Building Bridges Between Science and Policy: The Angel Shark Conservation Project

On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, conservation biologist Ava Myers discusses her work with the Angel Shark Conservation Project and Network. Discover how Ava built a network to study angel sharks in the Canary Islands, highlighting the communication and effort involved. Dive into the evolution of shark science from the early 1900s to the present day, exploring the growing public interest sparked by movies like Jaws. Join hosts Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they delve into Ava's journey studying angel sharks and the importance of understanding these fascinating species beyond their fearsome reputation.

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Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
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Building a successful conservation project and network requires dedication, passion, and the ability to trust and let go when necessary. Ava Myers, the conservation biologist behind the Angel Shark Conservation Project, exemplifies these qualities in her work. Ava's journey in studying angel sharks started with a chance encounter during her marine biology studies in the Galapagos Islands. Despite not initially planning to work on angel sharks, Ava's passion for marine ecology led her to pursue research on this lesser-known species.

As Ava's project grew, she faced numerous challenges, including balancing her work with consultancies, family responsibilities, and limited funding. However, Ava's dedication and passion for angel shark conservation kept her motivated to push forward. She emphasized the importance of trusting colleagues and letting go when necessary to ensure the project's success. This approach allowed the Angel Shark Conservation Project to expand globally, establishing a network of researchers, conservationists, and stakeholders working towards a common goal.

Ava's experience highlights the significance of building relationships and collaborations within the conservation community. By involving diverse stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, and local communities, Ava was able to advocate for angel shark protection and conservation measures effectively. The project's success in getting angel sharks protected in Spain and gaining recognition at international events like the CMS COP demonstrates the impact of dedicated conservation efforts.

Overall, Ava's journey underscores the essential qualities required to build a successful conservation project and network. Dedication, passion, and the ability to trust and let go when necessary are crucial for overcoming challenges, fostering collaborations, and achieving conservation goals. Ava's story serves as an inspiration for conservationists and researchers looking to make a positive impact on endangered species and marine ecosystems.

In the podcast episode featuring Ava Myers, the importance of highlighting success stories in conservation efforts is emphasized. Ava discusses the significance of showcasing positive outcomes to inspire hope and encourage further action in the field of conservation. One key success story mentioned is the protection of angel sharks in Spain, which was achieved in 2019. This accomplishment was a result of collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders, including government representatives, researchers, and conservationists.

Ava also mentions the need to communicate these success stories effectively to the public and policymakers. She highlights the importance of showcasing the progress made in conservation initiatives, such as the establishment of marine protected areas and the development of recovery plans for endangered species like angel sharks. By sharing these success stories, Ava believes that governments and other stakeholders can be motivated to prioritize conservation efforts and take proactive steps towards protecting biodiversity.

Furthermore, Ava emphasizes the role of building connections between the scientific community and policymakers to bridge the gap between data-driven research and policy implementation. By establishing strong relationships and communication channels, conservationists can ensure that the data gathered is utilized effectively to inform decision-making processes and drive positive conservation outcomes.

Overall, the podcast episode underscores the value of highlighting success stories in conservation as a means to inspire hope, showcase effective strategies, and encourage continued action towards protecting and preserving the environment and its biodiversity.

Effective communication and collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public are crucial for successful conservation initiatives. In the podcast episode with Ava Myers, the conversation highlighted the importance of building relationships and engaging with various stakeholders to achieve conservation goals. Ava mentioned the significance of involving different parties in the decision-making process, including government representatives, researchers, and the public.

Ava emphasized the need for open dialogue and active engagement with policymakers to ensure that conservation efforts are understood and supported at the policy level. She mentioned the success story of getting angel sharks protected in Spain, which required collaboration with government officials and the development of a recovery plan. This example showcases how effective communication and cooperation with policymakers can lead to positive conservation outcomes.

Furthermore, Ava discussed the value of engaging with the public and building awareness around conservation issues. She highlighted the importance of sharing success stories and highlighting the positive impact of conservation initiatives to inspire and motivate the public. By involving the public in conservation efforts and showcasing the benefits of protecting species like angel sharks, it becomes easier to garner support and participation from the broader community.

Overall, the podcast episode with Ava Myers underscores the essential role of effective communication and collaboration in conservation work. By fostering relationships with scientists, policymakers, and the public, conservation initiatives can gain momentum, achieve tangible results, and create a lasting impact on biodiversity and ecosystem health.