MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Shark Expert Separates Fact from Fiction About the Ocean’s Most Misunderstood Predator Ahead of Shark Week

Shark Expert Separates Fact from Fiction About the Ocean’s Most Misunderstood Predator Ahead of Shark Week

MIAMI, Fla. – Sharks are once again in the spotlight, sparking conversations about these often misunderstood animals and the science behind what we know about them. While sharks are frequently portrayed as intimidating predators, researchers continue to uncover a much more complex story about their behavior, biology and the critical role they play in healthy ocean ecosystems.

Maggie Winchester-Weiler, senior manager of Florida conservation at Ocean Conservancy, has spent years studying that story firsthand. A marine biologist with extensive field research experience, Winchester has worked with some of the world’s most fascinating shark species, including Greenland sharks, one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Her research has included implanting heart-rate monitors to understand how these sharks respond to stress and environmental changes, as well as studying how catch-and-release fishing impacts shark survival.

Winchester-Weiler has also taught shark biology and conservation at Shoals Marine Laboratory, co-run by the University of New Hampshire and Cornell University, for nearly a decade, giving students hands-on experience studying sharks in the field. She combines scientific expertise with compelling stories from years of research, offering audiences a rare look at the animals behind the headlines.

Available to discuss:

• The science behind the sharks capturing public attention
• Why sharks are far more complex than their reputation suggests
• What researchers have learned from working with sharks up close
• The surprising ways sharks respond to stress and survive
• Common misconceptions about shark behavior and encounters
• Why shark conservation matters for the health of our ocean

Maggie Winchester-Weiler is available for interviews in person in Miami or virtually; to schedule a time, email Sabrina Hennessy at [email protected].

PHOTOS AVAILABLE AT THIS LINK

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ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY  

For more than 50 years, Ocean Conservancy has delivered effective, evidence-based solutions for the ocean and all who depend on it. Today, we continue to unite science, people and policy to protect our ocean from the greatest challenges it faces: climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss. We are a 501(C)3 headquartered in Washington, D.C. that inspires a worldwide network of partners, advocates and supporters through our comprehensive and clear-eyed approach to ocean conservation. Together, we are securing a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone. For more information, visit oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Bluesky or Instagram.