Paul Cox Managing Director Expand When I first started SCUBA diving 25 years ago, I could never have imagined that I’d end up being so closely involved in shark and ray conservation. I’m now very proud to be the Managing Director of the Shark Trust, as I have been for the past 4 years. I’m obviously involved in all aspects of the Trust’s work. But in particular I lead on the fundraising and partnership work which keeps us moving forward and growing in influence. I’m a marine biologist by training. But I’ve got a background in conservation communication and education so I’m fascinated by how we communicate as well as what we communicate.If I had to pick a favourite shark I think I’d go for the Blue. They’re just great looking sharks with a fascinating life history. But then you could say that about most sharks!
Glenys Heafield Company Secretary/Head of Finance & Administration Expand As the Head of Finance, I’m responsible for keeping the Trust on the straight and narrow by managing all the charities accounts and associated budgets. If you purchase anything from the Trust you’ll have had correspondence with me at some point. I’m also the Company Secretary and this entails ensuring the Charity is always legally complaint and up to date with legislative paperwork for both the Charities Commission and Companies House. I joined the Trust in March 2000 when the office had just moved from Newbury to Plymouth, there were only 2 staff back then. It’s been wonderful, over 19 years service, to witness the Trust moving from strength to strength and to play a part in the incredible world of shark conservation. My favourite shark is the...Tasseled Wobbegong
Ali Hood Director of Conservation Expand Working as the Trust’s Director of Conservation constantly inspires and challenges me, and has kept me motivated in my role since I started with the Trust in 2002! I work to secure management and protection for vulnerable species; to develop sustainable fisheries; to hold governments and industry to account for their commitments, and to call them out when they're falling short or praise them for success! And to endeavour to inspire the public, researchers, documentary makers, and the media to step away from the tired rhetoric of sharks as species to fear. Instead to grasp the consequences of biodiversity loss, and the fundamental role played by elasmobranchs in our ocean’s health. I also get to work with a phenomenal team of people, both within the Trust, and in our global network of collaborators. What’s not to love?! …but don’t ask which shark I like best, there’s too many to choose from!
Cat Gordon Senior Conservation Officer Expand I’ve been passionate about nature for as long as I can remember. At the age of 14, I began SCUBA diving and from then on, I also became fascinated with the ocean and everything within – I later trained to become a PADI Divemaster. I studied BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology followed by MSc Conservation Biology, and during this time discovered the Shark Trust. I went on to join the conservation team in 2010. I’m Project Officer for the Great Eggcase Hunt and have enjoyed watching the number of submissions grow over the years and seeing people get excited about finding their first mermaids purse. As well as this, I work on threatened species, such as sawfishes and angel sharks, and get involved with campaign activities. My favourite shark is….difficult to answer! I’m fascinated by Goblin Sharks as they are just so bizarre. I love hammerheads as I’ve had some great diving experiences with them in the Red Sea. Blue Sharks are really interactive in the water (and a great flagship British species!), and I have a soft spot for underappreciated species - especially the flat ones!
Hannah Tarrant Website Editor Expand With a lifelong interest in wildlife, I now enjoy working with the Shark Trust team to further the worldwide conservation of sharks, skates and rays. Since working here I've developed a particular fondness for the mysterious deep-sea chimaera. My role involves raising awareness about sharks and promoting the work of the Trust through the website. I also manage our online marketing and, more recently, have taken on the role of overseeing and creating printed materials.Since completing my degree in Art and Design with Drama in the Community, I've launched and managed several websites. With a background in arts marketing I joined the Trust in August 2009. Ever since then I've been spreading the word about the amazing world of sharks.My favourite shark is the...Epaulette Shark. It's so hard to choose just one! But the Epaulette is colourful, has a lovely pattern of spots and is extremely cute. Not to mention it can walk!
Rebecca Gillham Conservation Officer Expand I developed an interest in wildlife and a fascination with life underwater from an early age. This led me to carry out an MSc in Biological Diversity and seek out opportunities and experience in the field, laboratory and office in the marine science and conservation sectors.Joining the Shark Trust in November of 2017 was an amazing opportunity to learn more about the diverse world of sharks, skates and rays. As Conservation Officer, i'm involved with various projects including citizen science projects like the Great Eggcase Hunt, advocacy campaigns, fishing advisories and ID guides, as well as outreach events. The varied nature of the role has enabled me to gain a wide breadth of experience and develop my knowledge of these incredible animals. My favourite shark is...the Thresher Shark. Their elongated caudal fin is striking in more ways than one and able to stun prey with a powerful and speedy, effortless flick.
Heather Carstens Fundraising & Engagement Officer Expand I was thrilled to join the Shark Trust team in September 2018, I’ve always loved the oceans and I’m particularly interested in sharks. My role is developing and expanding the fundraising side to the charity, raising funds to support the work of the Trust. My role allows me to support and engage with a huge range of fundraisers, from first time runners to cyclists and shark enthusiasts. I’m enjoying working with all walks of life who want to challenge themselves and support shark conservation. Since completing my degree in Wildlife Conservation in 2008 I’ve worked in mixed roles in environmental education and policy. Now I’m enjoying this new role, expanding my skills and learning more about the fascinating world of sharks, skates and rays! My favourite shark is the…Blacktip Reef Shark. Mainly because that was my first encounter with a shark when I started diving, I was in awe of how peaceful and calm they were, resting on the seabed.
Emma Bagnall Fisheries Officer Expand As a keen SCUBA diver and all-round outdoor enthusiast growing up on the UK coast, I've always strived to focus my profession around the oceans and understanding how humans interact with it. I studied Marine Biology (BSc) and Marine Ecosystem Management (MSc), and then worked for three years based both in the UK and overseas within the fisheries management and marine conservation sectors. I'm proud to have now joined the Shark Trust team, where I can combine my interests in sustainable fisheries with shark conservation management.If I had to choose a favourite shark, I'd have to say the Greenland Shark (Somniosus microcephalus). Though they may not seem as charismatic as your typical ‘big sharks’, they're the second largest carnivorous shark and have the most incredible life history - spending much of their time living in the cold, deep seas and can live to ~400 years old!