By Courtney Cooper
Famous Shark Researchers and Their Contributions to Marine Science
Scientists who study sharks are a unique group. They dedicate their lives to studying one of the most enigmatic and feared creatures on the planet. The women we are focusing on have a deep enthusiasm for sharks and their research, yet what truly distinguishes them is their commitment to share their passion with others. In celebration of Women’s Month, this article explores the top shark researchers and highlights their contributions to marine science. We also discuss further shark facts that you might be interested in! Apex Predators provides the best great white shark cage diving in Cape Town.
Top 3 Shark Researchers and Their Marine Science Contributions
Dr. Allison Towner
Dr. Allison Towner is a committed marine biologist and conservationist who was motivated by her late father’s desire to dive with white sharks. She earned a Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Marine Biology from Bangor University in the United Kingdom in 2006 and has since completed her PhD. Allison became a PADI teacher in the Red Sea and Greek Islands before joining the Dyer Island Protection Trust (DICT) in South Africa in 2007, where she has played an important role in shark research and protection.
Allison spent her first five years at DICT working as a guide for Marine Dynamics Shark Tours, where she collected considerable observational data on white sharks. She received her MSc from the University of Cape Town, where she concentrated on white shark regional population dynamics, wound healing, movement ecology, and food research. She has produced numerous publications and given presentations at international conferences.
As a trained SAMSA skipper, she continues her study in Gansbaai, focusing on white shark monitoring and telemetry. She has investigated the elements that influence white shark movements, including as environmental conditions and the impact of cage-diving activities.
Dr. Allison Kock
Dr. Allison Kock is a highly respected shark researcher who is deeply committed to marine conservation and has a thirst for adventure. She has devoted her career to understanding and safeguarding sharks, making substantial contributions to the field through her research and public outreach. Her research primarily centers around studying the behaviour, ecology, and conservation of large marine predators, particularly sharks.
Her career is marked by her scientific accomplishments as well as her daring nature. Allison takes on life with zest. She has swam with whale sharks in Mafia Island, climbed rocks in Nepal, and learned Punch Needle in Vermont. The world is her oyster — from enjoying pizza in Livorno to navigating the NYC subway, teaching English to refugee children, and living in vibrant cities such as London and Dubai.
Allison is a prominent figure in the industry, advocating for the preservation of sharks and marine ecosystems.
Dr. Sara Andreotti
Dr. Sara Andreotti, a marine biologist and postdoctoral researcher, has dedicated her work to developing a comprehensive and sustainable management and conservation plan for great white sharks on a global scale. Her efforts in this field have spanned over a decade, starting in 2009. She obtained her PhD from Stellenbosch University in 2015, conducting research that involved genetic techniques and photographic identification to evaluate the population status of South African white sharks. Through a collaborative effort with shark conservationist Michael Rutzen and the Department of Environmental Affairs, they were able to conduct the first-ever national assessment of white shark populations and genetic structures.
Sara is a co-founder of SharkSafe Barriers (Pty) Ltd, a company that provides innovative technology to safeguard swimmers and surfers from shark encounters. She has contributed to the development of the SharkSafe Barrier™, a system that emulates the characteristics of kelp forests and utilises magnetic stimuli to discourage sharks while ensuring the safety of other marine organisms.
We also explore the importance of shark sanctuaries and protected areas.
