Ocean Lovers Talks - VALERIE TAYLOR'S MISSION CRITICAL - SAVING THE GREY NURSE SHARK

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

Adam Stow 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 he has 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 his supervision and has included a long standing program on grey nurse shark genetics, whaler species and gummy sharks. His overarching goal is to provide information useful for conservation managers.  

Captain Gordon Scott

Gordon, a retired marine professional, spent his career as a SCUBA instructor, dive charter master, and captain of some of the world’s largest motor yachts. Holding a Master Unlimited Certificate, he has witnessed the catastrophic decline of the Great Barrier Reef and southern Queensland’s reefs over 43 years. Now, he dedicates his retirement to advocating for world-class marine park management and larger no-take zones to restore fish stocks and ecosystems. 

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.