From Skates to White Sharks: The Journey of Megan Winton

On this episode of the Beyond Jaws podcast, we dive into the career journey of Megan Winton from the Atlantic White Shark Organization. From studying different types of sharks to focusing on White Sharks for her PhD, Megan shares her experiences and recent accomplishment of becoming a doctor. Join us as we explore the evolution of shark science and the fascinating work of shark scientists like Megan.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of these incredible species and take your knowledge beyond jaws.

Atlantic White Shark Website: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org

Sharktivity: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org/sharktivity-app

Connect with us:

Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ

Beyond Jaws is supported by Save Our Seas
Website: https://saveourseas.com/

Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

Megan Winton's journey in shark science exemplifies the diverse paths individuals can take to become shark scientists. From her childhood fears of sharks in Florida to pursuing her dream career, Megan's story highlights the unique and varied backgrounds that can lead to a successful career in shark science.

Growing up in Florida, Megan was initially afraid of sharks due to the proximity of shark-infested waters in New Smyrna Beach, known as the "shark bite capital of the world." However, a pivotal moment at the beach witnessing a shark catch sparked her curiosity and led her to delve deeper into the world of sharks.

Despite her initial fears, Megan's interest in sharks grew as she read books, watched documentaries, and dreamed of becoming a shark scientist. Her passion for these misunderstood creatures drove her to pursue a career in marine science, ultimately leading her to study sharks.

Megan's educational journey took her from Emory University in Atlanta to Moss Landing Marine Laboratories in California, where she worked on skates and deep-sea sharks. She then transitioned to studying white sharks in New England, working with renowned scientists like Greg Skomal and Lisa Natanson.

Megan's transition from studying skates and deep-sea sharks to focusing on white sharks showcases the flexibility and adaptability required in shark science. Her willingness to explore different species and research areas demonstrates the diverse paths one can take within the field of shark science.

Megan's involvement in studying white sharks off Cape Cod and her collaboration with researchers across different regions highlight the interconnected nature of shark science. By working with scientists from various areas and sharing knowledge and experiences, Megan contributes to the collective understanding of shark populations and behaviors.

Overall, Megan Winton's journey in shark science serves as an inspiring example of how individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences can find their way into the field of shark research. Her story emphasizes the importance of passion, dedication, and a willingness to explore different avenues in pursuing a career in shark science.

The increase in white shark populations along the East Coast, including Cape Cod and Central California, can be attributed to a combination of conservation efforts and the recovery of seal populations. The conversation between Megan and Dave highlighted how the gray seal population's recovery played a significant role in attracting white sharks back to the area. In the 1980s and 90s, the absence of seals on Cape Cod beaches meant that white sharks were not a common sight. However, with the recovery of the gray seal population, seals became a prevalent food source for white sharks, leading to their return to the area.

Conservation measures put in place in the 90s have also contributed to the increase in white shark populations. These measures, aimed at protecting marine mammals like seals, have indirectly supported the recovery of white sharks. The protection of seals and other marine mammals has provided a stable food source for white sharks, encouraging their presence in these coastal areas.

The collaborative efforts of researchers and scientists, such as those working in Cape Cod and Central California, have been crucial in monitoring and studying the white shark populations. Through tagging programs, aerial surveys, and public awareness initiatives like the Shark Smart booths, researchers have been able to gather valuable data on white shark movements and behaviors. This data has not only enhanced our understanding of white shark populations but has also helped in informing conservation strategies and public safety measures.

The recovery and increase in white shark populations along the East Coast serve as a testament to the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems. The resurgence of seals and the presence of healthy white shark populations indicate a balanced and thriving marine environment. By studying and monitoring these apex predators, researchers can continue to unravel the complexities of marine ecosystems and work towards sustainable conservation practices.

Collaboration and communication among shark scientists play a crucial role in studying and understanding shark populations. In the podcast episode, Megan Winton discusses the importance of sharing information on white shark sightings and utilizing new technologies like drones and spotter pilots.

Megan mentions how shark scientists collaborate and communicate with each other to share information about white shark sightings. This exchange of data allows researchers to track the movements and behaviors of white sharks in different regions. By sharing sightings and observations, scientists can gain a more comprehensive understanding of white shark populations and their movements.

The use of new technologies like drones and spotter pilots has revolutionized the way shark scientists study these animals. Drones provide an aerial view of the ocean, allowing researchers to spot sharks from above and gather valuable data on their behavior and movements. Spotter pilots, like the one mentioned in the episode, fly over the ocean to locate sharks and report their findings to researchers on the ground.

This collaboration and utilization of new technologies enhance the efficiency and accuracy of shark population studies. By working together and leveraging advanced tools, shark scientists can gather more data, analyze trends, and make informed decisions about conservation and management strategies for shark populations. The shared knowledge and resources within the shark science community contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of these fascinating marine creatures.