealing the hidden lives of sharks through using innovative research techniques, sophisticated scientific equipment, duck-tape, cable ties, and lots of shark chum.
Non-invasive mark recapture techniques using photographic identification to gain deep insights into the population dynamics of South Africa’s shark species.
Shark ecotourism and diving remains a controversial activity. Understanding the ecological and safety impact of this activity is vital to ensure correct management of sharks
Telemetry is the field of tracking animal movement at a distance. My behavioural research on sharks is focused on acoustic and satellite telemetry
Genetic and stable isotope studies are used to reveal stock structures, feeding habitats, and the interconnectedness of stocks within a species.
Non-invasive measures to protect humans from sharks can contribute to the conservation of sharks. My research involves testing of shark deterrents technologies on large, potentially dangerous, shark species
Evaluation of predator prey relationships between sharks and potential prey species. Determined via observational studies, stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis.
My official institutional affiliation is the Blue Wilderness Shark Research Unit. To learn more about the unit and our research, visit the units website
Our company, Blue Wilderness, led the successful campaign to remove the Natal Shark Board nets from Rocky Bay, South Africa.
At South Africa’s Aliwal Shoal, our team is maintaining scientifically valid population estimates of four shark species
State witness and scientific expert in the first prosecution of a fisherman illegally catching white sharks in South Africa.
Worked on the satellite tracking project that was the scientific cornerstone to motivate the listing of the white shark on CITE appendix 2
Authored or co-authored over 30 academic publications including articles in both ‘Science’ and ‘Nature’, the worlds preeminent scientific journals
Part of the team that tracked the great white shark ‘Nicole’ over 8000km return migration from South Africa to Australia and back.
Featured or hosted over 20 shark documentaries advocating for, and educating, the public about the worlds sharks
Chief Scientist for the OCEARCH South African expedition with a budget of 5 million and involving over 40 researchers
