Science Saves Sharks

“You cannot love what you do not know, and you cannot protect what you do not love.”

Tagging sharks with Nico Booyens from the Shark Research Unit in Mossel Bay. Photo by Alexa Tedeschi.

Sharks and rays, collectively known as elasmobranchs, play a crucial role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems by regulating prey populations and contributing to the overall stability of oceanic food webs. Sharks, as apex predators, help prevent prey species from overpopulating, while many rays act as mesopredators, controlling populations of smaller marine organisms such as mollusks and crustaceans. Their presence influences the behavior and distribution of marine life, ultimately shaping entire underwater ecosystems. Yet today, many of these species are becoming increasingly impacted by overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change.

Science Saves Sharks was founded to bridge the gap between scientific research and conservation action, with a particular focus on the power of genomics in understanding and protecting these vital species. The organisation strives to make shark conservation genomics more accessible to both the general public and marine conservationists who may not yet recognise the invaluable role genetic data plays in species protection.

Beyond science, their mission promotes diversity and inclusivity within the field, ensuring that conservation efforts are engaging, approachable, and collaborative. By fostering participation across individuals, organisations, and communities, Science Saves Sharks strengthens the collective effort to protect and preserve marine ecosystems.

In the lab. Photo by Science Saves Sharks.

Conservation Through Genomics

Science Saves Sharks’ work demonstrates how genetic data provides crucial insights into shark and ray populations, offering a deeper understanding of:

• Migration patterns and breeding behaviors 

• Population structure and connectivity

• Evolutionary adaptations to environmental changes

• Species identification and distribution

  
  

This genetic approach to conservation represents a significant advancement in protecting marine ecosystems, offering more precise and effective conservation strategies than traditional methods alone.

Green school talk. Photo by Science Saves Sharks.

Rooted in Science, Passion, and Collaboration

Passionate about conservation through education and outreach, Science Saves Sharks works to actively engage the public through hands-on initiatives such as beach clean-ups, documentary screenings, and marine excursions - all designed to foster a deeper appreciation for these species. They also participate in school visits, media appearances, and public talks to reshape perceptions of sharks and highlight their critical role within marine ecosystems.

By creating a welcoming space where individuals from all backgrounds feel empowered to contribute, they ensure that marine conservation is both informative and accessible. Their work emphasises that protecting marine life is a shared responsibility, encouraging collaboration between scientists, conservationists, and the public. 

The Team. Photo by Science Saves Sharks.

The Women Behind the Mission

What started as a small Instagram page run by co-founders Jessica Winn and Mia Groeneveld during their first year of master’s studies has since grown into an international collective, now comprising a team of eight women and one man.

Jessica Winn is currently pursuing her PhD in Genetics at Stellenbosch University, where she is investigating the evolutionary ecological genomic patterns of the common smoothhound shark. Her research focuses on understanding how climate change is shifting the distribution and evolutionary trajectory of the species, with the goal of developing preventative conservation strategies. Passionate about scientific engagement, Jessica advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration, believing that conservation efforts are most effective when they integrate multiple fields of study.

Mia Groeneveld, another co-founder, is also undertaking a PhD in Genetics, with a focus on the population structure and distributions of wedgefishes in the Southwest Indian Ocean region. Her work aims to provide crucial data for the conservation and management of these threatened species. Mia’s research highlights the power of genetics in understanding how different populations are connected and how conservationists can use this knowledge to implement effective protective measures.

Karla Redelinghuys, who has recently completed her MSc in Genetics, has concentrated on the evolutionary connectivity and phylogeography of stingrays across the Southwestern Indian Ocean. With a passion for science education, Karla is dedicated to developing and optimising molecular tools to improve analysis of species in the Himantura uarnak complex.

Beyond the founding members, the Science Saves Sharks team includes a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds, all contributing to the organisation’s ongoing projects and initiatives.

Science Saves Sharks doing a behind the scenes interview at the 2Oceans Aquarium with Aquarist Mark Fitzgibbon. Photo by Science Saves Sharks.

In a world where the challenges facing our oceans can often feel overwhelming, Science Saves Sharks stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and collective action.

By blending science with storytelling and activism, they are paving the way for a more informed and engaged global community - one that recognises the value of sharks and rays and works together to secure their future in our seas.