About
Hi, I'm Simon.
I'm an irredeemable wildlife geek from New Zealand. When I was young, I became passionate about endangered species conservation… and I never managed to grow out of it.
These days, I work as the Executive Director of the Marine Megafauna Foundation, which I co-founded with Dr Andrea Marshall. Much of my work at MMF focuses on the global conservation of whale sharks — the world's largest fish — alongside manta rays, sea turtles, and other threatened species. I'm also an Adjunct Fellow at the University of the Sunshine Coast working on grey nurse sharks, Scientific Advisor to Sharkbook.ai, Research Manager for Spot A Shark, and a board member of the Sawfish Conservation Society.
I work with Sony Australia & New Zealand as a Digital Imaging Advocate, host research expeditions and dive liveaboards with MMF and Aqua-Firma, and contribute regularly to iNaturalist.
Field Notes
Recent from the field.
Hinewai Reserve
We drove down to Akaroa, on the Banks Peninsula near Christchurch, the other weekend. It's a neat little village nestled into a huge volcanic crater, which also happens to be one of the top marine...
Aerial Ocean Wildlife Photography
This is a niche topic covering photography notes from 15 helicopter flights as a marine biologist guide and photographer with South Pacific Helicopters...
Komodo Diving and Photography Trip – 2025
Komodo is one of my favourite tropical dive destinations, so I was really excited to get back there – I hadn't been since 2023. Must be making some poor life choices.
As featured in
Simon's work is routinely covered by major outlets.
Simon co-founded the Marine Megafauna Foundation with Dr Andrea Marshall. He leads the Global Whale Shark Program at MMF and serves as the non-profit's Executive Director.
Visit MMF →
Simon is a Digital Imaging Advocate with Sony New Zealand, hosting events on wildlife, underwater, and conservation photography.
Visit Sony →
