Jan Bierwirth

As apex predators, sharks play an enormously important role within marine ecosystems. The global disappearance of various shark populations is upsetting the entire ecological balance of our oceans and at the same time endangering the livelihoods of many people who depend on marine resources.

Do you have any special skills, experience or expertise?

• After my geography studies, I changed tack a bit and had the great fortune to fulfil a personal dream with a Master's degree in "Marine Biological Resources". This means that I am naturally very close to the action and was able to raise my enthusiasm for sharks to a completely different level.
• As a passionate diver, I was fortunately also able to further my diving education as part of my studies and take my first steps (or rather fin strokes) towards scientific diving. The next goal will hopefully be the "European Scientific Diver" in the near future.

And which is your favourite shark?

Hemiscyllium ocellatum (lat.)

Epaulettenhai (dt.)

Epaulette shark (engl.)