Dive into Marine Conservation
Saltwater Life is passionate about the study, conservation, and protection of sharks, skates, and rays - the elasmobranch species that play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems. Based in Scotland, UK, Saltwater Life conducts marine research while advocating for sustainable conservation efforts.
Discover the Science
Founded by Dr. Lauren Smith, a specialist in elasmobranch research, Saltwater Life combines scientific study, underwater exploration, and public engagement to drive real change. By working with policymakers, educators, and marine enthusiasts, she helps bridge the gap between research and conservation action.
Defend Our Oceans
The mission: to Dive, Discover, Defend. Through research, advocacy, and awareness, Saltwater Life strives to protect marine biodiversity and ensure a thriving future for our oceans. Explore Lauren's work, get involved, and be part of the movement to safeguard our seas.
About Saltwater Life
Explore the complexity, diversity, and vastness of the ocean with Saltwater Life, where adventure, conservation and education come together.
The Research
“Elasmobranchs: one of two subclasses of fish that have cartilaginous skeletons, they include the sharks, skates and rays
(the other subclass is the Holocephali, the chimaeras)”
Elasmobranchs, primarily Shark and Skate species are the focus of Saltwater Life’s founder, Dr Lauren Smith, who is committed to undertaking and communicating the latest scientific research on these incredible animals.
Understanding them, their physiology, behaviour, and habitats, informs government policies resulting in effective legislation vital to the conservation and management of these species.
Saltwater Life combines the practical aspects of diving and underwater photography with scientific research, collaboration, and communication to adhere to its mission to Dive, Discover and Defend elasmobranchs worldwide.
Shark Diary
Meeting Sharks is one of the most exciting and humbling experiences of a lifetime. Here are some of my favourite encounters.
Shark Encounters
Locations on the planet of Lauren’s own encounters with sharks.
Blog
Western Ecology Tour
I am delighted to be joining an awesome expedition team this June, developed and led by professional diver Andy Clark (https://andythenortherndiver.com/). The UK’s marine environments are under more pressure than ever
Shark DNA Zip-coding; a way to identify the origin of sharks caught for the international fin trade.
In February 2016 I was in Hong Kong looking into the shark fin trade, it was a couple of days before the Chinese New Year and there were fins everywhere, to
Two new species of saw sharks discovered
The newly discovered Pliotrema kajae and Pliotrema annae six-gill saw sharks, were discovered during research investigating small-scale fisheries operating off the coasts of Madagascar and Zanzibar. The discovery of these two new sharks highlights how
The 3.2 million year history of Great White Sharks in the Mediterranean Sea
Read more about the incredible evolutionary history of the Great white in the Mediterranean in my latest piece for BiOME Ecology webzine here: https://biomeecology.com/news/2020/03/the-3-2-million-year-history-of-great-white-sharks-in-the-mediterranean-sea/
Basking Sharks; Genetic Tagging, Gene Flow & Migration Routes
New research sheds light on the migration routes of basking sharks and outlines their vulnerability to environmental change. Check out my latest piece for BiOME Ecology webzine here: https://biomeecology.com/news/2020/02/basking-shark-genetic-tagging-gene-flow-migration-routes/
Fish Free February
This February I supported a new campaign; ‘Fish Free February’, founded by marine biologist Simon Hilbourne in collaboration with Ocean Festival UK founder Jasmine Tribe. Find out why here: https://biomeecology.com/conservation/2020/02/fish-free-february-campaign/
ICCAT 2019 Mako Shark Protection thwarted by EU & US
Back in June 2019, a report showed that the overfished North Atlantic shortfin mako shark population was continuing to decline and needed not only immediate protection but would take several decades
How do Sharks Grow?
Over the years I have been asked all sorts of questions about sharks, covering a broad range of pretty much everything, from; “Do sharks fart?” to “How do sharks grow?” Let’s
What is Biofluorescence? Shining a light on biofluorescence in UK waters.
Biofluorescence is essentially the ability of an organism, to absorb electromagnetic wavelengths from the visible light spectrum by fluorescent compounds, and the subsequent emission of this at a lower energy level.
Stars in their eyes (well, skin).
“Tonight Matthew i’m going to be…..” OK, enough of the British TV show references (of a particular era)! I actually want to talk about Smooth-hound sharks, Starry Smooth-hound identification to be
Egg(case) Hunting this Easter
Are you heading to the beach this Easter? If so forget the chocolate eggs – shark & skate eggcases are where its at! Some species of sharks and skates found around
Beach Cleaning
I have been taking part in, organizing and coordinating beach cleans for over 7 years now, my actions are a direct result of what i see on a daily basis; more
Associates & Affiliates
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BSAC (British Subaqua Club)
Seasearch
East Grampian Coastal Partnership
