People who work with Sharks: Dr Ryan Kempster

Mossel Bay, June 2016:  Dr Ryan Kempster is a shark biologist and founder of the non-profit organisation Support Our Sharks (SOS). He obtained his B.Sc. (2005) and M.Sc. (2007) in marine biology in the UK, and went on to complete a Ph.D. at the University of Western Australia (UWA) in the sensory biology of sharks. Dr Kempster recently spent a month with Oceans Research working on his shark deterrent project.

How did you end up in science and research?
I’ve always had an interest in animals and science, although, my path has changed quite a lot, which was dictated by how well I was doing in certain subjects. When I was younger, I wanted to be a vet, but didn’t quite get the grades needed. My college supervisor had a nephew studying marine biology so he threw it out to me as an idea. I ended up doing........ continue here --> http://capetownsup.com/all-cape-town/our-oceans/item/82-shark-people-dr-ryan-kempster

Fiona Ayerst: Underwater Photographer

Mossel Bay, August 2016:  Fiona Ayerst is a specialist stills underwater photographer. She’s also a writer, public speaker, tour guide and a passionate conservationist who speaks up for animal rights.

How did you get into underwater photography?
I have always been passionate about water and being immersed in it. I feel safe and happy in water. It is my ‘ go to’ place if I am ever stressed. As a child, I spent many holidays in the blue, warm Indian Ocean around  Mombasa. My parents say I could swim before I could walk. I definitely preferred being in water from a very young age. I started photography as a hobby around 14 years ago, then in April 2007 I decided that I needed a career change. I was a litigation attorney with my own practice in Johannesburg at the time. I sold the files in my firm and decided instead to follow my passion for photography. Some may call this a ‘mid-life crisis’........

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