Return of the MEG

One of the most influential ocean conservationists and underwater filmmakers of our time, with a career spanning more than six decades, Valerie has helped reshape theworld’s understanding of sharks and marine life. From her early days as a champion spearfisher to becoming a pioneering diver, photographer, and conservation advocate, she has played an instrumental role in changing public perception of sharks from mindless killers to misunderstood, essential predators. This episode is dedicated to the wise words of the greatest female shark diver to have ever lived.Support the show

In 2024, Project Hiu becomes entangled in a wild goose chase to track down the owners of a retrieved shark tag, only to discover it was the key to uncovering the longest recorded migration of a white shark, all the way from South Africa to Indonesia. Read the paper here: https://www.publish.csiro.au/WR/justaccepted/WR24145Support the show

As I say goodbye for this season, I take to social media to ask for your answers to these questions and as usual, the results don’t disappoint. Follow Madison @sharkgirlmadisonFollow Project Hiu @projecthiuSupport the show

This is the second episode I have done about shark first aid, the first one acting as an extension to my surfing guide to sharks… and this one expanding on the topic to not only focus on potential attacks of surfers, but those we face in the shark tourism industry as well. Joined once again by Benjamin Crook… clinical nurse educator in emergency and creator of the ED jam medical podcast, we're going to run through some of the things you need to know… about shark attack first aid…ED jam podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/6YIYojOqLWI5twHHajZrsU?si=ec6492d85ed9428eVideos Tac MED video on how to apply a tourniquet https://www.youtube.com/shorts/zvx6LGR98dAhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/zvx6LGR98dA First aid kits https://tacmedaustralia.com.au/products/operator-ifak-kit?variant=43597288776&country=AU¤cy=AUD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=16926729736&gbraid=0AAAAADjEEaayH9SM_nYsensJeih3ScQ6V&gclid=CjwKCAjw24vBBhABEiwANFG7y_dEKWiR_Yd9dsPMYgDe_grPMIax4gXWVtYtkSBoQ57J1-vxHoynlBoCWxQQAvD_BwESupport the show

A groundbreaking study titled Prevalence of Endangered Shark Trophies InAutomated Detection of Online Trade sheds light on the alarming online trade ofendangered shark species right under our noses. Tune in for an insight into how you may have endangered shark species in your everyday life without even realizing it, and tune in to the end of the episode for a powerful call to action and ways to become involved.Vic Hislop sells a Great Whitehttps://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3368592/Queensland-shark-hunter-Vic-Hislop-sells-frozen-great-white-shark-30-000.htmlPrevalence of endangered shark trophies in automated detection of the onlinewildlife tradehttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006320725000291Off the shelf: Shark Cartilage supplements and the truthhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mw3BbWgslYSpencer's social media@Fish_defenderSupport the show

In the thrilling second instalment of our Megalodon series, PhD palaeontologist Jack Cooper returns to dive deeper into the legend and science of the Megalodon,debunking myths, exploring its extinction, and revealing what this ancient apexpredator can teach us about modern shark conservation.Jack’s website: https://www.drjackacooper.com/Support the show

In today’s very special episode, I sit down with my partner, Tanner, to discuss how his attempt to save sharks and do the right thing nearly landed him in jail. We recorded this episode a week after learning that Tanner had been pardoned by President Donald Trump.In August 2020, Tanner Mansell, a crew member on a shark-diving charter boat off the coast of Jupiter, Florida, came across a longline fishing setup approximately three miles offshore. Believing it to be part of an illegal operation, Tanner and the boat’s captain, John Moore, freed 19 sharks and a giant grouper that had been caught on the line. They reported the incident to state wildlife officials and brought the fishing gear back to shore.Unbeknownst to them, the longline belonged to a licensed fisherman. As a result, federal prosecutors charged Mansell and Moore with theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction—a federal felony.Book a trip with Tannerhttps://www.tannerunderwater.comAnd follow his social media, @tannerunderwaterSupport the show

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fuelling the "shark overpopulation" hysteria. Tune in for an evidence-based look at shark conservation, media narratives, and what’s really happening in our oceans.The Great American Shark SlaughterStop Shark Poaching (video, petition, thread)Pelagic shark declines:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9Deep-sea shark declines:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121Coastal shark declines:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1079777Deep-seaOnly shark sanctuaries have seen shark mortality decrease:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf8984Catch and release laws aren't enough to save sharks:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12892Note:  Within minute 41:00 of today’s episode, Spencer said NOAA but was talking about FWC. Please don’t panic, we’re aware. Carry on. Support the show

In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fueling the "shark overpopulation" hysteria. Tune in for an evidence-based look at shark conservation, media narratives, and what’s really happening in our oceans.The Great American Shark SlaughterStop Shark Poaching (video, petition, thread)Pelagic shark declines:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9Deep sea shark declines:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121Coastal shark declines:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1079777Deep-seaOnly shark sanctuaries have seen shark mortality decrease:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf8984Catch and release laws aren't enough to save sharks:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12892Note:  Within minute 41:00 of today’s episode, Spencer said NOAA but was talking about FWC. Please don’t panic, we’re aware. Carry on. Support the show

This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. Fitzpatrick is well known for his work with National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel, where his stunning underwater cinematography has brought the ocean’s most fascinating creatures to global audiences. As a key researcher at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, he’s also played a crucial role in tagging and tracking sharks to better understand their behaviour and migration patterns. His passion for marine conservation and storytelling has made him a leading voice in ocean preservation.Check out on instagram @biopixeloceansWeb is biopixeloceans.orgShark Tracking website: Biotracker.orgRead the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Tracker-Confessions-Underwater-Cameraman/dp/1742234933 * Butler, F., Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W., Gurney, J., Inaba, K., Jacobs, L., ... & Danyliuk, O. (2024). Who needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned from a review of tourniquet use in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 97(2S), S45-S54.Link to articleWho needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned... : Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery * Dupuy, C., Martinez, T., Duranteau, O., Gauss, T., Kapandji, N., Pasqueron, J., ... & TraumaBase Group®. (2025). Comparison of the lethal triad and the lethal diamond in severe trauma patients: a multicenter cohort. World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 20(1), 2. Link to article https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5434464/v1* Goralnick, E., Chaudhary, M. A., McCarty, J. C., Caterson, E. J., Goldberg, S. A., Herrera-Escobar, J. P., ... & Haider, A. H. (2018). Effectiveness of instructional interventions for hemorrhage control readiness for laypersons in the public access and tourniquet training study (PATTS): a randomized clinical trial. JAMA surgery, 153(9), 791-799.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583882/* Hicks. C.(2020). Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage.Life in the Fast-lane. Retreived on the 20th April 2025 from Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage* Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W. C., Drew, B. G., Butler, F. K., Gurney, J. M., Montgomery, H. R., ... & Linchevskyy, O. (2023). Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 95(6), e54-e60.Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment - PMC* Kragh Jr, J. F., Wallum, T. E., Aden III, J. K., Dubick, M. A., & Baer, D. G. (2015). Which improvised tourniquet windlasses work well and which ones won’t?. Wilderness & Environmental MediSupport the show