It's time to dive into our SHARKFLUENCER interview with marine biologist, author, photographer, proud mom and founder of Sharks4Kids Jillian Morris (she/her/hers) - otherwise known as @biminisharkgirl on instagram.
When/where did your love of the ocean and/or sharks begin?
I am lucky to have parents who love the ocean and who shared that with me from an early age. I grew up on a lake, but we visited the ocean often. We went to Florida for my dad’s work each year, so I was able to snorkel and explore the ocean there as well. I saw my first shark ( a nurse shark) when I was 8 and was obsessed. I immediately started reading books about sharks and all marine life to learn more. I told my parents I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was 5 and it never changed.
Jillian with lemon sharks
(Photo by: Duncan Brake @underwatercameraman)
Imagine you woke up as a shark tomorrow, which species would you be and why?
Great hammerhead! I would love to see the underwater world from their point of view.
Jillian with great hammerhead
(Photo by: Sophie Hart)
I am a marine biologist, photographer and the founder of Sharks4Kids. My adult life has always revolved around sharks. I am also a mom and love sharing our ocean life with our daughter.
See more videos and learn about sharks on the
Shark4Kids YOUTUBE channel
How did you get into marine science? What is so fulfilling about this field?
It was something I always wanted to do. The ocean and sharks fascinate me and I’ve always wanted to learn more. I love sharing my passion for sharks with others in hopes that it inspire them to learn more. Education is critical for conservation and I want people to see how incredible these animals are and why they deserve our respect.
Within your community or abroad, have you noticed any improvement in the attitudes toward sharks since beginning your work?
Having worked in the science, media and education world, I have been lucky to work with people who love sharks and the oceans.
I have definitely encountered people who hate sharks and want them dead. We have to be able to hear all sides of the story in order for conservation to be successful.
We need to provide opportunities for experiences and understanding. I have seen people go from fear to fascination, especially kids. It’s remarkable how first hand experiences can change the way people think about something. I love when that change happens, as I think it makes an impact that can last a lifetime.
Jillian tagging a tiger shark
(Photo by: Duncan Brake)
Q:) What’s your proudest moment or greatest accomplishment thus far?
I am really proud of how much Sharks4Kids has grown! I am so luck to work with an incredible team of people who make our program possible. When a kid creates a poster or a video or becomes a shark advocate, it inspires me; it reminds me that there is hope and we can make a difference.
What’s an ultimate goal for your work? What do you (or other people) hope to get out of it?
I want kids to know they can make a difference. I want them to know they are far more powerful than they realize. I also want people to realize sharks are not monsters, but are actually really important for our oceans. You do not have to love them, but we need people to respect them. Ultimately I wasn’t to change fear and misunderstanding into fascinations and respect.
Jillian with Nurse sharks
(Photo by: Duncan Brake)
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