How can fishers, scientists, and communities work together to reduce shark depredation?

In Part 2 of this episode of the Shark Trust Podcast, host Mark Stokes-Packer continues his conversation with marine neurobiologist Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch about shark depredation, fisher-shark interactions, shark sensory biology, and coexistence.

The conversation explores how sharks use electroreception to detect tiny electrical signals in the water, why different species respond differently to deterrents, and why future technology must be developed with shark biology, fisheries needs, and real-world practicality in mind.

Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below or email mark@sharktrust.org.

Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch:
Email: shark.ethology@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program Facebook page

Related research and links:
Project Cucut paper

Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program paper

Documentary

Follow the Shark Trust:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

YouTube

Support our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org.

Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars.

Artwork by rev.01 Studio.
Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan.
Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer.

Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!

Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube.

Chapters
00:54 Shark Deterrent Videos and Field Trials
01:34 Are Sharks Fussy Eaters?
02:55 Shark Sensory Biology and Deterrent Technology
05:29 Practical Ways Fishers Can Reduce Depredation
08:00 Community Engagement at Lord Howe Island
10:03 Changing Attitudes Towards Sharks
13:16 What Does Successful Coexistence Look Like?
16:44 Shark Depredation at Sharks International
19:01 Future Research Priorities
23:38 Vic’s Favourite Shark Species
25:07 Chimaeras and Deep-Water Sharks

What happens when sharks and fisheries overlap?

In this episode, Mark speaks with Marine Neurobiologist Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch about shark depredation, shark behaviour, sensory ecology, and the complex relationship between sharks, fishers, and marine ecosystems.

Together, Mark and Vic explore shark depredation, also known as bite-offs, where sharks remove fish from fishing gear before the catch can be retrieved. They discuss why this is becoming a growing issue for fishers, as well as the wider impacts on sharks, fisheries management, and marine ecosystems.

Listen to Part 2 to continue the conversation!

Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org.

Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch:
Email: shark.ethology@gmail.com
LinkedIn
Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program Facebook page

Related research and links:
Project Cucut paper

Lord Howe Island Shark Research Program paper

Documentary

Follow the Shark Trust:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

YouTube

Support our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org.

Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars.

Artwork by rev.01 Studio.
Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan.
Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer.

Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!

Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube.

Chapters
00:26 Meet Dr Victoria Camilieri-Asch
03:18 Shark Behaviour, Brains and Sensory Biology
06:06 What Is Shark Depredation?
07:59 Why Depredation Is Becoming a Growing Issue
13:18 Impacts on Fishers, Sharks and Ecosystems
23:18 Key Drivers of Shark Depredation
26:20 Project Cucut in the Cocos Keeling Islands
29:06 Electrical Shark Deterrents and RPELX
31:06 How Shark Deterrent Technology Works
34:13 Reducing Depredation, Bycatch and Gear Loss
38:23 What Comes Next for Shark Depredation Research

Can people and sharks safely share the same waters?

In this episode of Series 2, host Mark Stokes-Packer speaks with Dr Adi Barash, marine biologist, shark researcher, and founder of Sharks in Israel. Together, they explore an unusual shark hotspot, where aggregations of Dusky and Sandbar Sharks gather near coastal power plants.

Adi explains how these shark aggregations were first discovered, what attracts the sharks to the area, and how years of research have helped reveal their behaviour. As more people become aware of the phenomenon, the site has become increasingly popular with divers, swimmers, and wildlife enthusiasts, creating new challenges for both shark conservation and public safety.

The conversation also explores a tragic shark bite incident that occurred in Israel in 2025. Adi shares the wider context surrounding the event, including environmental conditions, human behaviour, increasing visitor numbers, and the lessons that can help reduce risk in the future.

From recovering shark populations and citizen science to wildlife management and responsible behaviour, this episode examines what true coexistence looks like when people and sharks share the same space.

Please like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment. If you have a question about Living with Sharks, drop it below and we can answer it in a future episode. Or email mark@sharktrust.org.

Follow Dr Adi Barash:

LinkedIn
Sharks in Israel website

Sharks in Israel Facebook
MECO Project

Follow the Shark Trust:
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn

YouTube

Support our work by becoming a member, adopt a shark, donating, or taking part in our citizen science projects. You can do all of this by visiting sharktrust.org.

Series 2 sponsored by SurfEars.

Artwork by rev.01 Studio.
Video and sound editing by Louis Hogan.
Research and planning by Cat Gordon and Mark Stokes-Packer.

Thank you for listening to the Shark Trust Podcast!

Our short documentary "Living with Sharks: In the Bahamas" is available on YouTube.

Chapters
00:26 Meet Dr Adi Barash
02:33 From Sea Turtles to Shark Research
06:06 The Sharks and Rays of Israel
10:01 Living with Sharks in Israel
15:22 What Attracts Sharks to the Area?
16:48 People, Sharks and Shared Waters
19:34 Growing Tourism and Public Interest
23:34 The 2025 Shark Bite Incident
27:37 Understanding Risk and Coexistence
31:25 Public Perception After a Shark Bite
33:21 Conservation Success and Recovering Shark Populations
38:52 Managing Shark Hotspots
44:13 Sharks in Israel and Citizen Science