Episode 98: Arctic Foxes and the Great Canadian Shark
On this episode of Outdoors with Lawrence Gunther, Lilly shares news about Canada’s Arctic foxes, and Lawrence speaks with Dalhousie University’s Chris Harvey-Clark about his new book “In Search of the Great Canadian Shark.” With spring on the way, we have tips on how to decide what type of angler you are, and Lawrence reflects on the path to becoming a responsible angler.
Highlights:
- Introduction (00:00)
- Lilly on the Arctic Fox (00:39)
- Chris Harvey-Clark on his book “In Search of the Great Canadian Shark” (05:23)
- What Type of Angler Are You? (20:04)
- How Do You Become a Responsible Angler? (25:05)
- Show Close (27:48)
Guest Bio (from Canadian Geographic)
Dr. Chris Harvey-Clark obtained a B.Sc. degree with Distinction in Marine Biology in 1981 at the University of Victoria, followed by a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1985 from the University of Saskatchewan, and has practiced mixed species and aquatic/ exotic animal medicine in five provinces. Currently appointed at Dalhousie University in Halifax, N.S., he has published more than 50 research and clinical papers and book chapters on veterinary aspects of wildlife and marine species.
In 1995, he initiated a WWF-funded research program elucidating the biology of the leatherback sea turtle in the North Atlantic Ocean which resulted in the creation of the Canadian Sea Turtle Network. In 2003, he developed a diving research program using telemetry to investigate the biology and ecology of the Greenland shark and continues to use similar techniques in the study of another elusive species, the Atlantic Torpedo ray. Since 2018, Harvey-Clark has been active in research and conservation efforts focussed on the restoration of the severely endangered Atlantic Whitefish.
As part of a lifetime of support for citizen science and facilitating marine environmental conservation, he has written, filmed and hosted more than 30 natural history documentaries for Discovery Channel, BBC, National Film Board of Canada, History Channel, Netflix and National Geographic. An avid underwater image maker and diver since 1976, he participated in the creation of the late Rob Stewarts famous documentary Sharkwater II; Extinction. He wrote the first photo-illustrated marine life guide to the Maritimes, Eastern Tidepool and Reef, in 1996, a Canadian bestseller. In 2021 he published an expanded new guide, Maritime Marine Life. Since 2020, his research has involved the first-ever Canadian photo identification database documenting the resurgence of great white sharks in Atlantic Canadian waters.
More on Chris’ upcoming book “In Search of the Great Canadian Shark” available March 15, 2024 (info from Nimbus Publishing)
The story provides a firsthand account of underwater naturalist and veterinarian Dr Chris Harvey-Clark’s many diving research adventures with sharks, torpedo rays, endangered Northern Right Whales and other charismatic megafauna in Canadian waters. The book is loaded with fascinating biological discoveries and anecdotes featuring the secret lives of aquatic animals and tells the story of a burgeoning passion for marine species and undersea exploration.
From early experiences as a marine biologist and commercial diver to later, first-ever studies with Greenland sharks, torpedo rays, beavers and ultimately Great White sharks in Canadian waters, Chris gives you an immersive look at the unique animals and people encountered in Canada’s three oceans, as global warming changes the invisible underwater world that surrounds us.
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For more Lawrence Gunther check out Blue Fish Radio
The Blue Fish Radio show features subjects and people of special interest to the future of water, fish and fishing, and is ranked as one of the top 30 fishing podcasts on the internet.
Each week the host, Lawrence Gunther, interviews Canada’s “giants” in the fishing industry, CEO’s of conservation and sport fishing organizations, leading fish biologists and researchers, government scientists and politicians, and people with local and indigenous knowledge who exemplify the spirit of conservation and citizen science.
The Blue Fish Radio Show is the official fishing podcast of Outdoor Canada Magazine. The Show is also rebroadcast across Canada 5-times each week by AMI Audio over basic cable and satellite TV.