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Meet Junior Shark Advocate Victoria

Writer's picture: Sharks4KidsSharks4Kids

Victoria is a passionate shark and ocean advocate! She is a diver and has joined our team for a shark research day! Learn more about Victoria and why she loves sharks.


1. What is your favorite species of shark and why?

My favorite species of shark would be the Whale Shark because of how graceful they are in the water, despite their large size. They are true gentle giants!



Victoria helping our team at Shark Con


2. What is one species of shark you would love to see or dive with?

I would absolutely love to see a Zebra shark on one of my dives because I have never had the opportunity to see them in real life before. I have never dove where they are native to, which is the Western Pacific Ocean. Being able to see a Zebra shark on a dive would mean that I’ve gotten to go to a new place and see even more new things!



3. Why do you love sharks?

I love sharks because they have such an important role in the ecosystem as predators, and because of how misunderstood they can be. A lot of people fear the ocean because of sharks, and I want to inspire people to love the ocean. I am so passionate about sharks because I want to be one of the people who helps show others that sharks should be loved and not feared!


4. Why did you want to learn to scuba dive? What has been your coolest moment underwater?

I have wanted to be a marine biologist since I was in kindergarten, and I learned at a very young age that scuba diving was possible. Ever since then, I wanted to get certified so that I could see what it was like underwater, and so that I could be more prepared for the time when I would eventually get a job in the marine science field! I have been diving since I was 11, and I plan to continue advancing my diving career for my future job. My coolest moment underwater was when I was diving at Georgia Aquarium for my 14th birthday. I got to dive in the whale shark tank, and I had been wishing to be able to see them for a very long time. I really love whale sharks, and I hope that I will someday have the chance to see one of my favorite animals again, but in the wild!


5. What advice would you give other students who are interested in the ocean and learning to dive?


If I had to give one piece of advice to students interested in learning how to dive, it would be to “dive in” both literally and metaphorically! Learning how to dive will open your eyes to a whole new world that you’ve never seen in person before, and is a useful skill for the future. Even outside of diving, it’s important to just dive in and take part in new experiences, as they will be what shapes your future career, whether it includes the ocean or not. Don’t be afraid to try and learn new things, you’ll never know where it’ll take you!


6. What is one fact you wish everyone knew about sharks?

I wish that people knew just how rare shark bites truly are, as there is a lot of unjustified fear of being bitten by a shark. Shark bites are very rare. Sharks are not something that should be feared, they should be protected instead.



Victoria taking a DNA sample from a shark during a scientific workup as part of a Sharks4Kids Research Day with Field School



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