Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation
Published by Speak Up For Blue
Science
Natural Sciences
Nature
Dr. David Ebert and Andrew Lewin interview shark scientists and conservationists to find out the steps they took that lead them to study and work with sharks. Interviews include stories of field shenanigans; career choices and advice; and, the science of sharks that may or may not include great white sharks...mostly not.
It's Shark Week season again, and Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert are joined for the third year running by Jesse Colaizzi, an award-winning television documentary producer, senior editor, and director of photography who works closely with Forrest Galante. Jesse pulls back the curtain on how a Shark Week episode actually comes together, from scouting locations to the final cut. Jesse joins the show remotely from Gujarat, India, where he is showrunning and editing Vantara's Sanctuary Stories, before turning to his newest project, Alien Sharks: Untamed America, premiering Wednesday, July 29th on Discovery. Built around America's 250th anniversary, the episode traces a journey across the country in search of cryptic and lesser known sharks, including white sharks off Diablo Canyon, a California horn shark, a swell shark located after months of searching, a guitar fish, bonnethead sharks, a swarm of blacktip sharks, a rediscovered tagged sawfish with researcher Dean Grubbs, and a basking shark in Cape Cod Harbor. Along the way, Jesse and the hosts dig into what editors notice that scientists and viewers often miss: coordinated hunting behavior in sharks, how white sharks react to a drone's shadow on the water, the technical tricks used to slow down fast-moving animals on camera, and how years of watching raw footage trained Jesse to read animal behavior the way a birder reads bird behavior. Jesse also shares stories from filming rescued and rehabilitated animals in India, the discipline it takes to run multiple shows at once, and why this year's episode leans into American wildlife, from bison to elk to the Statue of Liberty, rather than the usual landmarks. Key Takeaways Jesse Colaizzi is an award-winning producer, senior editor, and director of photography who works with Forrest Galante on Shark Week and Discovery Channel programming, including Extinct or Alive and Alien Sharks. Alien Sharks: Untamed America premieres Wednesday, July 29th and is built around an America 250 theme, spotlighting cryptic and lesser-known native sharks across the country. The team tracked white sharks, a California horn shark, leopard sharks, a swell shark, a guitar fish, bonnethead sharks, blacktip sharks, a sawfish tagged in partnership with researcher Dean Grubbs, and a basking shark in Cape Cod Harbor. Editors and camera crews rely on subtle behavioral cues, frame rate tricks, and instinct to capture usable footage of fast-moving, unpredictable animals in the wild. White sharks have been observed reacting to the shadow of a filming drone, a small but telling example of how visual and behavioral cues shape what ends up on screen. Sharks display coordinated group behavior when hunting, echoing patterns Dr. David Ebert has documented in his own research on pack hunting. Jesse is currently based in Gujarat, India, working on Vantara's Sanctuary Stories, a series focused on rescued and rehabilitated animals and the conditioning process used to care for them. This year's episode centers the Statue of Liberty and iconic American wildlife such as bison and elk instead of typical landmark imagery, offering a nature-first take on the America 250 theme. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Dr. Julia Constance is back on Beyond Jaws, and this time she's joining hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as Dr. Constance. Julia returns fresh off completing her PhD on the natural mortality and movement ecology of two of the world's least understood sharks: the speartooth shark and the northern river shark, both found almost nowhere outside northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. Using a long-running acoustic telemetry dataset built by her supervisor since 2013, Julia tracked around 200 tagged sharks across Northern Territory river systems, some for up to a decade, to understand how these animals move, where they go, and what puts them at risk. The conversation digs into just how little is still known about these sharks once they leave the rivers as adults. Julia explains how individuals vanish from the tracking data for years at a time before reappearing at a river mouth, with almost no confirmed sightings of adults in the open marine environment. She and the hosts also compare the relatively stable status of Australia's river sharks to their close relative, the Ganges shark, a species so rare and poorly documented that even basic facts about its biology are borrowed from research on its Australian cousins. Along the way, Julia and Andrew share what it's actually like to do this fieldwork: murky, chocolate colored water, gear retrieval by feel instead of by sight, and working in rivers that hold the largest population of saltwater crocodiles on the planet. The episode also touches on a real and growing concern: proposed water resource development on the Adelaide River, home to the largest known population of speartooth sharks anywhere in the world, and what that could mean for a species already living in an extremely narrow habitat. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
