tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80544653825674222242011-10-22T14:56:05.117-07:00Living life, saving sharks, and earning my wingsJulie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.comBlogger681100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-41609808188114489492011-10-22T13:27:00.000-07:002011-10-22T14:55:42.530-07:00

It has been a hectic year indeed! Fin Free, the campaign, launched, Shark Angels has taken flight in a big way with thousands of angels around the world, I became a face for ScubaPro, and I started United Conservationists with Rob Stewart, award winning director of Sharkwater! Phew.As Executive Director for both United Conservationists and Shark Angels, and of course my roles in both Built By

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-63067093523628249822010-07-15T11:47:00.000-07:002010-07-15T12:09:10.099-07:00

Hong Kong is leading the movement to SAY NO to shark fin soup! And in doing so, changing the world.Paul and I spent a week in Hong Kong last month working with some really inspiring people. You see, Shark Savers is extending their Shark Fin Soup campaign to Hong Kong and we are fortunate enough to lead the media side of things. We shot in Hong Kong for a week, interviewing people who had given up

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-60136685194695900502010-07-15T11:00:00.000-07:002010-07-15T12:08:01.441-07:00

I Pledge Not To Eat Shark Fin Soup... Join Me! from WildSphere Productions on Vimeo.A short teaser of Shark Saver’s Hong Kong campaign highlighting several people taking a stand, vowing not to eat shark fin soup, and asking others to join them. This is the first in a series of several films from our Hong Kong filming project launched in conjunction with our “Pledge Not to Eat Shark Fin Soup”

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-39733515750933681162009-12-29T06:50:00.000-08:002010-07-15T12:09:55.472-07:00

The last six months have been hectic, with both Paul and me working on several global shark campaigns with some incredibly talented and passionate folks (and thus, the long pause in postings!). This month, the first campaign “Say No to Shark Fin Soup” launches in China. And we couldn’t be more excited about its potential.(English version of the online site... Brilliant design and illustrations by

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-12937078553625293672009-10-09T00:16:00.000-07:002009-10-09T12:06:53.478-07:00

So you don’t eat shark fin soup or live in a country that considers it part of its culture? Doesn’t matter. You can still make a difference in the shark issue and save your share of the 100,000,000 killed a year.Most likely, the sale of shark products is legal in your town, yes - your town. The local restaurants, grocery stores, health food stores, beauty salons and even pet stores may sell shark

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-17102643560892181402009-09-30T04:49:00.001-07:002009-09-30T09:26:43.638-07:00

Last April, Palau announced they were considering legislation to legalize shark fishing for foreign vessels in their water. Yes – Palau. A country who relies upon tourism for over 60% of their GDP – the majority of that being dive tourism.Over the last several months, Shark Savers, with the support of several international and local Palau organizations, has been actively conducting a campaign to

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-9747903749647309332009-09-28T01:49:00.000-07:002009-09-29T00:55:30.111-07:00

(Photo by Mark Van Coller: www.earthphotos.co.za)My article on Aliwal Shoal - my favorite place on earth - is running this month in Sport Diver. Initially, I was thrilled to bring some US attention to the spot and to an operator, that to me, represents exactly what you are looking for when you go shark diving. Someone who cares about the sharks, who is passionate, who is knowledgable, and who

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-23656485039037654972009-09-27T10:58:00.000-07:002009-09-27T12:44:00.917-07:00

What does it mean to be shark friendly? Well, in Windsor, England, it means no shark products are sold anywhere in the city limits: not a single cartilage pill at the local herbal shop, not a single rock salmon steak at a restaurant, not a single bowl of shark fin soup, and not a single shark tooth trinket at a souvenir stand. Yes, the favorite home of the queen is now the FIRST place in the

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-56885075036015296872009-09-26T06:41:00.000-07:002009-09-26T11:43:16.088-07:00

Many people assume that because they don’t eat shark fin soup – then they can’t possibly be contributing to the demise of the sharks. And while shark fin soup does account for a considerable amount of shark consumption, there are many other culprits. It isn’t just something that can be blamed on a single culture or country.Often, I find many people surprised – including myself – to discover what

