Simon J Pierce

Shark Biologist & Underwater Photographer

  • Marine Biology
    • Whale Sharks
    • Scientific Publications
    • Want To Be A Marine Biologist? Read This.
    • Join Me In The field
  • Travel
    • My Hosted Trips
  • Photography
    • What’s In My Bag?
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Shark Biology & Marine Conservation

Simon Pierce in the field during Shiver filming

Working in a fishing community in Mozambique (I’m on the right)

Quick links:

  • Blog articles about my research
  • My scientific publications
  • Our whale shark research
  • So you want to be a marine biologist? Read this

My goal is to use science to develop and implement effective conservation initiatives. Most of my work has focused on threatened marine species, particularly whale sharks, and I collaborate on manta ray and sea turtle research.

I’ve also worked on fisheries management issues, particularly as they pertain to sharks and rays, and am increasingly drawn to the conservation of iconic marine habitats.

I’ve collated all my scientific publications here on the site. All are available for download.

Like geeky animal facts and dad jokes?

I write a few articles just for my mailing list. They normally focus on something interesting, and possibly hilarious, that I've learnt about sharks (or other random animals) that week. There may also be groan-inducing jokes.

Real talk: there will be groan-inducing jokes.

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Well hello there. I’m Simon.


I’m a Principal Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation, where I study whale sharks and other threatened ocean life, and a marine wildlife photographer. I’m hopelessly geeky about nature and wildlife, and I’d like to inspire you to feel the same way.

Feeling stalkerish? Here’s more about me. Sign up for my regular newsletter if you’d like to keep in touch. It’s fun.

New on Instagram:

Unless specifically noted otherwise, I’ve paid for all gear and accommodation that I recommend here on the site. To help cover my travel, I’ve added a referral code to some products and service links, such as Amazon shopping links. If you purchase something via that link, I earn a small commission. There’s no cost to you at all. Win-win!

If you’d like to support my writing habit – which I’d massively appreciate – you could start your online shopping through this site. Use these links for Amazon, Booking.com, or World Nomads Travel Insurance.

My full legal disclaimer is here if you’re particularly bored.

Like sharks, wildlife, and dad jokes? I’ve got you covered.

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© 2019 Simon J Pierce. All rights reserved. You look fantastic.