For decades, stunning shark photographs have shaped the way millions of people think about these misunderstood predators. But behind every unforgettable image is a story that rarely gets told. In this episode of Beyond Jaws , we sit down with Manique Fallows to explore the passion, patience, and purpose behind a life dedicated to sharks. Monique shares how photography became more than a way to capture wildlife. It became a powerful tool for conservation, storytelling, and helping people connect with animals they often fear. We also talk about her work as an author, her experiences in the field, and what it is like building a life around some of the ocean's most iconic species. Whether you love sharks, wildlife photography, or inspiring stories from people making a difference for the ocean, this conversation offers a fresh perspective. You'll come away with a deeper appreciation for the people behind the lens and why their work matters now more than ever. Website: https://saltyseadogbooks.com/ Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Dave Ebert returns from a five-week journey across South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, sharing stories from shark research, Sharks International, mentoring young scientists, and the search for lost sharks. This episode explores why taxonomy still matters, how new shark and ray species are still being discovered, and why the future of shark science depends on training the next generation. Shark science, shark conservation, Beyond Jaws, Dave Ebert, lost sharks, new shark species, guitarfish, South Africa sharks, Sri Lanka sharks, Sharks International, marine biology, ocean science, shark research, taxonomy, chondrichthyans, marine conservation, Save Our Seas Foundation, Maldives diving, science communication. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Ocean careers rarely follow a straight line. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean , Dave Ebert takes over the host chair to interview Andrew Lewin about his career journey, from marine biology and consulting to podcasting, science communication, and his new role as Ocean Communications Manager with Pisces Ocean. Andrew shares how choosing family, living away from the coast, and building a podcast over many years helped shape a different kind of ocean career. The episode explores why storytelling matters in marine conservation, how podcasting can build real professional networks, and why science communication is becoming a powerful tool for ocean impact. This episode is for anyone trying to build a career in marine science, ocean conservation, science communication, or environmental storytelling, especially if your path does not look traditional. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Great white sharks have disappeared from some of South Africa's most famous shark hotspots, but the reason may not be as simple as the popular story suggests. In this episode, Chris Fallows returns to talk about orcas, white sharks, shark nets, longline fisheries, and the uncomfortable possibility that humans played a much larger role than many people want to admit. This conversation looks beyond the headline of orcas hunting great whites and asks a harder question: what happens when we focus on the predator we cannot control while ignoring the human systems we can? From False Bay to Gansbaai to the broader South African coastline, this episode explores how shark conservation, fisheries, tourism, photography, and public storytelling collide when an iconic predator starts to vanish. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Ocean Conservation feels like it's everywhere, but are we actually making a difference, or just telling ourselves we are? In this episode, we break down what really works in ocean protection and why so many well-intentioned efforts fall short. If you care about the ocean but feel overwhelmed by conflicting messages, this conversation will help you cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters. Marine Science meets real-world impact as Daniel Fernando shares lessons from the field, including the challenges of balancing conservation with human needs. From working with communities to understanding how policies succeed or fail, this episode reveals the hidden systems that determine whether ocean protection actually works or becomes just another empty promise. Shark Conservation takes center stage as we connect this conversation to global efforts like Sharks International 2026 , where scientists, conservationists, and policymakers come together to share what is actually working for shark protection. These events highlight a critical truth: success is not just about research, it is about collaboration, trust, and turning science into action that benefits both sharks and people. Sustainable Ocean Action is more than awareness, it is about making decisions that lead to measurable results. One surprising insight from this episode: some conservation efforts can fail not because people do not care, but because they are designed without understanding the people they affect most. That tension changes everything about how we should approach saving the ocean.
