In the thrilling second instalment of our Megalodon series, PhD palaeontologist Jack Cooper returns to dive deeper into the legend and science of the Megalodon,
debunking myths, exploring its extinction, and revealing what this ancient apex
predator can teach us about modern shark conservation.
Jack’s website: https://www.drjackacooper.com/

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In today’s very special episode, I sit down with my partner, Tanner, to discuss how his attempt to save sharks and do the right thing nearly landed him in jail. We recorded this episode a week after learning that Tanner had been pardoned by President Donald Trump.

In August 2020, Tanner Mansell, a crew member on a shark-diving charter boat off the coast of Jupiter, Florida, came across a longline fishing setup approximately three miles offshore. Believing it to be part of an illegal operation, Tanner and the boat’s captain, John Moore, freed 19 sharks and a giant grouper that had been caught on the line. They reported the incident to state wildlife officials and brought the fishing gear back to shore.

Unbeknownst to them, the longline belonged to a licensed fisherman. As a result, federal prosecutors charged Mansell and Moore with theft of property within special maritime jurisdiction—a federal felony.

Book a trip with Tanner
https://www.tannerunderwater.com

And follow his social media, @tannerunderwater

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In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fuelling the "shark overpopulation" hysteria. Tune in for an evidence-based look at shark conservation, media narratives, and what’s really happening in our oceans.

The Great American Shark Slaughter
Stop Shark Poaching (video, petition, thread)

Pelagic shark declines:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9

Deep-sea shark declines:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121

Coastal shark declines:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1079777Deep-sea

Only shark sanctuaries have seen shark mortality decrease:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf8984

Catch and release laws aren't enough to save sharks:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12892

Note:  Within minute 41:00 of today’s episode, Spencer said NOAA but was talking about FWC. Please don’t panic, we’re aware. Carry on. 

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In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fueling the "shark overpopulation" hysteria. Tune in for an evidence-based look at shark conservation, media narratives, and what’s really happening in our oceans.

The Great American Shark Slaughter
Stop Shark Poaching (video, petition, thread)

Pelagic shark declines:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9

Deep sea shark declines:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121

Coastal shark declines:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1079777Deep-sea

Only shark sanctuaries have seen shark mortality decrease:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf8984

Catch and release laws aren't enough to save sharks:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12892

Note:  Within minute 41:00 of today’s episode, Spencer said NOAA but was talking about FWC. Please don’t panic, we’re aware. Carry on. 

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This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. Fitzpatrick is well known for his work with National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel, where his stunning underwater cinematography has brought the ocean’s most fascinating creatures to global audiences. As a key researcher at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, he’s also played a crucial role in tagging and tracking sharks to better understand their behaviour and migration patterns. His passion for marine conservation and storytelling has made him a leading voice in ocean preservation.

Check out on instagram @biopixeloceans

Web is biopixeloceans.org

Shark Tracking website: Biotracker.org

Read the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Tracker-Confessions-Underwater-Cameraman/dp/1742234933 

* Butler, F., Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W., Gurney, J., Inaba, K., Jacobs, L., ... & Danyliuk, O. (2024). Who needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned from a review of tourniquet use in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 97(2S), S45-S54.

Link to articleWho needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned... : Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 

* Dupuy, C., Martinez, T., Duranteau, O., Gauss, T., Kapandji, N., Pasqueron, J., ... & TraumaBase Group®. (2025). Comparison of the lethal triad and the lethal diamond in severe trauma patients: a multicenter cohort. World Journal of Emergency Surgery, 20(1), 2. Link to article https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5434464/v1

* Goralnick, E., Chaudhary, M. A., McCarty, J. C., Caterson, E. J., Goldberg, S. A., Herrera-Escobar, J. P., ... & Haider, A. H. (2018). Effectiveness of instructional interventions for hemorrhage control readiness for laypersons in the public access and tourniquet training study (PATTS): a randomized clinical trial. JAMA surgery, 153(9), 791-799.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583882/

