Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation Speak Up For Blue

On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert are joined by Jade Schultz, the global communications manager for Save Our Seas. They dive into the world of science communication, focusing on engaging audiences with sharks and ocean species. From the historical perception of sharks to the diverse fields within shark science, listeners will gain insight into the fascinating work of shark scientists.
Tune in to explore the efforts to demystify these incredible creatures and expand your knowledge Beyond Jaws.
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
Social media has significantly impacted the field of science communication, as discussed in the podcast episode featuring Jade Schultz, the global communications manager for Save Our Seas. She emphasized how social media has revolutionized the way organizations interact with their audience, democratizing science communication and enabling individuals to establish themselves by consistently sharing content.
Jade highlighted the vital role of social media in education and awareness, particularly in marine conservation. She noted that social media has provided a platform for researchers and organizations to share their work and stories with a broader audience, allowing for diverse voices to be heard and information to be disseminated in a more accessible and engaging manner.
Moreover, Jade delved into the challenges and opportunities of managing social media for a conservation organization like Save Our Seas. She stressed the importance of fact-checking, relevance, and engaging content to effectively convey the organization's message. Social media management involves not only posting photos and captions but also planning events, engaging with sponsors, sending out press releases, and coordinating various initiatives within the organization.
The podcast episode illustrated how social media has transformed science communication, expanding outreach, engagement, and impact in marine conservation. The evolution of social media has empowered organizations like Save Our Seas to reach a wider audience, educate the public, and inspire action towards ocean conservation.
The role of a communications manager in marine conservation organizations is multifaceted, extending beyond social media management. As discussed in the podcast, Jade Schultz highlighted the diverse tasks involved in her position, such as event planning, sponsorships, and press releases.
Additionally, the communications manager plays a crucial role in maintaining consistency in messaging and upholding high standards for the organization. Save Our Seas has set a high standard, and the communications manager ensures this standard is maintained across all communication channels.
Engaging with the audience through storytelling and sharing success stories is essential for inspiring behavior change and raising awareness about conservation issues. Jade Schultz emphasized the power of storytelling in science communication, bridging the gap between researchers and the public. By sharing engaging content like the Super Sharks campaign, Save Our Seas aims to make conservation messaging more accessible and inspiring.
Furthermore, Jade discussed the challenges researchers face in communicating their work and highlighted the opportunities presented by social media and digital platforms. By utilizing various communication channels, organizations can effectively convey conservation messages and reach a wider audience.
Overall, the episode underscored the importance of engaging with the audience through storytelling and sharing success stories to drive behavior change and raise

Today's episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast delves into the Angola Project, a groundbreaking research initiative in Africa led by Ana Lucia Furtado Soares. Discover how this project started, Lucia's connections to Angola, and the research findings since 2016. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they explore the fascinating world of shark science with a rising star in the field. Tune in to gain valuable insights Beyond Jaws.
Website: https://www.sharkproject.org/en/protection/angola-elasmo-project/
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
Building trust and relationships with local communities is crucial for successful research in new areas. Ana Lucia Furtado Soares, a researcher working in Angola, emphasized the importance of gaining the trust of the local communities she works with. She highlighted the significance of understanding the culture, respecting the elders, and being patient with the local customs and way of working, especially when conducting research on sharks and rays, which are vital to the livelihoods of the fishers in the area.
Ana Lucia shared her experiences of working with the fishers in Angola, where she had to establish trust and rapport with them to collect data and conduct her research. Despite facing challenges such as uncertainty, lack of resources like electricity and water, and the need to adapt to the local conditions, she stressed the importance of being patient, understanding the local dynamics, and building relationships based on mutual respect and trust.
Her experiences in Angola underscore the importance of building strong relationships with local communities when conducting research in new areas. By gaining the trust of the community members, researchers can access valuable information, collaborate effectively, and ensure the success of their research projects. This trust is not only essential for conducting research but also for promoting conservation efforts and sustainable practices in the area.
In the episode, Ana Lucia Furtado Soares shares her experiences conducting research in Angola, a remote location with limited resources and infrastructure. One of the key challenges she highlights is the uncertainty that comes with working in such areas. From unreliable electricity to lack of access to basic facilities like generators, researchers like Lucia must learn to adapt to these challenges.
