Kia ora everybody, welcome back to another episode. Some of you may have seen Riley Elliot on the news, on shark week, or maybe you just follow his epic Instagram page @thelifeofrileynz

Riley is a shark scientist. At that title usually people perk up and listen to what he has to say, often they even have a question or two to ask. During our chat Riley and I discuss how he got to be where he is now – he is one of only a few shark scientists that work directly with sharks in New Zealand.

Not only that, but Riley is also a TV presenter and in the campaigns he’s been involved in he has had two big conservation victories when it comes to sharks, he’s an excellent advocate and he is just so incredibly knowledgeable on sharks.

In the last 50 years, shark populations have declined by 70% worldwide. Some species have been hit harder than others, such as the blue shark which have diminished up to 99%. We don’t know exactly how sharks in New Zealand have been impacted because we don’t have enough data on our resident shark friends.

If you’re interested in sharks, listen to the show to hear Riley’s suggestions for internships around the world for anyone wanting to follow a similar path (links below). We discuss how New Zealand is one of five great white hotspots in the world and why we need to have cameras on commercial fishing vessels!

When Riley and I recorded this episode the NPOA for sharks was open for submissions. Submissions closed on the 13th of September 2022, so we will be waiting to see what changes are made based on submissions. We also speak to the role that the government plays in making change in industries like fisheries, and that comes down to education of the public and getting enough people on board that want change.

Thank you so very much for your listener questions for this episode! There were some great questions and Riley has equally fantastic answers.

Check out the sea change Instagram for videos of screen share moments @seachange.podcast

This podcast is bought to you by Zinc or swim – a natural zinc made right here in Aotearoa. Use the code SEACHANGE to get 10% off your order.

Oceans Research in South Africa - https://www.oceans-research.com/

Bimini Shark Lab in the Bahamas - https://www.biminisharklab.com/

Recommendations:

Petition: Hands off my bottom petition - https://haurakigulfalliance.nz/petition/

Degrowth vs. green growth debate - https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YxJrBR0lg6s

Patagonia Founder – Yvon Chouinard – gives away the company -  https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/14/climate/patagonia-climate-philanthropy-chouinard.html

https://www.seachange-podcast.com/guests-1/riley-elliott