Confessions of a Shark Tracker- Richard Fitzpatrick
Explicit content warning
05/23/25 • 61 min
This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. Fitzpatrick is well known for his work with National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel, where his stunning underwater cinematography has brought the ocean’s most fascinating creatures to global audiences. As a key researcher at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, he’s also played a crucial role in tagging and tracking sharks to better understand their behaviour and migration patterns. His passion for marine conservation and storytelling has made him a leading voice in ocean preservation.
Check out on instagram @biopixeloceans
Web is biopixeloceans.org
Shark Tracking website: Biotracker.org
Read the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Tracker-Confessions-Underwater-Cameraman/dp/1742234933
* Butler, F., Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W., Gurney, J., Inaba, K., Jacobs, L., ... & Danyliuk, O. (2024). Who needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned from a review of tourniquet use in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery , 97 (2S), S45-S54.
Link to articleWho needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned... : Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
* Dupuy, C., Martinez, T., Duranteau, O., Gauss, T., Kapandji, N., Pasqueron, J., ... & TraumaBase Group®. (2025). Comparison of the lethal triad and the lethal diamond in severe trauma patients: a multicenter cohort. World Journal of Emergency Surgery , 20 (1), 2. Link to article https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5434464/v1
* Goralnick, E., Chaudhary, M. A., McCarty, J. C., Caterson, E. J., Goldberg, S. A., Herrera-Escobar, J. P., ... & Haider, A. H. (2018). Effectiveness of instructional interventions for hemorrhage control readiness for laypersons in the public access and tourniquet training study (PATTS): a randomized clinical trial. JAMA surgery , 153 (9), 791-799.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583882/
* Hicks. C.(2020). Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage.Life in the Fast-lane. Retreived on the 20th April 2025 from Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage
* Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W. C., Drew, B. G., Butler, F. K., Gurney, J. M., Montgomery, H. R., ... & Linchevskyy, O. (2023). Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 95(6), e54-e60.Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment - PMC
* Kragh Jr, J. F., Wallum, T. E., Aden III, J. K., Dubick, M. A., & Baer, D. G. (2015). Which improvised tourniquet windlasses work well and which ones won’t?. Wilderness & Environmental Medi
This episode is ideal for anyone pursuing a career in marine biology as we sit down with Richard Fitzpatrick, an Australian marine biologist, award-winning cinematographer, and shark expert. Based in Queensland, he has spent decades studying marine life, particularly sharks and other large predators, contributing to scientific research and conservation efforts. Fitzpatrick is well known for his work with National Geographic, the BBC, and Discovery Channel, where his stunning underwater cinematography has brought the ocean’s most fascinating creatures to global audiences. As a key researcher at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, he’s also played a crucial role in tagging and tracking sharks to better understand their behaviour and migration patterns. His passion for marine conservation and storytelling has made him a leading voice in ocean preservation.
Check out on instagram @biopixeloceans
Web is biopixeloceans.org
Shark Tracking website: Biotracker.org
Read the book: https://www.amazon.com/Shark-Tracker-Confessions-Underwater-Cameraman/dp/1742234933
* Butler, F., Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W., Gurney, J., Inaba, K., Jacobs, L., ... & Danyliuk, O. (2024). Who needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned from a review of tourniquet use in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery , 97 (2S), S45-S54.
Link to articleWho needs a tourniquet? And who does not? Lessons learned... : Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
* Dupuy, C., Martinez, T., Duranteau, O., Gauss, T., Kapandji, N., Pasqueron, J., ... & TraumaBase Group®. (2025). Comparison of the lethal triad and the lethal diamond in severe trauma patients: a multicenter cohort. World Journal of Emergency Surgery , 20 (1), 2. Link to article https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5434464/v1
* Goralnick, E., Chaudhary, M. A., McCarty, J. C., Caterson, E. J., Goldberg, S. A., Herrera-Escobar, J. P., ... & Haider, A. H. (2018). Effectiveness of instructional interventions for hemorrhage control readiness for laypersons in the public access and tourniquet training study (PATTS): a randomized clinical trial. JAMA surgery , 153 (9), 791-799.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6583882/
* Hicks. C.(2020). Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage.Life in the Fast-lane. Retreived on the 20th April 2025 from Trauma! Extremity Arterial Hemorrhage
* Holcomb, J. B., Dorlac, W. C., Drew, B. G., Butler, F. K., Gurney, J. M., Montgomery, H. R., ... & Linchevskyy, O. (2023). Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment. Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, 95(6), e54-e60.Rethinking limb tourniquet conversion in the prehospital environment - PMC
* Kragh Jr, J. F., Wallum, T. E., Aden III, J. K., Dubick, M. A., & Baer, D. G. (2015). Which improvised tourniquet windlasses work well and which ones won’t?. Wilderness & Environmental Medi
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Did Social Media Screw Sharks?
Welcome back to Shark Stories! After a long break, join us for a good old-fashioned rant as I ask my social media following to tell me... has social media screwed our sharks? In this episode, I read your answers and give you my personal take on the issues. From redirecting shark videos to recreational shark fishing, has social media screwed our sharks?
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Have Shark Populations Boomed?
In this episode, we dive into the ongoing debate about whether shark populations are truly booming or if this claim is based on misconceptions. With growing concerns from fishermen, particularly in the U.S. and viral discussions on social media, we explore whether sharks are increasing in numbers or simply recovering to historical baseline levels. Joining the conversation is marine ecologist and investigative journalist Spencer Roberts, who provides insights into the factors fueling the "shark overpopulation" hysteria. Tune in for an evidence-based look at shark conservation, media narratives, and what’s really happening in our oceans.
The Great American Shark Slaughter
Stop Shark Poaching (video, petition, thread)
Pelagic shark declines:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-020-03173-9
Deep sea shark declines:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ade9121
Coastal shark declines:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1079777Deep-sea
Only shark sanctuaries have seen shark mortality decrease:
https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adf8984
Catch and release laws aren't enough to save sharks:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/faf.12892
Note: Within minute 41:00 of today’s episode, Spencer said NOAA but was talking about FWC. Please don’t panic, we’re aware. Carry on.
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