Lucia emphasizes the importance of patience and adaptability when working in remote locations. She mentions the need to dance to the local rhythm and be prepared for unexpected situations, such as waiting for hours for people to show up for a presentation or dealing with the absence of basic amenities like electricity.
Moreover, Lucia's experiences in Angola demonstrate the necessity of being open to different cultural practices and communication barriers. While Portuguese is the primary language in Angola, there are variations in dialects and language proficiency among the local population. Researchers must be willing to navigate these linguistic differences and find ways to effectively communicate with the community members.
Overall, the episode highlights the significance of embracing uncertainty and being adaptable when conducting research in remote locations. Researchers like Lucia demonstrate that success in such environments requires a willingness to face challenges head-on, be patient, and adjust to the unique circumstances of each location.
Appreciating and being grateful for the resources and facilities available in more developed countries is crucial when working in areas with limited resources. In the podcast episode, Ana Lucia Furtado Soares shared her experiences working in Angol

Tune in to the Beyond Jaws podcast to hear Elisa Areano, Executive Director of Fundacion Mundo Azul, share her inspiring journey from real estate developer to shark conservationist. Discover how her foundation protects sharks and collaborates with fishing communities to reduce shark fishing impacts. Join host Andrew Lewin and co-host Dr. David Ebert as they delve into Elisa's innovative approach to shark conservation on this engaging episode.
Website: https://fundacionmundoazul.com/home-english/
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
Elisa Areno's organization, Fundacion Mundo Azul, is dedicated to protecting sharks and rays in Guatemala and Central America through a multifaceted approach. The foundation collaborates closely with fishing communities to address their challenges while promoting conservation efforts. One key initiative of Fundacion Mundo Azul is providing scholarships to fishers' families, offering educational opportunities for children and young adults in these communities. By supporting education, the foundation aims to create alternative livelihoods for community members, reducing the reliance on shark fishing as a primary income source.
Fundacion Mundo Azul also works with the government to advocate for conservation laws and regulations that safeguard sharks and rays. Elisa and her team focus on developing non-detrimental findings (NDFs) and legal acquisition findings to ensure that the exported organisms are from Guatemala and comply with international agreements like CITES. By engaging with the government, the foundation plays a crucial role in shaping policies that promote sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation.
Moreover, Fundacion Mundo Azul conducts scientific studies to track sharks and identify critical habitats, such as nursery areas for hammerhead sharks. By collecting data and monitoring shark populations, the organization contributes valuable information to conservation efforts and aids in the management of marine species. Through these initiatives, Fundacion Mundo Azul strives to protect the marine biodiversity of Guatemala and Central America while fostering collaboration among stakeholders for sustainable ocean management.
The organization collaborates closely with shark fishers in Guatemala to gather valuable data on shark landings. They train fishers in shark identification techniques, such as measuring sharks, taking pictures, and identifying different species. This collaboration not only helps in collecting important scientific data but also empowers fishers by involving them in conservation efforts.
In addition to data collection and training, Fundacion Mundo Azul provides alternative livelihood opportunities for shark fishers, such as producing honey from mangrove trees. This project offers a sustainable income source for fishers and promotes conservation by utilizing the resources of the mangrove ecosystem in a beneficial way.
Elisa Areno's team includes scientists like Omar Santana and Juan Carlos Perez, who play crucial roles in engaging and educating fishing communities, conducting scientific studies on sharks, and advocating for conservation policies. Omar Santana, with extensive experience working with great whites, brought his expertise to Guatemala to assist Elisa in her shark conservation efforts. Despite the limited biology careers in Guatemala, Elisa wisely sought experts like Omar Santana abroad, who possess the necessary knowledge and experience to contribute to the conservation projects.
Additionally, Juan Carlos Perez is another scientist working with Elisa to cultivate a new generation of shark scientists. Together, they focus on educating and training young

Today's episode features Dr. David Ebert discussing a newly released field guide to sharks, rays, and chimaeras of the East Coast of North America, co-authored with Marc Dando. The guide is designed to help identify these fascinating elasmobranch species. The episode delves into the history of shark science, from early misconceptions to the growth of the field and public interest, spurred by movies like Jaws. Listen to the Beyond Jaws podcast to learn more about shark scientists and their work beyond the realm of fear-inducing stereotypes.
