Along with being a major advocate for shark research and conservation, biologist Melissa Cristina Marquez has become one of the leading advocates for women and minorities in the field of shark research.
Marquez is the the founder of The Fins United Initiative, an educational initiative that introduces audiences to the diverse sharks and scientists who study them, and host of the ConCiencia Azul science-based podcast. When she is not being mauled by crocodiles while filming for Shark Week on Discovery Channel, the doctoral student of environmental studies at Curtin University is a contributor on shark-related stories to Forbes.com
As part of this site’s mission to bring you a wide range of expert voices from the global shark community, Sharkophile was able to speak exclusively with Marquez about her work, her outreach efforts and her inspirations as a scientist:
For those who don’t know about the Fins United Initiative, what is the purpose and how can people get involved if they are interested?
The Fins United Initiative is a shark, skate, ray and chimaera education and conservation program aiming to unite fin lovers worldwide. Our mission is to provide easy-to-access information on all sharks and their relatives worldwide through partnerships with educational institutions and other programs.
The organization was first established in 2013 in sunny Florida, and was dubbed as “Sarasota Fins.” Inspired by the lack of shark education and conservation integrated into school curriculum’s, I began creating the tools and products I believed would help inspire understanding of these beautiful creatures. As the program’s popularity grew, its educational outreach expanded and the need for a more encompassing name became clear: thus, The Fins United Initiative was born.
We use innovative, participatory learning techniques that allow non-expert audiences to fully grasp the important role these animals play in our oceans and the threats they face. From easy-to-understand bio blog posts, infographics, handouts, and more, The Fins United Initiative provides materials that anyone can use, allowing for anyone to be a TFUI representative. We have also partnered up with Keep Fin Alive to create “The Little Fin Fighters,” allowing for shark education to be led by even the littlest of environmentalists. People can check out our “get involved” page to join TFUI.
How did you get the nickname “Mother of Sharks?”
My friend Eddie gave it to me! I volunteered at an aquarium in New Zealand and he saw me interacting with the shark there, acting just like a mum. The name stuck.
What are your favorite sharks and why?
My favourite shark is the tiger shark, Galeocerdo cuvier, because of their beauty and charisma!
Who were the biologists that inspired you to study sharks?
Eugenie Clark is one of the biggest role models for me in marine biology in regards to sharks, but no biologist really inspired me to study sharks. I’ve loved them since I was little!
Do you think the field of shark biology has become more inclusive over the last decade? If not, what can be done for better diversity?
I do believe it has gotten better but the field of marine biology is still very expensive. This makes it so that while there may be more diverse faces nowadays, the field of shark science is in no way inclusive to everyone.
One way to help start making it more inclusive is scholarships!
What message would you tell young women who might be interested in becoming shark biologists?
If you want to do it, do it! Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you love. There are many women doing shark science and we are happy to have you!
If you could produce any Shark Week episode, what topic and what researchers would you like to see featured?
I’d love to do an episode about different species of sharks (like the Caribbean rough shark, frilled sharks, epaulette sharks, etc.) and the research we are doing about them and why they all matter. I would love to see diversity in both sharks and the researchers featured!
Which would be tougher to survive, an attack by 10 1-foot crocodiles or one 10-foot chicken?
Oh man… give me the small crocodiles any day, haha.
Don’t forget to follow Melissa on Twitter @MCMsharksXX