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-1632547795437413662009-09-04T03:00:00.000-07:002009-09-28T09:08:05.547-07:00

And the killing continues...Sharks Board caught a 4.2 meter white shark (almost 1 ton) on a drumline three days ago in Zinkwazi and a 2.8 meter white shark yesterday.Both sharks are protected in South Africa - and world wide - and on the IUCN red list. Apparently there is much controversy around how KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board caught the sharks as usual (reportedly they released the first shark

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-85199525116793266032009-08-20T10:13:00.000-07:002009-08-20T11:51:39.853-07:00

It is a much repeated narrative... I recant it time and time again. It invariably follows the question "What do you do?" and my answer, "I work for the sharks." After processing this response (usually unable to hide the shock and disbelief), "So, why sharks?" is blurted out. Or at least, that is the polite response I can share.So why, with all of the other issues on the planet and with my '

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-31715645226906614992009-07-21T00:35:00.000-07:002009-08-21T01:10:10.245-07:00

My article on Shark Nets ran in South Africa's DiveStyle magazine this month, the same month, ironically enough, that South Africa declared they are the only country to offer a "big seven" to tourists. What did they add to the list of tourist-attracting animals? Sharks and whales. Hmm...So, sharks draw in enough tourists that South Africa has decided to position themselves uniquely as the only

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-48341277882610895712009-07-02T07:54:00.000-07:002009-07-02T08:04:02.304-07:00

After writing an email 5 days ago to Humana, horrified they had recommended the millions of people that attend Taste of Chicago should east shark if they want to make a "healthier choice" (though the consumption of shark carries warnings from the EPA, FDA and World Health Organization), I finally received a response.I received an email back from their PR today department thanking me for my "

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-74148825354172033912009-06-26T20:43:00.001-07:002009-07-02T07:53:51.828-07:00

Today, I am embarrassed to call myself a Chicagoan.Just when you thought people were catching on to the issues with with eating tuna, shark, and other large predatory fish, we were shocked to learn that a supposed leader in health care known for enabling people to make well-informed decisions regarding their health and healthy lifestyles is recommending the consumption of shark – in a very public

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-50940182652704494822009-04-28T01:54:00.000-07:002009-04-28T02:25:28.482-07:00

Congratulations to Shark Angel Kim and all of Sea Shepherd's hard efforts to persuade Holista to cease all production of Shark Cartilage Products. This is a huge win for sharks!Read More...

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-19945650409442673292009-04-27T08:26:00.001-07:002009-04-27T08:56:59.803-07:00

(Julie with The Crusaders post-dive. Photo by Mark Addison.)A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to accompany a very special team of individuals when they encountered sharks for the first time. And, the results similar to so many before them, for this shark conservationist, were inspiring. And reminded me again why this fight is so worth fighting.While still in Durban last week, I joined New

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-22251121566123750302009-04-11T08:25:00.001-07:002009-04-12T02:09:07.089-07:00

(One of the blacktips we caught and tagged.)A few months ago, I was reminded how important it is to work with our children, raising a new generation of conservationists to take over where we leave off in the hopes they can be more successful than we were. I have always enjoyed teaching kids about sharks, loving how open minded and thoughtful they are. But this time, I had an even greater joy - I

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-33177088061796004822009-04-11T06:43:00.001-07:002009-04-11T06:47:38.085-07:00

I have been quiet for a while - busy on the Shark Angel's latest campaign. We aren't ready to release the details yet, but we are hard at work gaining footage from our latest battleground. In the meantime, you can view our latest clip. (Loving Vimeo, BTW.)

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-12153721797287680892009-02-21T03:29:00.000-08:002009-04-28T01:28:41.949-07:00

This was part of the full story shot in November. Way to go Shark Angel Alison!

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-64454626910295741272009-02-17T01:47:00.000-08:002009-02-17T05:04:43.580-08:00

(The beautiful Nyami Nyami - photo by Alison Towner)Three weeks ago, Meaghen McCord from the South African Shark Conservancy (SASC) and her team found the 4 meter giant in the Breede River over 15 km from the ocean. She was an over-achieving shark, setting many records – and proving many theories wrong – including the fact she was living far outside of her known range - in an area she wasn't

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-6589357946104966032009-02-15T03:50:00.000-08:002009-02-28T04:03:15.969-08:00

To read the article, click on the images...

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-55115740098818660322009-01-20T00:06:00.001-08:002009-01-30T00:08:02.997-08:00

Our impact on the oceans over the last century has been greater than all previous centuries combined. We are quickly changing the oceans’ chemistry, temperature and biodiversity while at the same time, only just beginning to understand these changes’ implications. We know so little really; we are still learning about the oceans’ important role in our climate, atmosphere, and planet, still

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-35170227659017700342009-01-12T23:40:00.000-08:002009-01-29T23:55:58.956-08:00

Southern Africa has some of the richest shark waters in the world – which is part of the reason I find myself, a shark conservationist from Chicago, USA, drawn here. Over 210 species live in the nearby waters, more than 60 of which can only be found here.However, like many other places around the globe, Southern Africa's sharks are vanishing before our eyes at alarming rates. Shark finners,

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-74735762088326538482008-12-27T02:20:00.001-08:002008-12-29T05:58:51.558-08:00

This time, it was a pregnant female that was caught and killed in the shark nets installed near Scottburgh beach today. A shark whose population is so threatened, it is raised in test tubes in Australia in a desperate attempt to save it from extinction. A shark that is rarely linked to incidents with humans (and more than half of those are provoked) whose main source of food is small fish and

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-8982288372342490782008-12-15T05:42:00.001-08:002009-04-11T08:07:38.285-07:00

There is blood on my hands again. And this time, it is thanks to an archaic, culling technique called Shark Nets.In this day and age, with all we know about sharks – including their dwindling numbers, their critical role in our ecosystem, their behavior, and the infinitesimal risk they pose to us – it is absolutely appalling that shark nets exist. Shark Nets are a crime against our oceans and

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-16945229754858047302008-12-10T09:15:00.000-08:002008-12-27T06:09:35.356-08:00

I have been all over the world diving with some of the most incredible animals on the planet. But today, I had the best diving experience I have ever had. Without any tanks. Which is the exact reason why it was so special.Having just completed my freediving lessons, I was eager to try out my new skills. Somehow Mother Nature knew and delivered the perfect day which was all the encouragement Mark

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-90825748436374480982008-12-03T04:32:00.000-08:002008-12-27T06:10:20.585-08:00

Every time we get the message out there, we are one step closer to saving our sharks. So we always welcome [positive] press.A follow up to the Planet in Peril piece that featured both Shawn filming and Alison on camera, Nightline decided to do a piece on White Sharks – and the Shark Angels. Sadly, only Alison and I were together – as Kim was busy gearing up for the 2009 Sea Shepherd whaling

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-44753873943360041592008-11-25T05:20:00.000-08:002008-12-29T05:42:38.520-08:00

(Hood mounted Landie Cam captures the moment)Paul and I decided to head to Mozambique for a few weeks to accomplish two tasks: 1) see for ourselves the state of sharks and finning operations having received many reports that Southern Africa and in specific, Mozambique, is under attack, and 2) to see the whale sharks and manta rays that Tofu is famous for ourselves – craving a bit of live (rather

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-64110361005893153072008-11-20T04:06:00.000-08:002008-12-27T06:12:42.594-08:00

I am not sure why, but in the four years my parents have lived within a few hours of the infamous Manatee spot, Crystal River, I have never headed up to see them. Not that I don’t absolutely love manatees. In fact, I kayak throughout the mangroves near my parents house every time I am there hoping to get a glimpse of one. And while on the jetski, I am constantly peering into the water desperate

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-32007661200306428542008-11-15T17:34:00.000-08:002008-12-27T06:14:04.917-08:00

I was absolutely gutted to hear from my dear friends Mark and Gail Addison that three tiger sharks were caught and killed in the nets off the coast of Aliwal Shoal. I spend my life fighting to save these creatures and their thoughtless and completely purposeless deaths are incredibly disheartening – especially in a country known for shark conservation.South Africa is a country of extremes. While

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-52817997779763776192008-11-08T02:42:00.000-08:002008-12-27T06:15:12.437-08:00

I know it seems this way, but I don’t just love sharks. I cherish all creatures that live in water – after all it all started for me in the lakes and streams of Wisconsin with turtles, salamanders, frogs and blue gills.I have run into some pretty strange animals and fish in some pretty strange places. But, who would have guessed I would meet a pod of Dolphins in Chicago of all places?I have

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-28651104195109383992008-11-01T04:24:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:16:02.042-08:00

Finally the long awaited show featuring last year’s Sea Shepherd whaling campaign (Operation Migaloo) is being released on Animal Planet. Shark Angel Kim is one of the key characters and I can’t wait to see her in action on the high seas.The campaign was an exciting one, with hostages being taken, Paul getting shot and one of the Zodiac’s tipping over into the frigid waters. I am sure the seven

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-87083911812632614642008-10-27T02:32:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:53:19.859-08:00

It is that time of year again! Time to fill my Christmas list with dive destinations I can’t wait to visit and new gear sure to make a diving technophile excited! And most importantly, catch up with those folks that I rarely get to see – some only at Dema.Dema is the industry’s largest diving trade-only exhibition. This year, I attended as a Shark Saver and for the Underwater Channel.It was

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-49627960169184787112008-10-15T09:31:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:19:19.605-08:00

After over four and a half months in Africa, it was finally time to go home for a quick visit to see loved ones, reconnect with the Shark Savers in NYC, go to Dema and film a few episodes for the Underwater Channel.Funny, coming back to the US, I thought I was eager to get back but instead I instantly realized how out of place I feel. My life and work as a conservationist in South Africa has

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-52807609082770447632008-10-03T03:49:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:18:37.972-08:00

And… I am loving it!Last year, I had the opportunity to meet Hanli Prinsloo – world class and champion freediver when I was diving with the white sharks. Watching her in the water made me realize she is true to her word. She really IS water. So graceful and free underwater on a single breath of air.A few days later I did a photo shoot with Roger Horrocks freediving with tiger sharks. And while I

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-58279136216137152522008-09-29T03:35:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:20:15.569-08:00

I have finally seen the world through the eyes of a shark.For the last month or so, Paul and I have been on the National Geographic Crittercam deployment team thanks to Shark Angel Alison! Alison is working with the group to put cameras on the backs of white sharks and she needed a first mate and a cameraman. Enter Paul and myself.Over the last several weeks now, the alarm has been going off

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-31051013909056539842008-09-25T08:27:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:21:23.710-08:00

Paul (my favorite camera man from Lkwid Productions) and I headed out to do some filming for the national evening news here in South Africa and nearly lost our livelihoods! (Read the story then watch the footage...)It all started innocently enough. Shark Angel Alison’s research is being featured in a national story on SABC and rather than head out with her, they wanted some footage of her in

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-68290655155053973202008-09-22T03:07:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:22:07.659-08:00

As the second piece of my white shark series on the Underwater Channel, I headed out to Gansbaai, South Africa, where I was joined by shark whisperer and famous white shark underwater filmmaker (and my dear friend), Morne Hardenburg. The goal of this piece? To examine the controversy surrounding the cage diving industry.Another important aspect to the great white shark’s conservation in False

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-39009214062685317822008-09-18T09:34:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:22:57.589-08:00

One of my absolute favorite things to do is to teach children about sharks. Sadly, I have had more meaningful discussions with them then plenty of the adults I deal with.And, children not only tend to have a much more balanced view towards sharks, but some absolutely LOVE them. In fact, it is quite often that I run into a child who can barely form complete sentences, but can still tell you the

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-59204638500366573642008-09-03T02:39:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:26:26.409-08:00

While Alison and I have been busy in South Africa, our third shark angel Kim, Executive Director of Sea Shepherd, is setting the rest of the world on fire - and making sure our message is out there. That sharks - completely misunderstood and mal-aligned creatures - are being chased into extinction, without most of us knowing or caring.A few months ago, Kim made a heartfelt presentation to over

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-36880240444728411802008-09-01T12:32:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:27:24.472-08:00

Paul just sent me a highlights reel from our trip to Sodwana filming for the Underwater Channel (which coincidentally launched today). It features me basically getting mauled by quite a few different creatures on my search to find a whale shark.... Not only is it quite amusing, it is a proud moment for my parents. Dad, my certifying instructor who taught me to be such a responsible diver,

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-13879127324090637992008-08-27T13:56:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:28:58.736-08:00

Out of sight out of mind, as the saying goes. This is why so many people are surprised when I tell them that many shark species are almost extinct. And nearly all are headed for disaster.But, you can’t stop something so terrible from happening if you don’t know about it. Or know why you should care.Over 100,000,000 sharks were killed last year – primarily for their fins. Indeed, their

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-5352358593003924992008-08-16T12:38:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:30:21.328-08:00

I just finished filming my latest segment for the Underwater Channel with my new favorite filmmaker who I dragged to South Africa all the way from Malaysia after working with him in Sodwana, Paul Wildman and the amazing shark whisperer (and filmmaker) Morne Hardenburg. This time, I found myself in False Bay, South Africa, the largest bay in this country – a place notorious for its Great White

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-46814523147503205732008-08-07T12:08:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:31:08.117-08:00

I spent the last two days dissecting sharks. Yes, that is right... I said dissecting. I performed eight personally and witnessed many, many more, including a great white dissection. What is a conservationist doing spending time with a bunch of dead sharks? Yes, I asked myself the same question.But now I realize the important role this type of science plays in the conservation of sharks. How do

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-13639866229103235892008-08-03T10:58:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:32:27.795-08:00

(Video of the experience at the bottom of the blog.)I think I have finally found something I like better than diving with sharks. Sharing that experience with others – especially those who are, shall we say, not yet enlightened, deeply rooted in that fear and misconception culture that surrounds sharks. And Saturday, I had the amazing opportunity to do just that. With a group of folks that are

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-84406166298053792342008-07-28T05:22:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:33:34.995-08:00

The surfing hippopotamus, affectionately nicknamed Nkululeko (which means freedom in Zulu) and his charming story ends with a senseless, brutal tragedy on South Africa's South Coast. In March 2008, residents of the KwaZulu-Natal Coast were delighted to find an adult hippopotamus, uncharacteristically frolicking in the water on the beaches. The lone hippo, who instantly captured the hearts of

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-5571417369985693572008-07-27T01:56:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:25:33.517-08:00

I recently crossed the Botswana border back into South Africa and got a new visa! I am fully legit until the beginning of November now. It was like Christmas morning for me.As with any plans in Africa, everything has changed once again. Now I am headed off to stay near Aliwal Shoal (Durban) with Mark and Gail Addison in preparation for the Shark Angels premier on July 31st.I am moving

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-20838780726280134682008-07-23T13:31:00.000-07:002008-12-27T06:24:13.092-08:00

I have just returned from the most amazing place on earth… The Okavango Delta in Botswana. I headed to the Delta for a real bush adventure, with my dear and most incredibly adventurous friends Gail and Mark Addison. The goal? To dive with the infamous crocodiles of the delta, yes, free of any cages. I know what you are thinking… Shark Girl is now truly insane. Maybe I even thought that a bit,

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-74001901047053006242008-07-11T11:58:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:48:09.436-08:00

While on the Sardine Run, my new friend Paul Wildman and I hatched a plan to go to Sodwana, and since he was a camera man and I had a monthly piece due for the Underwater Channel, shoot my first segment in Sodwana. As a “face” of the newly launching broadband channel, once a month, I am responsible for delivering a captivating dive story.But, I did not decide to go for the gorgeous lettuce coral,

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-41469841975977060772008-07-04T13:18:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:57:54.557-08:00

My nickname is Shark Barbie. Most people call me that behind my back, but a few have made the mistake of calling me that to my face. My friend Roger Horrocks gave me the nickname, and I think he must smile his broad, mischievous smile every time I squirm in discomfort when I hear the term, knowing the annoyance he has caused.It is amazing how a nickname can stick – particularly one you dislike.

