Global Whale Shark Program
Whale Shark Research Team
Our small team – led by a global authority on whale sharks, Dr Simon Pierce – has garnered international acclaim for their groundbreaking research, combining their diverse scientific expertise to advance the conservation of these enigmatic ocean giants.
How we work
Composed of a small, highly skilled group of whale shark experts, our team can seamlessly integrate into global and local projects, sharing our expertise while offering guidance, mentorship, and support to enhance local whale shark conservation initiatives.
This adaptable approach allows us to adjust our expertise to suit local needs, placing a strong emphasis on building local capacity and empowering communities to effectively protect whale sharks.
We take pride in developing innovative, non-invasive research techniques that promote data-driven, effective conservation efforts for endangered ocean wildlife.
Our team members have led the global conservation assessment for whale sharks and have played a significant role in achieving legal protection for the species and their habitats across multiple countries.
Global Team
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Dr Simon Pierce
CO-FOUNDER / PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST
Dr Simon Pierce is a pioneering researcher and global leader in whale shark conservation, founding the Global Whale Shark Program. Simon co-authored the first-ever scientific textbook on whale sharks in 2021, led the recent global conservation assessment of the species, and serves as a member of the IUCN Shark Specialist Group.
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Dr Chris Rohner
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST
Dr. Chris Rohner is a renowned marine biologist who completed his PhD on whale sharks in 2012, becoming the first to conduct doctoral research on the species in Africa. As an international expert in satellite tracking, population modeling, and shark ecology, Chris is an integral part of the Global Whale Shark Program.
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Dr Clare Prebble
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST
Dr Clare Prebble is a central member of the Global Whale Shark Program, having pioneered the emerging field of biochemical ecology and its application to movement and feeding studies, completing her PhD on whale sharks in 2018.
Research Associates
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Dr David Robinson
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
David runs the Sharkwatch Arabia initiative and has been monitoring whale shark occurrence in the region for over a decade. He completed his PhD on the topic, conducting extensive field research in Qatar, UAE, and Oman, analyzing whale shark movements and population ecology in the region.
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Stella Diamant
RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
Stella, a dedicated biologist holding an MSc from Imperial College London, established the Madagascar Whale Shark Project in 2016 following her inspiring encounter with a whale shark in Nosy Be. As the project lead, her primary focus is on collecting ecological data, advocating for sustainable management, and fostering education within local communities and the wider public.
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Alex Watts
PHD CANDIDATE
Alex Watts has a focus on spatial genetic mechanisms. She examines the demographic history, diversity, and connectivity of whale shark populations using genetic and genomic markers.