OCEAN LOVERS TALKS - SAVING THE GREY NURSE SHARK

Join us to discuss this growing multidisciplinary Community Science Project building towards Valerie Taylor's "String of Pearls" - a chain of connected Marine Sanctuaries to bring lasting protection of Migration, Aggregation, Resting, Breeding and Birthing environments for the Critically Endangered Grey Nurse Shark.

Valerie Taylor is a conservationist, whose work with sharks has sent waves of change across the globe to change policies and most importantly the public views of these wonderful creatures. Her policy work has directly influenced the Australian government to protect various species such as Sea lions and Potato Cod, as well as putting a halt to drilling in the Ningaloo Marine Park in Western Australia. Additionally, her work in cinematography has given us all a glimpse into the underwater world and the magic found there and her beautiful photography has inspired others to do their part in helping the marine ecosystem.

Prof. Adam Stow is a conservation biologist and behavioral 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 focused 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. Adam's overarching goal is to provide information useful for conservation managers.

Dr Gordon Scott is the PhD program director and lecturer in entrepreneurship at the Entrepreneurship Commercialisation & Innovation Centre (ECIC), The University of Adelaide. He has diverse multi-disciplinary experience, having conducted basic and applied research across physical, biological and social sciences. Originally trained in Electrical Engineering he spent more than a decade as a practicing professional engineer with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) developing innovative technologies for underwater acoustic remote sensing and mapping of seabed habitats.

Sarah Han De Beaux is a keen underwater photographer, with a passion for the ocean and its marine life and is a SpotAShark Shark Researcher. SpotAShark performs research on the critically endangered Grey Nurse sharks seen along the East Coast of Australia for marine conservation. From just a photograph, using their spot mapping technology and A.I. assisted algorithms, they can review the unique spot patterns of each shark to determine which individual shark has been seen.

WHERE? High Tide Room, Bondi Pavilion

WHEN? 2.45 pm - 3.15 pm

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

The Volvo 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.