For the Love of Sharks 2022 - Programme

FOR THE L VE OF SHARKS 2022

PAUL COX

Paul Cox is CEO of the Shark Trust. He has been leading the Trust since January 2015. He was previously Director of Conservation and Communication at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth.

As well as shark (obviously), he is passionate about the role of effective communication and the importance of engaging social sciences in conservation efforts.

Paul will be hosting this evening. Introducing speakers and our brand-new campaign.

© The Shark Trust

DR ALEX MUSTARD

Dr Alex Mustard is an award-winning underwater photographer. His photos have won the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and British Wildlife Photography Awards, amongst others. He regularly runs trips around the world, teaching people the skill of underwater photography.

His talk will dive deep into the process behind capturing his stunning images. As he recalls adventures with some of the most intriguing and beautiful shark species on the planet.

© Alex Mustard

DR DAVID SHIFFMAN

Dr David Shiffman is a researcher, communicator and shark biologist from the USA. His work spans many areas of shark conservation. From practical conservation work tagging sharks, to research into public perceptions of these amazing animals. David’s most recent escapade has seen him writing a book “Why Sharks Matter”.

Unfortunately David was unable to join us in-person this evening. So his talk is a short video filmed by Shark Trust staff during our time at Sharks International 2022, in Valencia.

© David Shiffman

DR CONOR JOHN

Conor is Shark Trust’s Science Communicator. After completing a PhD in environmental psychology, Conor joined the Trust in 2021. He’s a keen photographer, videographer and drone pilot. And passionate about using psychology and behavioural science within his work. He aims to tell stories that have a genuine positive impact.

Conor is introducing our brand-new art project this evening. As well as chairing the discussion with artists.

© The Shark Trust

DOUG ALLAN

Doug is a multi award-winning wildlife and documentary filmmaker. His credits include: Blue Planet, Frozen Planet and Planet Earth.

Doug has won numerous awards for his work as a filmmaker both in the sea and on land. Four BAFTAs and five Emmys. Doug’s work has seen him work across the globe - filming some of the most charismatic sharks and rays on the planet.

His talk will give us insights into what its like to work with these species. And highlight the importance of documenting these creatures.

© Doug Allan

CAT GORDON

Cat Gordon is a Senior Conservation Officer at the Shark Trust. Cat has been with the Trust for 12 years. In that time she has worked on some of the biggest projects; Basking Shark Project, No Limits? campaign, our angel shark conservation work and The Great Eggcase Hunt.

The Great Eggcase Hunt (GEH) celebrates 20 years in 2023. Cat presents the story of the project so far. Giving insights into how the GEH data and materials have been used all over the world.

© The Shark Trust

ALI HOOD

Ali Hood is the Shark Trust’s Director of Conservation. She has been with the trust for 20 years. Her knowledge and passion for shark conservation has seen her at the forefront of some of the biggest achievements and policy decisions in history. Her talk this evening sees her taking us on a whirlwind tour of the last 25 years of the Shark Trust. From our conception back in 1997, to our most recent adventure co-hosting Sharks International 2022 in Valencia.

© The Shark Trust

CHARLES HOOD

Charles runs specialist Basking Shark and Blue Shark tours out of Penzance. Charles’ close interaction with British sharks has also grabbed media attention, featuring on The One Show and the BBC’s Britain’s Secret Seas. A keen underwater photographer, Charles’ images have been used in many worldwide publications to promote marine conservation, including Shark Trust campaigns.

Charles will be giving closing comments at the end of the evening.

© The Shark Trust

ART FOR CONSERVATION

We are delighted to be announcing a brand-new art project from the Shark Trust. Bringing together artists from all over the world. Tonight features an exclusive first-look exhibition after the talks!

Art is a crucial tool for conservation. Tonight we are unveiling a huge new project. And a taster of the project at the exhibition after the talks. This project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of all the artists who are donating pieces. Click through to their website by tapping their picture on the next pages.

© Will Rose

ALICIA HAYDEN JESS RIPPENGALE

SOPHIE GREEN BRENDAN RAWLINGS

JANAVI KRAMER LORE OBREJEA

JIMMY HIGGS

SCAPAJOE RACHEL BROOKS

© Matt Sewell

Become a community scientist by joining the Great Eggcase Hunt!

WHAT IS AN EGGCASE?

Some sharks, and all true skates, reproduce by laying eggs. These are surrounded by a tough leathery capsule that protects the embryo as it develops inside. After several months these are ready to hatch, and a fully-formed shark or skate will emerge. Once empty, the eggcases (or mermaid’s purses) often wash up on the beach. One of the best places to find them is among the strandline, where the seaweed washes up. The eggcases of different species vary. So, by looking at the size, shape and features, we can tell which species laid it. You can learn to identify eggcases too. We’ll show you how!

THE PROJECT

The Great Eggcase Hunt began in 2003 following a chance find on a beach in Devon. The project quickly developed with the aim of getting as many people as possible out hunting for eggcases and recording their finds.

Empty eggcases can help indicate species presence and diversity. By recording your finds, you’re helping us to discover more about egglaying species in our waters. Eggcases wash up all year round. So, whatever the time of year keep your eyes peeled!

READ THE 2021 GREAT EGGCASE HUNT REPORT HERE

We’re always producing new content for our socials and YouTube channel. Check out the video below for a taster of our content! Click the icons above to go to our socials.

GREAT SHARK SNAPSHOT

The first ever Great Shark Snapshot was a roaring success!! During the week-long sightings survey, divers from all around the world took part and a whopping 1818 sharks and rays were recorded over the GSS week! 48 different species from 16 countries! The Great Shark Snapshot will return in 2023!

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ONE-THIRD OF ALL SHARKS, SKATES, RAYS AND CHIMAERAS ARE THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION DUE TO OVERFISHING

Of 1,199 species assessed in 2021, 391 (32.6%) are threatened. This highlights a significant increase since the last global assessment conducted in 2014 - where of 1,041 species assessed, only 181 (24%) were threatened with extinction.

The findings show a significant increase since the last global assessment (which was conducted in 2014), which estimated that 24% were threatened with extinction. Advancements in data collection have helped to uncover that the estimates are now significantly higher, and have helped to highlight the main threats. Overfishing fishing is the universal threat affecting all 391 threatened species. Other threats include: loss and degradation of habitat, climate change and pollution.

They make for a sobering read, but we can halt the decline of these species. Using science-based limits on fishing, effective marine protected areas, and approaches that reduce or eliminate fishing mortality. If implemented soon, these will minimise mortality of threatened species and ensure the sustainable catch and trade of others.

The Shark Trust are committed to educating and inspiring through entertaining and engaging ways. As such, we regularly run our online and in-person Shark Heads. An interactive quiz show that tests players on all things shark!

Thresher Sharks uses their tails to stun prey whilst hunting.

Dolphins and Sharks are related.

The Whale Shark is the biggest fish on the planet. The White Shark is the fastest shark on the planet.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO DO MORE FOR SHARKS & BE PART OF PROTECTING THEM?

Perhaps you could take part in a fundraising event, or if that’s not your thing you could consider leaving a legacy in your will. Or simply you could set up a regular donation. All these things big or small help hugely, enabling you to be part of making a difference and standing up for sharks.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FUNDRAISING HERE

By protecting sharks, it also helps to restore ocean health. Priceless for us all.

The Shark Trust 4 Creykes Court, The Millfields, Plymouth, PL1 3JB, UK www.sharktrust.org enquiries@sharktrust.org