About Us

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The Atlantic Shark Institute is a Rhode Island based nonprofit, tax exempt charitable organization under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are a shark research organization dedicated to funding and supporting the Atlantic’s best shark scientists and researchers in an open and collaborative way. These respected scientists and organizations benefit from our support and our team of research donors by providing funding for a wide variety of high value shark research projects. In essence, we provide the resources they need to do critical shark research, collaborate and to be a unified voice to represent the elasmobranch scientific community. Through this unique model we can assist in research, management, conservation and awareness of large predatory sharks in the Atlantic region.

Our Mission

Our mission, and that of our science partners, is to do the highest quality shark research to help conserve and manage these magnificent animals. While estimates vary depending on the source, more than 100 million sharks are reportedly killed annually worldwide. For many species, harvests are not sustainable and an alarming number of species are considered vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered as a result. The Atlantic Shark Institute funds research on shortfin mako, blue, porbeagle, common thresher, great white, spinner, blacktip and many other species of sharks with the singular goal of aiding in their protection and sustainability.

Unique in the world of shark research, our funded scientists work in an open and collaborative way to fully leverage the opportunities before them. Working toward a common goal, they can get more done, more efficiently and with results that are broader than would otherwise be the case. Doing so answers critical questions about sustainability, habitat, conservation, and policy that will ensure these apex predators are protected and managed in a responsible and logical manner.

Meet the Team

Jon Dodd

Executive Director

The Atlantic Shark Institute's founder and leader and accomplished biologist, Jon seeks to educate the region on the importance of shark conservation.

Josh Moyer PhD

Resident Research Scientist

Based out of Yale University, Josh's primary research interests are the ecomorphology and evolution of modern sharks.

Greg Skomal PhD

Collaborator, Research Advisory Board

A leader in shark conservation throughout the Northeast, Greg Skomal leads the Massachusetts Shark Research Program.

Lisa Natanzon PhD

Research Advisory Board

A former NOAA Apex Predator Program biologist and experienced researcher, Lisa's studies cover many avenues from shark tracking to eating habits.

Neil Hammerschlag PhD

Research Advisory Board

Dr. Neil Hammerschlag is a marine ecologist and shark researcher based out of Nova Scotia, Canada. He is also the founder of Atlantic Shark Expeditions.

James Sulikowski PhD

Research Advisory Board

An experienced researcher, James's research specializes in shark reproduction, the physiological responses to stress as well as many other factors.

Wes Pratt

Research Advisory Board

An experienced biologist, Wes has lead and participated in collaborative shark studies for fifty years, notably at the NOAA Apex Predator Program.

Brian Skerry

Research Advisory Board

A world-renowned National Geographic photographer, much of Brian Skerry's work is centered around shark conservation.

Rest of the Team

Lindsay Graff

PhD Student

Alex Sabo

Research Assistant

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Mike Laptew

Cinematographer

John Albert

Fundraising

Sponsors and Donors

Thank you to our major donors and acoustic receiver sponsors. The following individuals and organizations have supported our vital research and have contributed greatly toward ocean conservation and research.