Shark Conservation What happens when an entire coastline is full of species we barely understand, and almost no one is studying them? In this episode of Beyond Jaws, we speak with Ghofrane Labyedh, a rising shark scientist originally from Tunisia who is helping build shark and ray research in Cameroon. You'll hear how she entered marine science, why West Africa remains one of the least understood regions for sharks and rays, and what it takes to create science where little existed before. Marine Biology Careers Ghofrane shares the realities of doing fieldwork, building trust with local communities, working with fishers, and navigating the challenges of conservation in developing research systems. Her story shows that ocean science is not only about data, it is also about people, persistence, and creating opportunities where others see barriers. Women In Science one of the most inspiring moments in this episode is hearing how a young scientist from North Africa is helping lead change in a region where shark research has long been overlooked. It is a reminder that the future of conservation may come from voices the world has ignored for too long. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Shark Conservation What happens when one unexpected opportunity completely changes your career path, and why does that matter for the future of sharks? In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, Zoya Tyabji shares how her journey began in island conservation work and led her into the world of shark and ray research in India. You'll hear how curiosity, timing, and taking risks opened doors she never expected. Shark Research India Zoya explains the hidden realities of shark fisheries, trade, and conservation challenges in one of the world's most important marine regions. Her work combines science, community engagement, and real-world solutions that can help protect vulnerable species while supporting people who depend on the ocean. This conversation reveals why shark conservation is never just about sharks. Women in Science One of the most powerful insights in this episode is that Zoya did not start out chasing a shark career at all, she built it step by step by saying yes to opportunities. That reminder can change how anyone thinks about their own future. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Shark conservation often feels like something only experts or elite scientists can do, but what if one unexpected decision could completely change your life and impact an entire ecosystem? In this episode, we unpack how a student who never planned to study the ocean ended up leading a major conservation effort focused on thresher sharks in Indonesia, and why his journey matters for anyone trying to build a meaningful career. Marine biology careers are rarely linear, and this story proves it. From struggling to find direction to discovering purpose through internships and hands-on experience, Raffid Shidqi shows how curiosity, persistence, and taking chances can open doors you didn't even know existed. You'll hear how he built an organization with 25 local staff, why community-based conservation is essential, and how real change happens on the ground. Ocean conservation impact becomes real when local people lead the work, and that's exactly what makes this story powerful. One surprising insight from this episode is that Raffid didn't start with a clear plan or passion for sharks, he developed it through exposure and opportunity, which challenges the idea that you need everything figured out before you begin. Listen to the full episode. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Sawfish conservation might be one of the most overlooked stories in the ocean, but what scientists are discovering right now could completely change how we think about their future. For years, sawfish were believed to be disappearing beyond recovery, but new findings suggest something very different is happening beneath the surface. Endangered sawfish populations have been pushed to the brink by fishing pressure, habitat loss, and near total public neglect. But in certain regions, researchers like Rachel Graham are starting to uncover something unexpected, sawfish are still there, and in some cases, they may even be returning. This episode breaks down where they're being found, why it matters, and what it tells us about conservation actually working. Surprising Insight: One of the most endangered marine animals on Earth may be recovering in places where scientists thought it had already disappeared. Marine conservation success stories like this are rare, and they don't happen by chance. They happen when science, local communities, and long-term protection come together in the right way, even for species most people have never heard of. Listen to the full episode.
