Marine biologist Mollie Getson has worked with numerous species of sharks during her time as an aquarist at the New England Aquarium, Florida Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium. She currently works as a biologist for Bass Pro Shops and is an avid diver and ocean lover. We are thrilled to bring her experience and knowledge to our ambassador team. Mollie will be visiting schools in the Tampa area as well as attending events.
1. What is your favorite shark and why?
My favorite shark is the hammerhead shark because they are really cool to watch while they hunt! Their large dorsal fin that helps balance against their hammer shaped head is so pretty and it cuts through the water while they chase after their meal! They are really smart and can turn on a dime.
2. What is one species of shark you would like to see/swim with?
I would love to see a great white shark in the wild. I would definitely want to swim with one if I had the chance!
3. How did you get started working with sharks and marine life?
I got certified to dive when I was 12 years old. During our open water check-out dive we saw a massive goliath grouper and after that I was hooked on marine life forever! I had an internship during college at the New England aquarium and got to dive with their sand tiger sharks. I even got to help with a health assessment of the sharks, and after that I knew I just had to be around them forever!
4. What has been one of the coolest moments you’ve had with a shark?
One of the coolest moments I’ve had with a shark was while diving in Hawaii, and there was a oceanic white-tip shark swimming with a bunch of pilot whales. We got in the water and used an empty water bottle to make a noise (which mimics the sound of something munching on a fish) to bring the shark in closer and it totally worked! It came right up to us and it was awesome. So pretty!
5. What is one of the most challenging things about working with marine animals?
One of the most challenging things is learning the individual personalities of each animal. It is important to give each animal specific attention based off of what it needs. All sharks have their own personalities!
6. Can you tell us why shark education is important to you?
Shark education is so important because they are an apex predator. They help regulate the food chain in the ocean which affects all other life on earth. Sharks have been around for millions of years and they deserve to be around for millions more.
7. What is your favorite shark themed item that you own?
My favorite shark-themed item I own is actually my remora tattoo- because that makes me the shark