Science

My research focuses on the ecology and conservation of marine megafauna, with a particular emphasis on whale sharks and manta rays.

Whale Shark Research

I've been studying whale sharks since 2005, when I began my PhD research in Mozambique. Our Global Whale Shark Program uses photo-identification to track individual sharks across their range, helping us understand population structure, movement patterns, and site fidelity.

Key findings from our research have contributed to the listing of whale sharks on CITES Appendix II and the Convention on Migratory Species, providing international protection for this vulnerable species.

Manta Ray Conservation

Through the Marine Megafauna Foundation, we conduct long-term monitoring of manta ray populations at key aggregation sites. Our photo-ID databases help track individual animals over time, revealing important information about their ecology and the effectiveness of marine protected areas.

Photo-Identification Methods

I specialize in developing and applying photo-identification techniques for marine megafauna research. These non-invasive methods allow us to track individual animals across years and locations, building long-term datasets that inform conservation decisions.

Publications

My peer-reviewed publications are available on Google Scholar.

The book Whale Sharks: Biology, Ecology, & Conservation (co-edited with Dr. Alistair Dove, Taylor & Francis 2021) provides a comprehensive scientific overview of whale shark research.

Affiliations