Beyond Jaws: Exploring Shark Science and Conservation

Speak Up For Blue
  • 4.5 (10)
  • 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.

  1. 2D AGO

    Deep Sea Shark Discovery: Ivy Baremore and David Ebert Train the Next Generation in Honduras

    Shark Identification Training In this episode of Beyond Jaws, Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert welcome back Dr. Ivy Baremore from MarAlliance to talk about an incredible deep-sea shark identification workshop held in Honduras. The workshop brought together scientists, students, and even local diving enthusiasts to learn how to identify some of the most mysterious sharks in the Caribbean. Ivy shares what inspired the training, how it came together after nearly a decade of planning, and why empowering local researchers is the first step in conserving deep-sea species. Deep Sea Conservation in Honduras Dr. Baremore explains the challenges of shark research in Honduras, where the nation's waters cover more area than its land, yet much of it remains unexplored. She describes how limited taxonomy resources and few local experts make workshops like this essential for future conservation. David and Ivy also reveal some of the surprises that came up during dissections, including unexpected findings in gulper sharks, and how this work is helping create national plans for shark and ray conservation across Central America. Training Tomorrow's Marine Biologists The conversation dives into how community involvement from students as young as 13 to professional divers helps build local ownership of ocean science. The episode captures the joy, curiosity, and collaboration that come from working hands-on with sharks, showing how education and science communication are transforming the future of marine biology in developing regions. 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

    46 min

  2. 3D AGO

    Madagascar Environment and Shark Discoveries with Dr. David Ebert

    Madagascar Environment takes center stage in this episode of Beyond Jaws, where co-host Dr. David Ebert shares stories from his latest fieldwork on one of the planet's most unique islands. From long days on the water to surprising new shark encounters, David reveals what makes Madagascar such an incredible place for marine research and conservation. This episode dives into the realities of working in remote field conditions, the thrill of discovering new species, and the importance of connecting local communities to conservation goals. Madagascar's waters hold a mix of mystery and urgency, and David's insights show why protecting this environment matters not just for sharks, but for ocean health worldwide. 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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    42 min

  3. OCT 13

    Ghost Sharks with Dominique Didier: Unveiling the Hidden World of Chimaeras

    Ghost Sharks are some of the most mysterious creatures in the ocean, and in this episode, we explore their story with Dr. Dominique Didier. She joins us to talk about her groundbreaking new book Ghost Sharks of the World, which she co-authored with Dr. Dave Ebert and others. From taxonomy and biology to personal stories of research, Dominique reveals why ghost sharks deserve as much attention as their shark and ray relatives. Ghost Sharks fascinate both scientists and ocean enthusiasts because of their evolutionary significance. In this conversation, Dominique shares her career journey, the challenges of documenting such elusive animals, and how collaborative science projects bring together experts from across the globe. Listeners will leave with a deeper appreciation of chimaeras and their role in the marine ecosystem, along with insight into how new scientific tools are expanding our knowledge of these deep-sea species. 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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    53 min

  4. OCT 6

    Sharks and Hurricanes: Aaron Carlisle's Journey From Jaws Trauma to Shark Science

    Sharks and hurricanes: that's not a Sharknado sequel, it's real research. In this episode of Beyond Jaws, Dr. Aaron Carlisle shares how a childhood moment of terror watching Jaws turned into a career in shark science. Aaron is now an Assistant Professor of Fisheries Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he explores how the physical and biological environment influences shark behavior, distribution, and ecology using cutting-edge tools like stable isotopes and biologging. Sharks and hurricanes also becomes a metaphor for navigating the whirlwind of academic expectations and public perceptions. From family members telling him to study "something important like crabs" to dealing with the rise of social media influencers as "shark experts," Aaron reflects on what it really means to be a marine biologist in today's world. If you're a student, early-career scientist, or just a shark nerd, this episode offers career insights, research stories, and a candid look at the culture of science. 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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    1h 13m

