Photo credit: Matt Bryant / @mirrorlessmatt
Good day shark people! Today I am delighted to initiate this series of interviews with Kaitlyn McQueeney a talented Captain, marine biologist, photographer and safety diver, member of the crew of Shark Tours Florida. Let's dive into her fascinating world, surrounded by sharks and wildlife to discover more about her job as an ecotour guide and diver.
Hi Kaitlyn, thank you very much for this interview. the first question I would like to ask is: how long have you been working with sharks and what is your background (ie. biology photography etc.)?
When I was fourteen years old, I chose to pursue a career in shark conservation. My first shark dive was in 2011, and I graduated with a college degree in marine biology four years later.
I have been professionally working with sharks for about four years in Palm Beach, Florida.
I am a captain, shark diver, and photographer for Shark Tours Florida.
What is precisely your work? Is it difficult to work in the “shark field”? What would you suggest to people willing to work in this field?
I have multiple roles as a crew member for Shark Tours Florida. I am a licensed captain, photographer, marine biologist, and safety diver.
It can be difficult to work in the shark diving industry, but no one reaches their dream job without fighting for it. I just keep my head up and stay focused on our mission: to introduce people to sharks, show them their true nature, and to inspire our guests to use their voice to advocate for their conservation.
My best advice for working in the field of shark conservation is to gain experience in many aspects that make you more well-rounded. I am not only a shark diver, I also learned how to drive a boat and earned my captain’s license. The more skills and credentials you have, the more successful you will be. As a shark feeder, safety diver, and captain, I can fill in any role to make the trips happen.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that it is not always about taking photos for social media; there are a lot of behind the scenes work that people don’t see, like working on boat repair and maintenance under the hot sun.
Yes, diving with the sharks and taking photos is the best part of the job, but if you really want to make it in this industry, you have to put your whole heart into it...all of it, not just the fun parts.
Photo courtesy of Kaitlyn Mcqueeney
Which is the species that is most common to see during your days out at sea?
This is an excellent question. We encounter many shark species, and it depends on the season.
In winter, we commonly see lemon sharks and bull sharks, with the occasional great hammerhead and tiger shark sightings.
In summer, we see the pelagic species that visit our local waters only during this season, including sandbar, silky, and dusky sharks.
We are fortunate to have a rich biodiversity.
During these years have you seen a decrease in sharks sightings?
Unfortunately yes, I have noticed a decrease in shark sightings. The best example I can give for my local situation here in south Florida is the great hammerhead shark. Only four or five years ago every winter, local divers would see great hammerheads regularly on their dives. Over the recent years, however, fishermen have been killing them, from boats and from the beach. Hammerhead sharks have a very high mortality rate after “catch and release,” so their population size here in south Florida has noticeably decreased. It is now a more rare encounter when we see great hammerheads.
What is the most surprising thing you saw during these years?
One of my favorite recent surprises was when I saw my first leatherback sea turtle just offshore.
It was during the peak of sea turtle nesting season and one of our guests spotted the giant animal as it was taking a few breaths on the surface before diving back down to the deep blue.
I’ve also seen dolphins, manta rays, even a tiger shark hunting a sea turtle while riding the shoreline. The southeast coast of Florida is full of life and we are lucky to witness its beauty.
What would be your message to raise awareness on shark conservation?
Support shark ecotourism by joining us on a shark dive. The fishing industry brings in a lot of revenue for states and countries through permits, boat registrations, and fishing gear, yet fishing contributes to the decimation of shark populations. By supporting the ecotourism industry, you help by proving that sharks are worth more alive than dead.
Educate yourself about illegal longlining, bycatch, sportfishing, shark finning, etc.
Most importantly, help spread our message to others to strengthen a whole community of shark advocates. We need to use our voice to fight for the animals without one.
We're at the end of this beautiful interview! It was a pleasure to exchange with Kaitlyn about her work at Shark Tours Florida! Also, if you want to see amazing shark and wildlife as well as swimming with sharks, remember you can join Kaytlin with her amazing tours! Check more out at https://sharktoursfl.com/ and their IG page: sharktoursfl
And if you'd like to keep up with Kaitlyn adventures follow her Instagram page: sharkdiver_kaitlyn.