Author: David Shiffman

5 things I learned helping to reassess the global conservation status of every species of tuna and billfish

Posted on By David Shiffman No Comments on 5 things I learned helping to reassess the global conservation status of every species of tuna and billfish
Conservation, Featured, Policy

One of my first part-time positions as an ocean conservation policy consultant was working for the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Tuna and Billfish Specialist Group. Our task was to update the IUCN Red List conservation assessments for all the different species of tuna and billfish on Earth. This job, a perfect introduction to working at … Read More “5 things I learned helping to reassess the global conservation status of every species of tuna and billfish” »

Key takeaways from my Convention on Migratory Species report on fish aggregating devices in the Mediterranean Sea

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Featured

The United Nations Environment Programme hired me to produce a Convengtion on Migratory Species report on the environmental impacts associated with fish aggregating devices and how to mitigate those impacts. Here are some key takeaways. FADs very widely in design, and different designs have different environmental impacts. Because open-ocean fish tend to associate with any … Read More “Key takeaways from my Convention on Migratory Species report on fish aggregating devices in the Mediterranean Sea” »

Sharks, science, and summer camp: Jeff Carrier’s underappreciated Seacamp legacy

Posted on By David Shiffman
Academic life

This summer, the American Elasmobranch Society held a memorial symposium for beloved scientist Dr. Jeff Carrier, and I was asked to speak about Jeff’s work at Seacamp. By request, here’s the text of my remarks, along with some photos. Many AES members worked with Jeff Carrier for longer than I did. But I bet that … Read More “Sharks, science, and summer camp: Jeff Carrier’s underappreciated Seacamp legacy” »

The conservation impacts of recreational fishing

Posted on By David Shiffman 1 Comment on The conservation impacts of recreational fishing
Conservation, Featured, Science

Fishing for fun, even “catch and release” fishing, can sometimes have a significant impact on fish species of conservation concern. When most environmentalists think about the impacts of fishing, they’re thinking about large-scale industrial commercial fisheries. These impacts are serious and absolutely deserve our attention, and indeed how to mitigate those impacts is the subject … Read More “The conservation impacts of recreational fishing” »

Want to wish someone happy birthday with shark facts? I’m now on Cameo!

Posted on By David Shiffman
Blogging

Want a fun and unique birthday gift+ for the shark nerd in your life? I’m now on Cameo, the app that lets you get a personalized video message from celebrities*. You can now hire me through Cameo to deliver a personalized birthday message, including a fun fact about sharks! Here’s how it works, for those … Read More “Want to wish someone happy birthday with shark facts? I’m now on Cameo!” »

The locksmith and the conservation scientist

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Education

Why well-intentioned but uninformed guessing cannot and will not solve conservation problems, and what we should do instead. Picture this scene: you’re walking down the street, and you see your neighbor pacing back and forth nervously near the door to his house. He’s locked himself out of his house, accidentally leaving his keys inside. A … Read More “The locksmith and the conservation scientist” »

Some upcoming public talks on shark science and conservation

Posted on By David Shiffman
Blogging, Conservation, Education, Science

I will be giving some public talks on shark science and conservation this summer. Here’s how to find me! Tuesday, July 7th, Silver Spring, Maryland (Wheaton Library, 5:30 P.M.) This talk is kid friendly, and is an overview of shark science and conservation, as well as my own story. There will be plenty of time … Read More “Some upcoming public talks on shark science and conservation” »

“Why Sustainable Seafood Matters” is now available for preorder! Here’s what it’s about, and why I decided to write it.

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Education, Featured

I am thrilled to announce that “Why Sustainable Seafood Matters,” my second book, is now available for preorder through my publisher Johns Hopkins University Press! Use code HWSSM for 30% off your preorder! Preorders are important because they help signal to booksellers how much interest there is in a book, so please consider ordering a … Read More ““Why Sustainable Seafood Matters” is now available for preorder! Here’s what it’s about, and why I decided to write it.” »

I just told 850 shark scientists a hard truth: We’re not communicating shark conservation correctly.

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Education, Policy, Science

At the 2026 Sharks International conference in Colombo, Sri Lanka, I was invited to present my research on the causes and consequences of public misunderstanding of shark conservation issues. The meeting brought together more than 850 shark scientists and conservation professionals from 84 countries, a new record for the conference. Here’s what I told them. … Read More “I just told 850 shark scientists a hard truth: We’re not communicating shark conservation correctly.” »

Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”

Posted on By David Shiffman
Conservation, Education, Featured

I am pleased to announce that I’ll be leading a symposium at the upcoming 8th International Marine Conservation Congress in Scotland! We’ll be discussing new developments and emerging trends in the field of ocean science and conservation communication, and will produce a multi-coauthor peer reviewed scientific journal manuscript. Here’s how to sign up to present. … Read More “Here’s how to join my IMCC8 symposium, “Ocean Science Communication: What’s New and What’s Next?”” »