In a Battle of the Predators who wins?
This Guardian piece covers the fascinating predations of Orca’s on Great White Sharks in South Africa… It is difficult to imagine the great white shark as prey, yet could the Orca be overpowering them? Strange findings in S. Africa point to this possibility.
Giving Fiji’s Shark God a Helping Hand
In this Guardian blog I take a closer look at the Marine Protected Areas in Fiji, specifically the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in the Beqa Channel. Legend has it that Dakuwaqa, the ancient shark god, provides protection for the people when at sea. It’s time to return the favour.
The Cull Controversy
In my sixth Guardian blog I examine the issues around the call for culls of sharks following the tragic death of a boarder in the waters off Reunion Island earlier this year. Culls aren’t the way to balance the needs of sharks and surfers
Taking the Plunge with Predators
In my latest Guardian blog I report on diving with sharks which are well known for their bold, unhesitant approach. Sun, sand and apex predators: taking the plunge with oceanic whitetip sharks
Oceanic hunters have become the hunted
Species: Oceanic Whitetip Shark. Location: Cat Island, Bahamas, 2017. I was attracted by the reputation of the Oceanics – bold and feisty, not afraid to approach whatever or whomever happened to be in the water alongside them and they did not disappoint! However, despite some close passes, no sharks bumped my camera housing and no […]
When the Research is Wrong
A public campaign to cull ‘invasive’ cownose rays was hugely successful. But re-examining the data revealed a horrible truth: the rays weren’t the problem. Read more in my fifth Guardian blog here: What happens when the research underpinning conservation is wrong?
Guardian Blogs
At the start of 2016 I began writing online blogs for The Guardian. My thanks goes out to the science editor for allowing me access to this platform which has enabled me to reach a wide audience and to report on various aspects of shark science. I will post the links to the blogs on […]
The Real Sharknado
For my fourth blog instalment with The Guardian I have discussed some of the research I undertook as part of my PhD whilst reflecting on the latest shark pop culture: “The Real Sharknado: how sharks deal with extreme weather”
Shark Conservation in the UK
This is my third blog for The Guardian, this time I am looking at Shark Conservation within the UK following on from the success of Fin Fighters organisation and the first ever “Shark Fest” held in the UK: “Sharks fascinate us but are we prepared to protect them from extinction”
A Dangerous Delicacy
Here is my second blog piece for The Guardian, this time I am discussing Shark Fin Soup following a trip to Hong Kong which coincided with the Chinese New Year: “Shark fin soup – a dangerous delicacy for humans and sharks alike”