OCEAN LOVERS TALKS - Valerie Taylor’s mission critical - saving the grey nurse shark

Join Laura Wells as she hosts Valerie Taylor and her eclectic team championing the protection of the endangered grey nurse shark along Australia’s east coast.

HOST:

- Laura Wells

SPEAKERS:

Valerie Taylor

For over 60 years, Valerie Taylor has documented the marine world, sharing its wonders and tirelessly advocating for ocean protection. A pioneering underwater filmmaker, shark researcher, and conservationist, she played a key role in securing Australia’s first marine parks and led the campaign to protect the Grey Nurse Shark—the first shark species to receive legal protection.

Despite her work on Jaws (1975) contributing to widespread fear of sharks, Valerie has since dedicated her life to correcting misconceptions, advocating for their protection, and inspiring a global movement for ocean conservation. As Patron of the Ocean Lovers Festival, she continues to be a powerful voice for the future of our blue planet.

Taylor Ladd-Hudson

16 year old Taylor is an ocean lover, shark conservationist and passionate youth influencer. Actively engaged with youth, Taylor has presented to over 3000 students in 2024, sharing the message of ocean and shark conservation.

Assoc Prof Adam Stow, Macquarie University

I am a conservation biologist and behavioural ecologist who uses genetic and field-based techniques to evaluate animal dispersal and gene flow in natural systems and to assess the impacts of human activities. In the marine environment I have focussed on sharks, including those of critical conservation significance and commercially exploited species. Work has been largely carried out by higher degree research students under my supervision and has included a long standing program on grey nurse shark genetics, whaler species and gummy sharks. My overarching goal is to provide information useful for conservation managers. 

Captain Gordon Scott

I am now retired having been a Marine Professional my entire career. I worked firstly as a SCUBA Instructor and then Master on Dive Charter vessels on Queensland’s Great Barrier Reef and along southern Queensland. For the last 25 Years until retirement I worked as Captain on some of the largest Motor Yachts in the world. I now hold a Master Unlimited Certificate of Competency. I have witnessed in my lifetime the catastrophic decline of the ecosystems within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the reefs off the Southern Queensland coast which I have dived regularly for over 43 years. I have committed my retirement years to lobby for “World’s Best Practise” Marine Park management and larger “No Take” zones so our fish stocks and Marine Environment can return to original stock levels.

WHERE: High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion

WHEN: 2pm - 2.40pm Saturday, March 22

Important note: Registration does not guarantee you a seat. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Ocean Lovers Talks are a feature program of the Ocean Lovers Festival bringing you inspirational talks by leaders and luminaries, scientists, innovators, adventurers and future-proofers focused on solutions to better protect our ocean, promoting hopeful and inspiring views for the future.

The Ocean Lovers Festival is an annual celebration of Ideas, Art+Music & Actions, showcasing some of the latest innovations, science, state-of-the-art technology and cool ideas for helping the ocean. Be inspired and entertained with art, music, food, talks, stalls, workshops and more. Visit our website for more information.