What is Sharkphoria? Sharkphoria is a science based Patreon channel dedicated to creating shark awareness and to share marine biology content through videos. The person behind Sharkphoria and creator of the videos is a marine biologist and shark researcher, Johanna Kohler, based in the Cayman Islands. As part of the non-profit collaboration, Shark Conservation Cayman, Johanna studies the local shark population which is also part of her PhD. Her shark research interests include shark behaviour and ecology, shark reproduction and human-shark conflict mitigation.

By becoming a Sharkphoria Patron, anyone can now step into Johanna’s world and join her on the journey to a PhD in shark research as she is not only sharing fun, science based shark video tutorials, but also exclusive insights and first hand experiences.

Sharks are one of the most misunderstood creatures.  Many people fear sharks as a result of blockbuster movies and sensationalizing media.  Media, which continues to give sharks a negative reputation, doesn’t help.  According to Johanna, sharks are not something to be feared, but rather respected. What is truly terrifying is the paramount decline of shark populations globally and the thought of a future without sharks.  For many shark conservationists, the common goal is to change the public perception of sharks and show them in a new light— highlighting how truly fascinating and important sharks are.  Johanna’s 8 years of experience in shark research and working with sharks together with her undying passion for these animals and her job, make her the perfect shark advocate. If you love sharks or want to learn more about sharks, even if you are scared of sharks, then Sharkphoria is an excellent resource for amazing shark content and marine biology background. 

Watch the Sharkphoria Trailer and Watch the full Welcome Sharkphoria Video here.

 

Love & Support Sharks and Shark Research

Donate towards the cause.  Patreon is a website and crowd-funding platform which makes continued financial support for creators and their projects possible. The idea behind it is that many people add to one pot to directly support individual creators which enables them to continue their work. The goal of Patreon is not the once-off donation of large sums but rather smaller, consistent financial support to keep a project alive. The payment may be for a video, song or short story depending on the creator. Johanna is creating videos for Sharkphoria Patrons. Her different tier options provide different benefits in addition to the paid post (i.e. video). Check out her tier options, there is something for every wallet with lots of different perks.

An Interview with Johanna Kohler

1. What does Sharkphoria stand for?

Sharkphoria the combination of the words “shark” and “euphoria”. I made it up. It’s my word for the joyful feeling I get deep inside when I see a shark.

2. What kind of content can viewers expect?

Become a shark expert! Sharkphoria is a science based Patreon channel that lets you step into my world of shark research by becoming a Patron. Ever wondered what it is like to be a marine biologist, a shark researcher or just want to know more about sharks and the ocean? 

With 8 years of experience I’m creating educational and fun content revolving around sharks, research, diving, the marine environment and my PhD journey. There will be tutorials, field trip expeditions, vlogs and much more.

3. What inspired you to start this project?

My vision for the channel is to provide high quality, informative content to the Patrons. I see Patreon less as a donation platform and more as an opportunity for everyone to subscribe to university level content for a small donation. Doctorate degrees often include a teaching component and I consider this a good opportunity for me to share my knowledge. 

I’m German and started out as dive instructor. I did my undergraduate at the University of Cape Town (marine biology | oceanography). For 3 years I’m based in the Cayman Islands where I work for Shark Conservation Cayman. People ask me questions about marine biology, the ocean, fisheries, sharks, shark research and field trips all the time. 

Many are interested in the marine environment, even when they don’t live near the ocean, and want to know how it all works but not everyone wants/is able to take the route to go to university and study marine biology. It is however important for us that did, to share our knowledge with the public in order to do effectively work and conserve the marine environment, including sharks. 

Via the Sharkphoria channel, everyone is able to become a marine biology and shark expert. It doesn’t matter where you are, whether you live by the sea or inland, no matter what your job is, whether you are in school or working in an office, the videos are online and accessible worldwide. The public perception is the biggest challenge we face in (shark) conservation. We need to work together. Sharkphoria via Patreon allows me to that! 

4. How is my patronage helping sharks?

For less than the price of a cup of coffee per video you get access to university level shark and marine biology content and to conserve sharks. First of all, by subscribing and helping me to continue my work you not only educate yourself but others as well. Raising awareness and outreach helps sharks.

But it doesn’t stop there. By signing up you are supporting my scientific work as well. The research funding doesn’t cover my living expenses therefore I need your help to continue with the research and conservation efforts. 

5. What is your PhD thesis on?

My PhD thesis is on the behaviour and relative abundance of sharks in the Cayman Islands with special reference to the Caribbean reef shark. The Caribbean reef shark is endemic to our region which makes the population more vulnerable and research, to understand their population dynamics, of high priority.

6. What is your favourite shark?

Tiger shark – They are incredible. They are the fourth largest shark, they travel super long distances and their teeth have a funky shape. Oh and I love their pattern, simply stunning!

7. What’s your vision after your PhD?

After the PhD, I’ll continue to follow my passion to study sharks and to share my knowledge with others in return. My goal is to use our research to develop better ways to protect sharks and the marine environment so future generations are able to benefit from and enjoy the ocean like we all do now.

8. What is your favourite or most memorable shark experience?

This is hard, every shark experience is a great memory. I guess the most impactful experience was my first ever shark encounter. I was snorkeling in Australia when two large bull sharks showed up. It changed my life forever! 

Resources

Johanna Kohler

Shark Conservation Cayman

Sharkphoria