* Hicks. C.(2020). Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage.Life in the Fast-lane. Retreived on the 20th April 2025 from Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage

* Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W. C., Drew, B. G., Butler, F. K., Gurney, J. M., Montgomery, H. R., ... & Linchevskyy, O. (2023). Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 95(6), e54-e60.Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment - PMC

* Kragh Jr, J. F., Wallum, T. E., Aden III, J. K., Dubick, M. A., & Baer, D. G. (2015). Which improvised tourniquet windlasses work well and which ones won’t?. Wilderness & Environmental Medi

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Welcome back to Shark Stories! After a long break, join us for a good old-fashioned rant as I ask my social media following to tell me… has social media screwed our sharks? In this episode, I read your answers and give you my personal take on the issues. From redirecting shark videos to recreational shark fishing, has social media screwed our sharks? 

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The one shark we all wish was still with us… well, maybe not all of u: The Megalodon. The only thing left of this revered species is its fossilized teeth, which scientists use to measure its total length… It's been the subject of horror films and conspiracy theories but the evidence of its disappearance is perhaps the scariest thing of all. 

Using advanced scientific methods, we are able to estimate how they hunted, what they hunted, their evolution based on their teeth alone, and even what they looked like. This episode offers an insight into the largest shark to have ever lived, the Megalodon shark.

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Cover Art by photographer Tanner Mansell

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Of the 470 shark species, only 30 species of sharks have been found to have attacked humans, and only 4 of the 30 species make up the majority of attacks. Yet with everything we know about sharks, with everything we do in their home, whether it's surfing, diving, or spearfishing as a mere few examples… why do we not talk about first aid for shark attacks as commonly as we do CPR or vinegar for jellyfish stings? 

Alongside an Australian paramedic who has treated shark attack victims, we outline things that may just help you save a life one day. This podcast is a must for anyone that goes in the ocean around sharks, or in general anyone who wants to know more about why and how they attack. An extension of the surfing guide to sharks, this episode is about safety and responsibility, and just what to do in the unlikely, unfortunate yet possible, event of a shark attack. 

Terra Australlis first aid for shark attacks video

Surfing guide to sharks free download

Shark bite first aid kit

🦈🦈🦈

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www.projecthiu.com

Got a sponsorship or collaboration offer? Send it here: [email protected]

Cover Art by photographer Tanner Mansell

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Emperors of the deep is an insightful and moving book by William Mckeever. It examines four species: Mako, Tiger, Hammerhead, and Great White, as never before. Yet it’s the section on slavery at sea that catches my attention. William goes deep into the murders, beatings, kidnappings and forced drug consumption men are forced into, all to provide us with fish.  

There is a good chance that this podcast is the most important yet. A common occurring yet vastly underreported crime against humanity, it's likely you could be directly contributing to the continuation of slavery at sea, this podcast will tell you how. 

Sign the ban in trading shark fins
Emperors Of The Deep book trailer video to get a sense of the book
Order Emperors Of The Deep

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www.projecthiu.com

Got a sponsorship or collaboration offer? Send it here: [email protected]

Cover Art by photographer Tanner Mansell

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Navy clearance diver Paul De Gelder was taking part in a standard training exercise in Sydney harbor when he was attacked by a bull shark. He now lives with one arm and one leg, recounting horrific details from his attack alongside inspiring memories from his recovery. 

Paul's movement towards the advocacy of sharks is a story that will stay with you forever. Listen as he describes in detail the moment he looked down and realized he was in a bull shark's mouth, then recounts the moment he found himself face to face with a great white. This podcast has everything you need to hear to appreciate your ability to run freely, and take the good from the bad.  

Follow Paul on social media for his new book release @pauldegelder

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Got a sponsorship or collab offer? Send an email here: [email protected]

Cover Art by photographer Tanner Mansell

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