Devil rays are some of the most mysterious animals in the ocean, yet most people have never heard of them. In this episode, we sit down with marine scientist Marta Palacios to uncover what makes these animals so unique and why they need protection. From their behavior to the threats they face, this conversation reveals why devil rays deserve far more attention in ocean conservation. Marine biology careers don't always follow a straight path, and Marta's journey proves it. Moving from Spain to La Paz, Mexico, she turned a passion for diving into a career studying mobulid rays. We break down how she built her career, what it's like working in the field, and what early-career scientists can learn from her experience. Ocean conservation depends on people who are willing to take risks, follow their curiosity, and commit to protecting species that most people overlook. Devil rays may not get the spotlight like sharks or whales, but they are just as important to ocean ecosystems, and their future depends on better awareness and action. 👉 Listen to the full episode and learn how you can be part of ocean conservation. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Tiger sharks are some of the most recognizable predators in the ocean, but scientists are still uncovering how these animals move through their environment. In this episode of Beyond Jaws , marine scientist Dr. Rachel Graham shares insights from tiger shark tracking research that is helping scientists understand how these sharks migrate, where they spend their time, and why these movements matter for conservation. By following tiger sharks across the ocean, researchers are revealing patterns that challenge what we thought we knew about shark behavior. These discoveries are helping scientists design better conservation strategies and understand the role tiger sharks play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. If you care about sharks, ocean science, and marine conservation, this conversation offers a fascinating look into the real lives of one of the ocean's most iconic predators. Subscribe for more shark science and conservation stories on Beyond Jaws .
Whale Sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, yet scientists still know surprisingly little about how they live, migrate, and survive. In this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, we explore why one of the most iconic animals in the ocean remains scientifically mysterious. Marine researcher Stella Diamant joins the show to explain how studying whale sharks in Madagascar is revealing new insights about their behavior, habitat, and the challenges they face in a rapidly changing ocean. Madagascar Whale Shark Project is uncovering discoveries that could reshape how we protect these gentle giants. Stella shares how she first became inspired to study whale sharks and how collaborations with scientists and organizations like the Marine Megafauna Foundation are helping build one of the most important research programs in the region. From identifying individual sharks to understanding seasonal aggregations, the conversation highlights how field science is slowly solving some of the biggest mysteries about these massive animals. Whale Shark Research reveals a surprising truth: despite their enormous size and global popularity, whale sharks remain one of the least understood large marine animals on Earth. One of the most striking insights from this episode is that many key aspects of their life history, including where they reproduce and where juveniles spend their early years, are still largely unknown. That knowledge gap makes ongoing research projects like the one in Madagascar essential for future conservation. Listen to the full episode. Website: https://www.madawhalesharks.org/ Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Shark Science Career is brutally competitive, and many graduates struggle to find paid work after university. So what happens when passion meets rejection? In this episode of Beyond Jaws, shark scientist Kristian Parton shares how he went from struggling to land a job in the field to building one of the fastest growing shark science channels on YouTube, Shark Bytes, now with over 180,000 subscribers. Shark Bytes YouTube did not begin as a master plan. It started as a creative outlet after graduation, when traditional career paths were not opening up. Kristian explains how combining entertainment with real science allowed him to reach a global audience, dispel shark myths, analyze viral shark videos, and create financial freedom through science communication. One surprising insight from this episode: Christian's first scuba dive ever included an oceanic whitetip shark encounter, a rare and life changing moment that permanently shaped his career direction. That single underwater experience helped define his life's work. If you care about shark conservation, science communication, or building your own path in marine biology, this episode will challenge how you think about career success in ocean science. Listen to the full episode. Kristian's YouTube Channel, Shark Bytes: https://www.youtube.com/@SHARKBYTES Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Angola Project began as a graduate idea, but the real question is this: what happens when you turn a passion into your entire life? In this conversation, Ana Lucia Soares shares why she chose to leave stability in Portugal and commit full time to building shark conservation in Angola, and why that decision matters for ocean protection in underrepresented regions. Shark conservation in West Africa is not simple, and that is exactly the point. Ana Lucia explains what it takes to launch Elizmo Angola, navigate funding uncertainty, create local partnerships, and build trust in communities where conservation infrastructure is still developing. This is not just about sharks; it is about leadership, risk, and long-term impact. Starting an NGO sounds inspiring, but it is also deeply personal and emotionally demanding. One surprising insight from this episode is how clarity often comes not from certainty, but from stepping into uncertainty anyway. The move to Angola was not guaranteed to succeed, but waiting for perfect conditions would have meant never starting at all. Listen to the full episode. The Angola Elasmo Project: https://www.angolaelasmoproject.org/ Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Stereo BRUVs are transforming how scientists study sharks, yet most people have no idea how much we have been missing, and why that matters for conservation. