Learning About Sharks

[minimorph]

After loosing my grandmother and spending over a year not working and just 'living' i have spent alot of time thinking about where i am in life and where i want to be, whether a standard 9-5 office job is the right thing for me or whether its time to grow up and release my self from social norms.

I have always had a keen intrest in Sharks, mainly Great Whites are the peak of my obsession, but i have full appreciation for all breeds and calibres of them. I would absolutely love to be able to work with them, i have been reading alot of threads on the board, alot of great interesting facts, figures and opinions out there.

The problem is, i have absolutely no idea where to start, i am currently working my way through the ranks with the SAA (Sub Aquatic Association) and am based over in the UK (yeah i know, what a rubbish country to live in!!) Since starting nearly five months ago, i took it up more as a hobby, a reason to get out the house and meet new people and do something totally different to all my regular friends, i never once expected to fall in love with it as much as i have, i am seriously addicted and would have to say 90% of my woken day is spent researching, practising, or training.

After reading alot of articles, watching seminars ect on the internet i am really interested in Shark Conservation and research but have no idea how to get into it, after doing alot of research i understand that practically all (if not all) aspects of oceanography/marine biology involves Maths and Biology in some form so have signed myself up on British Schools GCSE courses (not sure the equivelants in other countries sorry) basically to brush up on my knowledge and take the first step towards the career and lifestyle that i love to have.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what the best course of action is for me to specialise in Shark Conservation and Research, the best type of course i should be taking (or aiming to take... was thinking marine biology degree) and if there was anything that i should be doing, trying to get involved in, to help me along the path.

Thanks in advance for all the brilliant suggestions, tips, advice ect that i know you guys will give!

Amy

 

[Ann Marie]

Amy, it sounds as if you are starting an exciting chapter in your life! I can think of a few people that may be able to give you some insight:
ScubaBoard - View Profile: Thalassamania

ScubaBoard - View Profile: drbill

ScubaBoard - View Profile: sam miller

I'll drop them a PM to this thread. I don't know how much they can offer but, they could offer up advice to set you on the right track.

 

[minimorph]

Hey Ann Marie, that would be great, any advice no matter how big or small would be well received, i have spoke to a few colleges and universities and got the impression they were more bothered about getting another student to enroll on their courses for statistics than helping me find the right course for me.

Last time i studied i had the same problem and ended up wasting two years doing a course that i not only hated but it turned out to be of absolutely no use to me at all. I literally could have sat in the pub drinking all day and gotten more out of it, i know 23 isnt exactly old, but the way i figure, if its gonna take roughly 6-10 years to train to the stage where i can get a decent enough job then i dont really have time to waste another 2 or more years on a pointless course... if you catch my drift.

I just cant wait to get started, im doing my boat handling course next month too, have to admit im really really excited about that!!

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

I am a supporting member of the Shark Research Institute and have joined them on research expeditions as a volunteer diver on a few of their Whale Shark expeditions. Marie Levine is the person to talk to at that organization. She may also be able to point you in the right direction since she has written books and articles on sharks. She also has lead many expeditions for the SRI.
Shark Research Institute- Contact

We also, like Ann Marie has pointed out, have a great resource of divers that have been studying sharks and are a great source of information here on the forum.

Carolyn:shark2: