Chief Scientist – Blue Wilderness Research Unit
Chief Scientist – Blue Wilderness Research Unit
I moved to Hawaii in 1998 where I carried out my studies working with Monk seals, turtles and sharks for 5 years. In 2006, I moved to South Africa to pursue a Masters degree in Catshark population dynamics. This eventually expanded to the field of conservation genetics in Shark populations.
I currently reside in Durban, South Africa, where I am the Chief Scientist at the Blue Wilderness Research Unit. Here I conduct shark research and develop conservation programs for Durban’s Aliwal Shoal. I’m simultaneously completing my doctorate on the genetic population structure of sharks and its relation to their reproductive strategies through the University of KwaZulu-Natal. My main interest is the biology and conservation of Chondrichthyes worldwide and I am carrying out a revision of shark biodiversity in South Africa and the Indian Ocean
Jessica’s research is focussed on the Black Tip shark species that is a common resident on Durban’s Aliwal Shoal
Jessica produces regular scientific articles, posters and conducts conference talks on her original shark research
The Shark Research Unit is a subsidiary of Blue Wilderness. Our core purpose is to conduct original shark research, conservation and education programs at Aliwal Shoal, South Africa. We achieve these goals through collaborating with affiliated scientists and postgraduate students.
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