Sharks. Photography. Puns.
I’m a co-founder and whale shark researcher at the Marine Megafauna Foundation, and an irredeemable wildlife geek at the new Nature Tripper Magazine (and website), which I operate with my wife Madeleine.
This site acts as a basic online “CV” to share my latest research, writing, and photography… and dad jokes. Thanks for stopping by!
What I’m doing now:
March 2020: I’ve spent the last few weeks in Antarctica working as a “photographer in residence” with G Adventures, one of the more wonderful experiences of my life.
Unfortunately, our Antarctic season was cut short by the Covid-19 virus. I’ve just returned home to New Plymouth, New Zealand.
For those asking, yes, I’m expecting that this global pandemic will have a serious impact on our international research and conservation initiatives at MMF. Many of the communities we work with in developing countries are likely to be hugely affected by both the virus itself and the economic implications of a global recession. Protein security is going to be a real issue in many coastal areas, which will lead to increased harvesting of marine life – including endangered species. Hopefully, aid and resources can be mobilised to provide the help and support these people will need to get through the next few weeks and months.
I’m hoping to use this enforced time in NZ productively. Dr Alistair Dove and I have a book on whale sharks to finish off, and Madeleine and I have plenty of work planned for Issue #2 of Nature Tripper Magazine and the website. Once my two-week “self-isolation” period is over, I’m hoping that we’ll be able to do some wildlife photography locally too. Fingers crossed.
Stay safe everyone!
Nature Tripper Magazine:
Madeleine and I published Issue #1 of our new, free magazine just before I left for Antarctica. We’ve both been rapt with the positive reception it’s had. Grab your copy here!
Issue #2 will include features on my trips to both Raja Ampat in Indonesia and Antarctica. (Once I write them.)
You can find out more about the magazine (and subscribe, for free!) here.
New Articles:
I was focused on getting the magazine finished before I left, but I’ve also written a few other articles for the Nature Tripper website too. Here are some links to my latest features:
Recent Media:
One of my photos received a “Highly Commended” in the 2020 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition, so that was great.
Unfortunately, the subject matter was fairly depressing. Gannets nesting off the Norweigian coast are increasingly using fishing debris to build their nests. The photo did get some good media coverage though, with it being used as a photo of the month in National Geographic Kids, and also featured on Stuff (NZ), IFL Science, Metro (UK) and Dive Magazine. Hopefully the gannets will benefit from the interest. There were some amazing shots awarded!
New Science:
Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the footprint of fisheries. Queiroz N, et al. Nature
Using expert opinion to identify and determine the relative impact of threats to sea turtles in Mozambique. Williams JL, Pierce SJ, Hamann M, Fuentes MMMPB. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Contrasting habitat use and population dynamics of reef manta rays within the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area, Indonesia. Germanov ES, Bejder L, Chabanne DBH, Dharmadi, Hendrawan IG, Marshall AD, Pierce SJ, Van Keulen M, Loneragan NR. Frontiers in Marine Science
Photographic identification of sharks. Pierce SJ, Holmberg JA, Kock AL, Marshall AD. In: Shark research: emerging technologies and applications for the field and laboratory. Carrier JC, Heithaus MR, Simpfendorfer CA (eds.). CRC Press
My full scientific publication list is here.
Upcoming trips
Obviously international travel is all rather disrupted at the moment. At the moment, though, these are the “public” trips I’ll be helping to host:
June & July 2020: Svalbard (Arctic)
October & November 2020: Antarctica
March 2021: Raja Ampat, Indonesia
September 2021: Galapagos Islands
Hope you can join me!
Feel free to contact me / us at hello ‘at’ naturetripper.com if you’ve got any questions.