What A Shark Scientist Wants You To Know About Ocean Conservation-Focused Travel

National Geographic Explorer Gibbs Kuguru is tired of hearing sharks portrayed as villains of the sea. The scientist and conservationist, currently in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, believes that sharks and all ocean creatures deserve our respect—and that it’s the only way to move forward when it comes to responsible seaside travel and truly collective ocean conservation.

We spoke to Kuguru to understand exactly what goes into what essentially boils down to doing PR for sharks and how the average traveler can make a difference when it comes to shark—and ocean—conservation as a whole.

Why sharks? What made you so passionate about them?

I’m irresistibly drawn to mysteries, and sharks offer the perfect intellectual thrill. Their enigmatic behaviour, evolutionary history, and their nearly flawless design are filled with insights about how they’ve managed to survive through five mass extinctions over the millennia. As a geneticist, I believe there are captivating secrets that unlock a profound understanding about the natural world. In a way, I feel like I’m like an investigative journalist, but for sharks.

Can you describe what the average day looks like as a Nat Geo Explorer?

For Explorers like me, there are hardly “average” days when it seems like every moment is infused with adventure. There’s a real juxtaposition between the physicality of the fieldwork where I’m wrangling sharks in the hot sun, compared to the clean, clinical laboratory side where we expose tissue samples to enzymes and chemicals so I can wrangle DNA. Lately, I’ve been harnessing the power of computer science to expedite my analysis of the sharks’ genetic code. Each step in this journey presents its own unique challenges, and that’s precisely what fuels my passion for this job!

What is the most rewarding part of being a scientist? How did you know you wanted to pursue research and conservation?

The most rewarding part of being a scientist is getting closer to the truth. In my world, that means unravelling the true nature of sharks through the secrets encoded in their DNA. It was through my genetic research that ignited my desire to pursue conservation. Delving deep into their genetic makeup, I’ve found that relentless overfishing of sharks has pushed them to the brink of extinction, forcing them into incestuous relationships as a last-ditch effort to survive. We’ve essentially broken the intricate mosaic of these shark’s DNA and there’s a chance we’ll never get that diversity back.

Can you explain your current research efforts as if you were speaking to a five-year-old?

I am using genetics to learn about how sharks live in the ocean. Their DNA tells me stories about their community that can help me learn if they are strong and healthy, or weak and in need of help. These days sharks need our help more than ever, which is why my research has led me to be a conservationist.

What are some common misconceptions that people might have about your work and research?

I used to think that sharks were solitary animals that have no associations with other members of their species. However, evidence has shown that some sharks form social networks in order to increase their chances of survival; they’re actually quite the social butterflies. Most interestingly, we’ve also found that sharks have unique personalities, which can be a major factor influencing their social structures.

Is it as dangerous as it sounds? Have you had any close calls?

There is always an element of danger when working with any wildlife; you have to be careful. But here’s the truth: sharks are not volatile, savage beasts because they can be (1) understood and (2) safely interacted with. When diving with sharks, the perfect conditions are paramount. It’s all about fostering mutual awareness between diver and shark, a key ingredient for a harmonious interaction! To date, I’ve not had any negative encounters yet, but plenty of moments where my mettle was tested.

What is the most difficult part of your job or research efforts?

My biggest challenge? Being the PR guru for sharks! Believe it or not, I used to fear them too, so I understand how people perceive them. The main hurdle lies in transforming social attitudes towards sharks while we’re bombarded with sensational headlines that paint an inaccurate picture of JAWS!. The only antidote for this misinformation pandemic is a firsthand encounter with sharks.

How has working in the Maldives shaped or changed your approach?

The Maldives is 99% water, which means that the seascape is the most pronounced feature of this island nation. It was a whole new world for me that demanded a meticulous study of the bathymetry of the archipelago as it drastically influences the wildlife in the water. Still, there are other factors that play a considerable, but not too obvious, role. Curiously, through my recent research endeavours, I’ve found the Blacktip Reef Sharks of the Maldives are true lunar-tics! This means that their activities are robustly attuned to the moon phase. When the moon is full these sharks become highly active and that’s also the best time to go out and find them.

How can guests actively help with conservation efforts?

In the Maldives, guests have the power to become conservation heroes by diving or snorkelling with sharks. It’s not just a thrilling adventure; it’s an investment in the future. A study showed that a single shark would contribute $3000 per annum to the country’s GDP through shark tourism. Compare this to the paltry $32 they would fetch in the fisheries marketplace. Every guest embarking on a diving trip becomes a direct contributor to the conservation of the species.

To support this initiative, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has implemented several exciting programs to educate guests on conservation efforts and environmentalism. Through the Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment program guests can explore and engage with nature whether through diving to explore coral reefs, piloting an underwater submarine, or taking drone simulation classes to identify marine life and detect plastic and waste in the waters, travellers can learn about the wonders of the ocean and the importance of preserving it.

Is there anything else you want readers to know about your research/collaboration with the Ritz-Carlton or about shark-focused tourism in general?

Collaboration is the heartbeat of conservation, and finding partners who share a deep love for the environment as I do is of the utmost importance to me. That’s why my time at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has been nothing short of inspiring. They’ve gone above and beyond to showcase their unwavering commitment to conservation and sustainability through ground-breaking initiatives.

One such game-changer is the Maldives’ Conservation Technology Hub, which is a partnership between The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands and Melissa Schiele, a brilliant Ph.D. researcher from Loughborough University. The efforts of the resort don’t just stop at internally.

Through their Community Footprints program, they rally the surrounding community and guests to join forces in preserving the environment. Every month, guests are presented with engaging activities centered around monitoring pollution, protecting natural spaces, and supporting crucial research. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is the epitome of ocean investment, a sanctuary where conservation dreams become a reality!