Get the Book: 
Princeton Press: https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691206387/field-guide-to-sharks-rays-and-chimaeras-of-the-east-coast-of-north
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Field-Sharks-Chimaeras-America-Nature/dp/0691206384/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.MmtU26mctpU9oWs-iHl9Oj7FGgLdNJzoulVHs62dOh2_fzvZ_UqdqfBkud3kCCOpmbRmRbb-exgC1Bu4aw-WP6SYwaft5XW_tG56eGut-OwIeT2yp0NsFsKoiET6sjxK9Qt8UgKp4gV_6BBsp-BW4kHysQIZOjIIlukgLC7eOPhgboEc5YJJl541THpp5EsvJXrDB-qqisgMbgKnyLRECqn8om4D7EPVTkw8OazzXEA._WUlFKrLA1d7-iyRi0U0PZ1u_1RwhlZ7nAIuWVxKUak&qid=1714956730&sr=1-5
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
"The Field Guide to Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras of the East Coast of North America" is a newly released book authored by Dr. David Ebert and Marc Dando. This book serves as a valuable resource for a wide range of individuals, including shark enthusiasts, scientists, and students. Here are some key points highlighting the value of this book:
Identification and Information: The book is designed to help readers identify and learn about the various species of sharks, rays, and chimeras found along the East Coast of North America, including the Gulf of Mexico. With detailed illustrations by Marc Dando, the book provides comprehensive information on 173 species, including their morphology, distribution, and behavior.
Educational Tool: For students interested in marine biology, conservation, or shark science, this field guide offers a wealth of information. It can be used as a reference for research projects, species identification, and understanding the diversity of elasmobranchs in the region.
Conservation and Management: The book is not only informative but also serves as a tool for conservation and management efforts. By providing detailed information on lesser-known species and highlighting the importance of studying flat sharks, ghost sharks, and other less charismatic species, the book encourages a broader perspective on shark conservation.
Inspiration for Future Research: Dr. David Ebert's passion for lost sharks and deep-sea species is evident in the book. His dedication to studying and documenting these lesser-known species can inspire future scientists to explore new avenues of research within the field of elasmobranch biology.
Practical Use: The book is not just for academics but also for enthusiasts and beachgoers. It can be a handy guide for those interested in shark watching, beachcombing, or even diving. The detailed descriptions, illustrations, and identification keys make it accessible to a wide audience.
In conclusion, "The Field Guide to Sharks, Rays, and Chimeras of the East Coast of North America" is a valuable resource that bridges the gap between scientific knowledge and public understanding of elasmobranch species. It serves as a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in learning more about the diverse marine life along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico.
Dr. David Ebert's passion for sharks and dedication to sharing knowledge through books has inspired many individuals to pursue further studies in shark s

Dr. Britt Finucci and Dr. David Ebert discuss a recent paper on the extinction of deep-sea shark species due to fishing for the liver oil trade. They delve into the history of shark science, from public perceptions shaped by movies like Jaws to the diverse fields within shark science today.
Tune in to the Beyond Jaws podcast to explore the work of shark scientists and deepen your understanding of these fascinating species.
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
Importance of Conservation Efforts for Deep Sea Shark Species Deep sea shark species are often overlooked in conservation efforts, despite being vital components of the marine ecosystem. The podcast episode highlighted the significance of these deep sea sharks, which consist of around 500 species. Unfortunately, due to their remote habitats and low visibility, they are frequently excluded from conservation conversations.
The episode stressed the importance of raising awareness about the challenges faced by deep sea sharks. These species are slow-growing, long-lived, and produce few offspring, making them highly susceptible to overfishing. The historical practice of extracting liver oil from deep sea sharks poses a significant threat to their populations.
A key takeaway from the episode is the urgent need for improved management and conservation strategies for deep sea shark species. The paper discussed in the episode recommended implementing spatial closures and vertical refuge measures to safeguard these vulnerable species. Additionally, there was an emphasis on ensuring that any utilization of deep sea sharks, particularly for liver oil trade, is sustainable and traceable.
