Behind the Fins: Sally Snow

1/25/2016

What can be said about Sally Snow? Well, a lot. As a whale shark researcher for the LAMAVE team based out of the Philippines, this woman from the United Kingdom wears many hats: zoologist, presenter and documentary filmmaker. LAMAVE just launched a new Expedition Shark fundraising campaign, but Snow kindly took some time out of her hectic schedule of shark chasing to answer a few questions.

Picture provided by Sally for use by The Fins United Initiative

The Fins United Initiative: What are you up to now-a-days?

Snow: I’m working with whale sharks in a place called Donsol in the Philippines – it has one of the largest aggregations of whale sharks in South East Asia and I am here with another member of our LAMAVE team to identify the individual whale sharks visiting the bay.

TFUI: Wow! What a feat! How is this accomplished?

Snow: We do this by taking a photograph of the spot pattern on the left side of the sharks body. This spot pattern is unique to every individual, and like our fingerprint we can use it to match and compare with other individuals in this case to find out if the same sharks are coming here year after year or if they are new visitors to the area.

TFUI: Talk a little about the Lamave Project and its impact on marine research/conservation.

Snow: LAMAVE stands for the Large Marine Vertebrates Project, Philippines and the project is the work of three Non-Profit Organisations (one in Italy, one in the USA and one in the Philippines). Our tagline is: Marine conservation through scientific research and education. Simply put, we use the information we collect during our research to understand the pressures on animals such as sharks, rays and cetaceans and take specific action to protect them. We do this by working with local communities as well as government agencies and the private sector.

TFUI: What are a few highlights from LAMAVE in recent years?

Snow: In 2014, we confirmed the first ever photo ID match of a whale shark between different Asian countries (Taiwan and the Philippines).

- We have positively identified three new species of rays previously unreported in the Philippines, which lead to revision of national law to list these animals as protected.

- We are a key resource provider for local marine wildlife stranding networks having trained hundreds of individuals including government officials on how to properly rescue stranded animals.

- We’ve also conducted comprehensive marine education classes in elementary and secondary schools, reaching nearly 15,000 students.

- We have identified over 300+ individual whale sharks across the Philippines!

Picture provided by Sally for use by The Fins United Initiative

TFUI: Wow! That is all so impressive! Congratulations to all who have been a part/are a part of such a great organization. What got you into studying marine biology?

Snow: I’m actually a Zoologist! I studied Zoology at University – which is the scientific study of the behaviour structure, physiology, classification, and distribution of animals.

TFUI: What a great way to show our readers that you don’t need a degree in marine biology to work with sharks, if their dream is to do so.

Snow: We looked at both Marine and Terrestrial animals – but I think it was my love for the ocean and my childhood growing up by the sea in Wales, UK that led me to specialise in marine animals. Our ocean is such an incredible habitat and we still know so little about it. I’ve always thought – why go to space?

TFUI: I do love me some space, but I love our planet’s unending mysteries that continue to unfold before our eyes!

Snow: There is so much still to explore below the surface of the water!

TFUI: Agreed. We know more about our moon than we do below our watery waves. Isn’t that crazy?! Speaking of water, who’s inspired you most in your marine science career?

Picture provided by Sally for use by The Fins United Initiative

Snow: I can’t name one – I’m inspired everyday by my colleagues, my parents (they are both Zoologists too) and my peers – I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to work with different scientists from all around the world. Then of course there are great people like Sylvia Earl - a great marine biologist and explorer – she even shares my birthday!

TFUI: Really?! Well, now we can write your name next to hers! What a cool coincidence.

Snow: And who can leave out Jacques Cousteau! I’m a filmmaker too, so I also have a soft spot for filmmaker Wes Anderson who brought us the ‘Life Aquatic’ a surreal take/parody on the life of Jacques Cousteau.

TFUI: I was introduced to ‘Life Aquatic’ a few years ago through a friend (shout out to my friend Ami) and it certainly was one of those movies all marine biologists should see. Okay, you are super busy and we have to let you go, but one more question: care to dish out any advice to TFUI readers?

Snow: I've always felt I've been given good advice so I'll pass some of that on - follow your dreams, keep learning, be polite and be persistent. If you really want something you can get it, just go after it! Never stop moving towards where you want to be.

TFUI: Couldn’t agree more: don’t get so caught up in your goals and so focused on the end result that you miss the miracle along the way. Thanks for your time, Sally.