  5. OCT 1

    The Shark Conservation Legacy of Leonard Compagno

    Shark Conservation has been shaped by the tireless work of scientists like Leonard Compagno. In this episode, Andrew speaks with the legendary ichthyologist whose contributions to shark taxonomy and conservation have influenced generations of researchers and advocates. Compagno shares how he became fascinated by sharks, his groundbreaking work cataloging shark species, and his role in shaping the IUCN Shark Specialist Group. Shark Taxonomy is at the core of Compagno's career, and his insights into the classification and identification of sharks reveal why proper taxonomy is critical for conservation. Andrew and Leonard discuss the challenges of naming and describing species, the importance of understanding diversity in shark populations, and how science can support stronger protections against overfishing and finning. Shark Research is not just about science but also about communication. Leonard reflects on the changes in public perception of sharks since he began his career, and how media, advocacy, and dedicated researchers have shifted the narrative from fear to fascination. This episode gives listeners a deep appreciation of both the man and the movement he helped create.   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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    56 min

  6. SEP 1

    Shark Science Career Advice: Kenzie Horton on Tracking White Sharks and Finding Your Path

    Shark Science Career Advice: In this episode of Beyond Jaws, we sit down with Kenzie Horton, a passionate early-career shark biologist who's turning childhood snorkel trips into a mission to protect sharks and educate the public. From chasing fish with a disposable underwater camera to studying white shark migration off the Carolinas, Kenzie's story is one of drive, persistence, and unshakable curiosity. She discusses the ups and downs of becoming a marine biologist, how she found her way into shark research, and what she's learned through internships, grad school, and outreach. White shark research: Kenzie walks us through her master's thesis on white shark movements, her work at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, and the importance of finding mentors who believe in your goals. She talks candidly about the challenges of breaking into the field, why she turned to TikTok to inspire others, and how she's navigating career decisions post-graduation, including the possibility of a PhD. If you're dreaming of a career in shark science or just love a good marine biology story, this is a must-listen. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ken.seas/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ken.seas 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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    1h 6m

  7. AUG 18

    Shark Science: How International Trade Fuels Unsustainable Shark and Ray Fisheries

    Shark science isn't just about understanding biology, it's about tackling the global forces that threaten these species. In this episode of Beyond Jaws, research scientist Chris Mull explains how international trade has become a powerful driver of unsustainable shark and ray fisheries. From luxury markets for shark fins to emerging demands for meat and cartilage, trade dynamics are reshaping conservation challenges worldwide. Shark conservation must consider the economics and policies behind fishing, not just the science in the water. Chris describes his work using phylogenetic comparative methods and applied research to uncover how trade pressures intersect with species traits, creating unique risks for different sharks and rays. Along with hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert, Chris shares insights into what the data reveals about overexploitation, the complexity of global markets, and how science can inform better international regulations. 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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    1h 10m

  8. AUG 6

    Deep Sea Exploration: Jonatha Giddens on Connecting People to the Ocean Through Science and Storytelling

    Deep sea exploration is more than science—it's an invitation to connect with the largest, least understood part of our planet. In this episode, Jonatha Giddens, a PhD researcher from the University of Hawai'i, shares how her global work on deep-ocean ecosystems blends scientific discovery, creative communication, and human connection. From working aboard research vessels to translating complex ocean data into emotional stories, Jonatha explores how we can better understand and protect the deep sea. Ocean storytelling is central to her approach. Jonatha discusses how she uses writing, visual media, and community engagement to spark public curiosity and care for deep-ocean environments. This episode highlights the power of science when paired with creativity, and how researchers like Jonatha are helping to shift the way we relate to the sea—turning data into wonder and insight into action. Connect with Jonatha: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonatha.giddens Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonathagiddens/   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 Andrew: Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/ Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

    1h 6m
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Ratings & Reviews

4.5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

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.

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