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-63223298014312596732008-06-29T13:15:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:50:07.961-08:00

The primary reason I initially decided to come back to Africa – though it has clearly been pulling me back for months – has finally arrived! It is SARDINE RUN time! Once a year, the Sardines move down the coast of South Africa as the water temperatures change, and with them comes an amazing display of predators and action. Diving gannets, humpback and bride whales, dolphins by the thousands,

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-8641537591224332492008-06-21T13:24:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:50:48.533-08:00

My dear friend and fellow Shark Saver director, Jamie, has arrived in South Africa and our new adventures have begun!They all started with me deciding to take on one of the most daunting tasks, I think I have ever taken on. I was so nervous about it, I couldn’t sleep for days… Yes, I decided to DRIVE in South Africa. Which, by the way is no easy task for someone from the states. First of all,

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-67400840742597177942008-06-18T13:20:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:51:23.525-08:00

The first week of my South African adventure has been spent primarily in Capetown and Gansbaai with my fellow Shark Angel, Alison. I am staying with Alison, her fiancé Mourne, and two petulantly delightful Staffordshire terriers – Blue and Bruno. I have missed Alison so. As soon as we met last year, it was like we were all sisters who had grown up together forever, the three angels. With her so

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-21748584454756301622008-06-12T13:19:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:53:59.286-08:00

Reality has set in. I have just spent the last two weeks closing out what will from this point forward be known as my “old life.” Here I sit on a plane bound for South Africa and a direction that I cannot course.It all happened so quickly and fell so perfectly into place. In one week’s time, I decided to put all my worldly possessions into storage, give up my life in New York and set out for

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-63827714745242198732008-06-02T14:49:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:54:34.910-08:00

As shark populations plummet worldwide with many species rapidly facing extinction within the next two decades, Australia, a country often known for its environmental rigor, has made a shocking move. The Queensland, Australia government is legalizing shark fishing in the Great Barrier Reef.A historical first, the Queensland, Australia government is creating a dedicated shark fishery in a World

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-57101419092975645652008-05-31T19:58:00.001-07:002008-12-29T05:55:10.722-08:00

I am still a little amazed by the reaction I get from people when I tell them what I do.I am working to save sharks – a species facing a seemingly inevitable and closely looming extinction. As a Shark Angel and a director of Shark Savers, I raise public awareness about the issue, I educate people on the truth about sharks, and I tirelessly fight for their protection and against those that are

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-68940998423593638912008-05-28T19:01:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:56:23.308-08:00

(Photo by Jim Abernethy.)I had a terrifying experience today. I was stalked, terrorized and even had to fight off a vicious attack. My heart raced as I narrowly escaped the predator – barely making it away unscathed. Others, I knew, hadn’t been so lucky.I spent the day diving with sharks. Caribbean Reef Sharks to be exact.But it wasn’t while I found myself surrounded a dozen sharks quickly

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-69666321628160260502008-05-27T18:35:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:55:49.548-08:00

(Eric, Raquel, Julie, Jim, Matt's Brother, Matt, Cannon)If you can't actually be in the water with sharks, then the next best thing is to share shark stories all night long with others who have as much of a passion for sharks as much as you do!Today, I headed to West Palm Beach for an amazing opportunity: I got to hang out with three of my favorite people – and three hot shark studs. A

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-78636419659327178322008-05-26T15:41:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:57:00.761-08:00

It is a phrase I love. If you do anything… do it big. Don’t hold back. My friend Roger always uses it, and I think it has become my new mantra. I thought of it today when I got a note from him asking if I wanted to be in a piece (on shark conservation) for German Playboy. But he, and that, are stories for another day.Fearless is often a word used to describe me. Which actually surprised me in

