Richard Fitzpatrick wants to change the way you think about sharks.

Ever since he kept a pet shark as a kid, Richard has made it his life’s mission to rewrite the story of one of the ocean’s most misunderstood predators. Now an Emmy-winning cinematographer, marine biologist and shark researcher, he’s spent more than 15,000 hours swimming with sharks — filming them, tagging them, and tracking them for science, often using wildly unorthodox (and very hands-on) methods.

In this episode of Word on the Reef, learn how to rope and tame a wild shark, why jokes can come back to bite you in the butt (literally), and why you should always watch your footing when you’re standing on a boat surrounded by sharks.

We bust some myths about shark behaviour, and explore how cutting-edge research is helping protect both humans and these vital apex predators. Whether you’re afraid of sharks, fascinated by them, or a bit of both — this episode is for you.

Learn More

• Biopixel Oceans Foundation
• www.instagram.com/biopixeloceans

Support the show

• Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.com
• Sign the Petition, asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
• Support Word on the Reef on Patreon
• Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram

Did you know you can help with coral research on the Great Barrier Reef without even leaving your couch? On this week's episode of Word on the Reef, get ready to swipe right on high-value corals as we dive into the incredible world of citizen science.

Our guest is Nicole Senn, Head of Engagement at Citizens of the Reef and passionate ocean advocate, who reveals how everyday people all over the world are helping monitor coral health - no snorkel or flippers required! Nicole shares how the data you analyse on your phone or laptop can make a real-world difference for Reef conservation... And win you a free trip to the real Reef!

Find out how you can become a citizen scientist, contribute to global coral research, and be part of the solution.

Find out More:

• www.greatreefcensus.org
• www.instagram.com/citizensofthereef

Support the show

• Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.com
• Sign the Petition, asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
• Support Word on the Reef on Patreon
• Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram

Did you know that deforestation up to 1,000 kilometres inland can harm coral reefs and potentially fuel outbreaks of coral-eating starfish? This week we explore one of the lesser-known but critical threats to the Great Barrier Reef: declining water quality due to land clearing.

Our guest this week is Sarah Sims, a conservation and land management expert, dive instructor, and underwater photographer based in Cairns. Sarah's love of the Reef has inspired her to trace water pollution back to its roots: literally. Sarah is the powerhouse behind two not-for-profit reforestation initiatives - TreeForce Cairns and Holloways Beach Coast Care. Sarah helps us unpack the staggering extent of land clearing in Queensland, and what we can all do to reforest our riverbanks and restore the health of our oceans.

Support the show

• Got questions? Text us on 0437 835 937 or email info@wordonthereef.com
• Sign the Petition, asking the Australian Government for stronger policies to protect the Great Barrier Reef.
• Support Word on the Reef on Patreon
• Follow @WordOnTheReefPodcast on Instagram