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kaylee Smitt about how underwater camera systems are uncovering sharks in places humans rarely go, changing what we think we know about abundance, behavior, and ecosystem health. Shark research has long depended on divers, fishing surveys, and tagging, but those methods can miss species that avoid people or live deeper than we can reach. Kaylee explains how stereo BRUVs allow researchers to study sharks without baiting hooks or disturbing animals, giving a clearer picture of how sharks actually use their habitats. Marine biodiversity takes center stage when Kaylee shares how this technology is being used beyond sharks, including in deep-sea environments where data is scarce. One surprising insight from the episode is how often sharks appear in places once assumed to be nearly empty, highlighting how limited human observation has shaped flawed assumptions about ocean life. Support Independent Podcasts: https://www.speakupforblue.com/patreon Help fund a new seagrass podcast: https://www.speakupforblue.com/seagrass Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube
South Africa Sharks sit at the heart of Louw Claassens' career, shaping how she understands conservation, risk, and public trust in science. South Africa Sharks frame this episode through one central question: how do you build a career protecting sharks in a country where fear, media pressure, and politics often overpower science? Louw shares how her path into shark conservation began, the challenges she faced early on, and why her work continues despite public backlash. Shark conservation is not just a scientific pursuit, it is deeply personal work. In this conversation, Louw walks through her professional journey, from working on shark research and management to navigating emotionally charged debates around shark bites and public safety. One surprising and emotional insight from the episode is how often conservation decisions ignore the voices of the scientists closest to the work, even when those scientists are deeply embedded in local communities. Living with sharks is the principle that underpins Louw Claassens' career and advocacy. She explains how her approach to shark management has evolved over time, why communication is just as important as data, and how helping people understand sharks can reduce fear more effectively than exclusion or lethal control. This episode offers a rare look at the human side of building a career in shark conservation under intense scrutiny. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Shark conservation faces an unexpected challenge: fear. The biggest threat to sharks is not their biology, it is the stories we tell about them. This episode asks a simple but powerful question, how did one movie shape decades of fear, policy decisions, and public misunderstanding about sharks, and why does that still matter for conservation today? Shark science myths are unpacked as marine scientists explain what sharks actually do, how rare attacks really are, and how misinformation spreads faster than facts. The conversation explores how scientists struggle to communicate nuance in a world that rewards sensational headlines, and why changing the narrative is just as important as collecting data. Public perception of sharks takes center stage with a surprising emotional insight: many shark scientists first became fascinated with sharks because of Jaws , even though the film caused enormous harm to shark conservation. That contradiction reveals a deeper truth about fear, curiosity, and how storytelling can either protect wildlife or push it closer to extinction. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
Shark research raises a big question, how does one scientist turn 12000 hours of underwater video into discoveries that protect sharks and rays across Mexico. Marine biologist Dr. Oscar Sosa returns to the show after receiving one of the most prestigious lifetime achievement awards in the biological sciences. His work has transformed how Mexico monitors sharks, rays, and marine protected areas, and this episode reveals the surprising moments that shaped his career. Marine biology Mexico takes center stage as Dr. Sosa explains how his team is using BRUVS and drones to build the first long term monitoring system for the Los Ángeles marine reserve. He shares what it is really like to manage a massive archive of footage, why data analysis is the hardest part of shark research, and how students are helping build the next wave of conservation science. One emotional insight stands out, Dr. Sosa became the first shark specialist ever to receive this national award, breaking a longstanding bias toward terrestrial biology. Shark conservation gets a powerful boost through Dr. Sosa's stories about mentorship, scientific leadership, and the role of community in conservation. His reflections on his peers nominating him for the award, along with the legacy of Juan Luis Cifentes Lemus, reveal how recognition can change not only a scientist's life but also the path of an entire field. Connect with us: Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591 Dave: Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lostsharkguy Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SpeakUpForBlueTV
