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Dr. Greg Skomal whose remarkable life and research comes to life in CHASING SHADOWS: My Life Tracking the Great White Shark talked to Bill about the book...a conservation success story illuminating the efforts to restore an apex predator to its ecosystem
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ABOUT GREG SKOMAL AND CHASING SHADOWS
In August 2012, Cape Cod, Massachusetts experienced its first confirmed white shark attack in nearly eight decades. Typically a beloved seaside getaway, renowned for its idyllic scenery and carefree beach vibes, the tranquil atmosphere of the town gave way to panic and fear as shark sightings multiplied and beachside billboards warned of the growing shark population. Spending decades in the community and along the coast was Dr. Greg Skomal whose remarkable life and research comes to life in CHASING SHADOWS: My Life Tracking the Great White Shark (William Morrow; July 11, 2023; $29.99) by Dr. Greg Skomal and coauthored by Ret Talbot. Their book presents a remarkable account of the resurgence of great white sharks and the delicate balance between conservation and public safety. At the heart of this gripping narrative is Skomal, a renowned shark biologist whose lifelong passion has been to understand great white sharks. Chasing Shadows chronicles his journey navigating shark conservation efforts along the New England coast while pursuing groundbreaking scientific discoveries.
Dr. Skomal has dedicated over three decades to tagging, tracking, and demystifying these enigmatic creatures, employing an innovative array of high and low-tech methods, many of which he created, to enhance our knowledge of the animals. His work brings him face-to-face with these shadows of the deep, delving into the lives of the complicated beings who have long remained shrouded in mystery. Chasing Shadows tells a conservation success story illuminating the efforts to restore an apex predator to its ecosystem. It reveals a profound understanding of the great white shark's true vulnerability beneath its perceived ferocity. Skomal and Talbot offer a captivating narrative that explores the intricate puzzle of human and shark coexistence. By shedding light on the oft unseen world of these majestic creatures, the book challenges preconceptions and invites readers to consider a new perspective on their place in our shared environment. The book serves as a call to action, reminding us of our responsibility to protect and preserve the delicate balance of our oceans and their inhabitants. Through the triumphs and tribulations of Skomal's tireless efforts, readers are invited to embark on an unforgettable journey that will forever change their perception of these magnificent creatures.
ABOUT DR GREG SKOMAL
In addition to being an accomplished marine biologist, underwater explorer, photographer, and author-is a leading white shark expert in the Atlantic. He is a senior fisheries biologist with the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries and currently directs the Massachusetts Shark Research Program. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts Intercampus Marine Science graduate program; an adjunct scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Woods Hole, Massachusetts; and a member of the Explorers Club and the Boston Sea Rovers. Greg has authored dozens of scientific research papers and has appeared in several film and television documentaries, including programs for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, PBS, and numerous television networks. He is a regular on Shark Week and Shark Fest and is the author of The Shark Handbook. He holds a master's degree from the University of Rhode Island and a PhD from Boston University. He lives with his family in Marion, Massachusetts.
"When my late husband, Peter Benchley, started writing Jaws, he thoroughly researched available data on white sharks, but in the early 1970s, scant scientific data existed. . . . Chasing Shadows chronicles the research we've learned in the decades since and provides fascinating details about the great white shark in the northwest Atlantic." - Wendy Benchley, ocean conservationist and marine policy advocate.