Discovery Studios, Shark Week

Posted bypauljclerkinPosted inResearchTags:, , , , , ,

Hired by Discovery Studios for Shark Week’s Alien Sharks: Return the Abyss. Contract involved returning to the Southern Indian Ocean to collect more data from bycatch accidentally caught by a licensed fishery in 2014.

Shark Week 2014
Shark Week 2014

Published by pauljclerkin

Paul J. Clerkin is a researcher with a master’s degree from Moss Landing Marine Laboratories currently working on his PhD at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Clerkin specializes in rare and deep-sea chondrichthyans and focuses on new species descriptions, taxonomy, life histories, genetics, and tagging of poorly understood shark species. His outside-the-box approach combines working with local fishers and high-tech innovative research techniques such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), specialized deep-sea cameras, and satellite archival tags. His research has granted him a variety of opportunities including leading workshops for the United Nations, serving as a shark expert for a Food and Agriculture Organization’s research cruise, and producing several shark documentaries. He has conducted research projects aboard ships in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. Clerkin has discovered over a dozen new species of sharks and has gotten in the water to tag some of the rarest sharks on the planet including the ultra-rare Megamouth Shark. Paul Clerkin is currently describing new species that he has discovered, preparing a workshop for the Republic of Mauritius regarding their National Plan of Action for sharks, and organizing an international research program for sharks. His research interests include: shark taxonomy, robotics, artificial intelligence, eDNA, biologgers, and marine conservation policy. Find him @ deepblueresearchfoundation.org https://pauljclerkin.com/ Twitter: @PaulJClerkin Instagram: paul_j_clerkin Facebook: @PaulJClerkin

2 thoughts on “Discovery Studios, Shark Week”

  1. Hi Paul,
    My six year old son is obsessed with your episode on Sharkweek. He’s watched other Sharkweek shows, but your Episode about Alien Sharks has been on replay AT LEAST once a day since it aired. Thank goodness for DVR.

    He also told me your last name to google you. He’s in first grade but loves facts and is very advanced in his education. I asked him if he wanted to be an oceanographer when he grows up. He said, “no… I want to be Paul Clerkin when I grow up.”

    So thank you for inspiring my son beyond his previous aspirations. I appreciate what he’s learned from watching you. Do you happen to come down towards Los Angeles for any lectures we might be able to go to?

    Thanks again for inspiring youth.
    Vanessa

    Reply

  2. Hello Vanessa,

    I am so glad that your son enjoyed the episode on Shark Week. I remember when I was six years old I would watch anything and everything to do with sharks.

    It sounds like you son is very scientifically minded, but more importantly curious and passionate. I am flattered to have had an influence on your son’s aspirations and I am sure he will succeed in whatever career his heart takes him.

    I will definitely let you know if find myself in the LA area and would be pleased to meet you and your son.

    Thank you for your kind words and support.

    Best,

    Paul

    Reply

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