The episode also shed light on the difficulties in monitoring and managing deep sea shark fisheries. These fisheries often operate in remote areas, making it challenging to monitor their activities effectively. The lack of resources and monitoring in these regions further compounds the conservation challenges faced by deep sea sharks.
Overall, the podcast episode underscored the importance of giving more attention to deep sea shark species in conservation efforts. By increasing awareness, implementing effective management strategies, and engaging a diverse group of stakeholders, we can work towards protecting these often overlooked and vulnerable marine creatures.
The Challenges of Tracking and Managing Deep Sea Shark Liver Oil Fisheries The Beyond Jaws podcast episode highlighted the challenges associated with tracking and managing deep sea shark liver oil fisheries. One of the key points discussed was the difficulty in monitoring these fisheries due to their remote locations and the lack of resources for effective oversight.
Remote Locations: The fishery for deep sea shark liver oil often occurs in isolated areas, far from regular monitoring efforts. As mentioned in the episode, some of these activities take place in remote villages and towns, making it difficult for authorities to monitor fishing activities.
Lack of Resources: Another significant obstacle in managing these fisheries is the insufficient resources for monitoring. Many countries where these fisheries operate lack the financial or human resources to monitor all locations where these activities occur. This lack of monitoring can lead to unregulated and unsustainable fishing practices.
Limited Awareness: The general public and policymakers may not fully grasp the extent of these fisheries and their impact on deep sea shark populations. Without awareness and understanding of the issue, advocating for better management practices becomes even more challenging.
Complex Supply Chains: The processing and distribution of shark liv

On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, conservation biologist Eva Myers discusses her work with the Angel Shark Conservation Project and Network. Discover how Eva built a network to study angel sharks in the Canary Islands, highlighting the communication and effort involved. Dive into the evolution of shark science from the early 1900s to the present day, exploring the growing public interest sparked by movies like Jaws. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they delve into Eva's journey studying angel sharks and the importance of understanding these fascinating species beyond their fearsome reputation.
Website: https://angelsharknetwork.com/
Connect with us:
Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/
Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG
Building a successful conservation project and network requires dedication, passion, and the ability to trust and let go when necessary. Eva Myers, the conservation biologist behind the Angel Shark Conservation Project, exemplifies these qualities in her work. Eva's journey in studying angel sharks started with a chance encounter during her marine biology studies in the Galapagos Islands. Despite not initially planning to work on angel sharks, Eva's passion for marine ecology led her to pursue research on this lesser-known species.
As Eva's project grew, she faced numerous challenges, including balancing her work with consultancies, family responsibilities, and limited funding. However, Eva's dedication and passion for angel shark conservation kept her motivated to push forward. She emphasized the importance of trusting colleagues and letting go when necessary to ensure the project's success. This approach allowed the Angel Shark Conservation Project to expand globally, establishing a network of researchers, conservationists, and stakeholders working towards a common goal.
Eva's experience highlights the significance of building relationships and collaborations within the conservation community. By involving diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, and local communities, Eva was able to advocate for angel shark protection and conservation measures effectively. The project's success in getting angel sharks protected in Spain and gaining recognition at international events like the CMS COP demonstrates the impact of dedicated conservation efforts.
Overall, Eva's journey underscores the essential qualities required to build a successful conservation project and network. Dedication, passion, and the ability to trust and let go when necessary are crucial for overcoming challenges, fostering collaborations, and achieving conservation goals. Eva's story serves as an inspiration for conservationists and researchers looking to make a positive impact on endangered species and marine ecosystems.
In the podcast episode featuring Eva Myers, the importance of highlighting success stories in conservation efforts is emphasized. Eva discusses the significance of showcasing positive outcomes to inspire hope and encourage further action in the field of conservation. One key success story mentioned is the protection of angel sharks in Spain, which was achieved in 2019. This accomplishment was a result of collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, and conservationists.
Eva also mentions the need to communicate these success stories effectively to the public and policymakers. She highlights the importance of showcasing the progress made in conservation initiatives, such as the establishment of marine protected areas and the development of recovery plans for endangered species like angel sharks. By sharing these success stories, Eva believes that governments and othe