Shark Stories

• Have Shark Populations Boomed?

  In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fuelling the "shark overpopulation" hysteria. Tune in for an evidence-based look at shark conservation, media narratives, and what’s really happening in our oceans.The Great American Shark SlaughterStop Shark Poaching (video, petition, thread)Pelagic shark declines:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9Deep-sea shark declines:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121Coastal shark declines:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1079777Deep-seaOnly shark sanctuaries have seen shark mortality decrease:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf8984Catch and release laws aren't enough to save sharks:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12892Note:  Within minute 41:00 of today’s episode, Spencer said NOAA but was talking about FWC. Please don’t panic, we’re aware. Carry on. Support the show

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• Confessions of a Shark Tracker- Richard Fitzpatrick

  This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. Fitzpatrick is well known for his work with National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel, where his stunning underwater cinematography has brought the ocean’s most fascinating creatures to global audiences. As a key researcher at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, he’s also played a crucial role in tagging and tracking sharks to better understand their behaviour and migration patterns. His passion for marine conservation and storytelling has made him a leading voice in ocean preservation.Check out on instagram @biopixeloceansWeb is biopixeloceans.orgShark Tracking website: Biotracker.orgRead the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Tracker-Confessions-Underwater-Cameraman/dp/1742234933 * Butler, F., Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W., Gurney, J., Inaba, K., Jacobs, L., ... & Danyliuk, O. (2024). Who needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned from a review of tourniquet use in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 97(2S), S45-S54.Link to articleWho needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned... : Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery * Dupuy, C., Martinez, T., Duranteau, O., Gauss, T., Kapandji, N., Pasqueron, J., ... & TraumaBase Group®. (2025). Comparison of the lethal triad and the lethal diamond in severe trauma patients: a multicenter cohort. World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 20(1), 2. Link to article https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5434464/v1* Goralnick, E., Chaudhary, M. A., McCarty, J. C., Caterson, E. J., Goldberg, S. A., Herrera-Escobar, J. P., ... & Haider, A. H. (2018). Effectiveness of instructional interventions for hemorrhage control readiness for laypersons in the public access and tourniquet training study (PATTS): a randomized clinical trial. JAMA surgery, 153(9), 791-799.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583882/* Hicks. C.(2020). Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage.Life in the Fast-lane. Retreived on the 20th April 2025 from Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage* Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W. C., Drew, B. G., Butler, F. K., Gurney, J. M., Montgomery, H. R., ... & Linchevskyy, O. (2023). Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 95(6), e54-e60.Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment - PMC* Kragh Jr, J. F., Wallum, T. E., Aden III, J. K., Dubick, M. A., & Baer, D. G. (2015). Which improvised tourniquet windlasses work well and which ones won’t?. Wilderness & Environmental MediSupport the show

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• Did Social Media Screw Sharks?

  Welcome back to Shark Stories! After a long break, join us for a good old-fashioned rant as I ask my social media following to tell me… has social media screwed our sharks? In this episode, I read your answers and give you my personal take on the issues. From redirecting shark videos to recreational shark fishing, has social media screwed our sharks? Support the show

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• The Meg

  The one shark we all wish was still with us… well, maybe not all of u: The Megalodon. The only thing left of this revered species is its fossilized teeth, which scientists use to measure its total length… It's been the subject of horror films and conspiracy theories but the evidence of its disappearance is perhaps the scariest thing of all. Using advanced scientific methods, we are able to estimate how they hunted, what they hunted, their evolution based on their teeth alone, and even what they looked like. This episode offers an insight into the largest shark to have ever lived, the Megalodon shark.Follow Jack Cooper, PH Student ON TwitterFollow Me On IGFollow Project Hiuwww.projecthiu.comGot a sponsorship or collaboration offer? Send it here: sharkstoriespodcast@gmail.comCover Art by photographer Tanner MansellSupport the show

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• Shark First Aid

  Of the 470 shark species, only 30 species of sharks have been found to have attacked humans, and only 4 of the 30 species make up the majority of attacks. Yet with everything we know about sharks, with everything we do in their home, whether it's surfing, diving, or spearfishing as a mere few examples… why do we not talk about first aid for shark attacks as commonly as we do CPR or vinegar for jellyfish stings?  Alongside an Australian paramedic who has treated shark attack victims, we outline things that may just help you save a life one day. This podcast is a must for anyone that goes in the ocean around sharks, or in general anyone who wants to know more about why and how they attack. An extension of the surfing guide to sharks, this episode is about safety and responsibility, and just what to do in the unlikely, unfortunate yet possible, event of a shark attack.  Terra Australlis first aid for shark attacks videoSurfing guide to sharks free downloadShark bite first aid kit🦈🦈🦈Follow Me On IGFollow Project Hiuwww.projecthiu.comGot a sponsorship or collaboration offer? Send it here: sharkstoriespodcast@gmail.comCover Art by photographer Tanner MansellSupport the show

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