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-59483972520768657732008-05-24T19:18:00.000-07:002008-12-29T05:59:36.480-08:00

This cute little guy is a Black-Crowned Night Heron. He is a predator that eats fish, hunting all day long.This particular heron is my buddy. He spends his days waiting for a hand-out at the boat launch near Mote Marine, frequented by fisherman who will give him a bit of their catch. (I must say his cute little eyes are hard to say no to.) I constantly see people feed him – in fact I saw someone

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-62018931063408050802008-05-22T17:43:00.000-07:002008-12-29T06:00:34.870-08:00

When I went to Starbucks today, the cashier looked at me like he couldn’t understand what I was ordering. I said it four times. Turns out, he was just entranced by my baseball hat…. which had the Sea Shepherd Jolly Roger (pirate) logo on it. “Sea Shepherd!!!” He exclaimed and thrust out his hand to vigorously shake mine. “Thank you. Thank you so much for what you do. You guys are amazing.”And

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-27911857450578264632008-05-21T20:25:00.000-07:002008-11-19T02:52:21.354-08:00

According to the most recent WWF study, the US wins the extinction contest. Yes, the US has killed off more species than any other country in the planet. Seriously.

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-41379589273917754302008-05-20T19:55:00.000-07:002008-12-29T06:04:23.629-08:00

I think the next time someone asks me why sharks, I am going to say “because I am hopelessly attracted to dangerous men, you know, the real bad boys – men who are absolutely awful for me. If a man is unavailable, far too confident for his own good, or a total player, rest assured this is the guy I want. So getting into the water with sharks is a much better option – keeping me away from the real

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-90656338178432498442008-05-19T19:33:00.000-07:002008-12-29T06:01:21.042-08:00

(Persia White, me, Ashley Lou Smith, and Claudette Cassanovas at Karen Dawn's book party.)Another fantastic evening at the launch party for Karen Dawn’s book, Thanking the Monkey, and new friendships are born.Out again with Paul Watson and his girlfriend Claudette. This time, it was to attend our friend, Karen Dawn’s, book launch for her book dedicated to protecting those creatures on this

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-33723129752408480732008-05-18T12:00:00.000-07:002008-12-29T06:03:54.551-08:00

An amazing coincidence, and one I have taken to interpret as an affirmation of my decision.I try not to be, but I am always the crazy girl at the party who talks about sharks all night long, whipping out my iPhone to show proof that we simply aren’t on their menu. Though I do have other interests... it always comes up. And even when I am not the one bringing it up into the conversation, these

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-73787532693455714782008-05-17T05:01:00.000-07:002008-12-29T06:02:30.273-08:00

So, everyone always wants to know... why sharks?I grew up in the water… I was the kid who was always swimming in a lake, river or stream, eagerly peering to the bottom to have a chance encounter with some sort of marine life! I would catch guppies and put them in jars as my pets, obsessed with all things aquatic. I come from a long line of "mermaids" – some of my favorite childhood memories

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-18962569698956998932008-05-16T17:12:00.000-07:002008-12-29T06:01:55.347-08:00

I have finally taken the big step. Always dreaming of it - but never really thinking it could possibly ever become a reality. Caught up, I guess, in what most of us believe defines success - and the socially acceptable way to act. Achieve success at all costs. Climb the corporate ladder. Buy a great house and a fabulous car. Build a huge bank account. Yes, I have done all of that. I owned my own

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8054465382567422224.post-17752627608409170212008-04-28T03:09:00.000-07:002009-04-28T03:50:35.116-07:00

This is really all about the sharks, but a few folks have asked for my "business" bio, so here it is...I have always been a passionate environmentalist, diver and lover of the oceans, with a special relationship to sharks. An avid diver for the past 14 years, I have logged more than 300 hours in the water with many different shark species in many different habitats. In that time, I personally

Julie Shark Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00014745608109180663noreply@blogger.com0