Exploring Stingrays and Marine Conservation with Chantel Elston

On this episode of Beyond Jaws, join Andrew Lewin and Dr. David Ebert as they chat with Chantel Elston, a postdoc student from SIAB, about her research on stingrays in South Africa. Discover Chantel's successful YouTube science communication channel with 25,000 subscribers, her passion for marine science, and insights into marine careers. Tune in for a deep dive into the world of flat sharks and Chantel's fascinating journey in marine research and science communication.

Check out Chantel's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TellysMarineTales/featured

Connect with us:

Website: https://bit.ly/37TMqeK
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3eorwXZ
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@beyondjawspodcast7591

Dave: 
Website: https://www.lostsharkguy.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3q1J9Q5

Andrew:
Website: https://www.speakupforblue.com/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/37g5WkG

Chantel Elston is a dedicated marine scientist and conservationist whose research focuses on threatened sharks and rays, particularly stingrays. Her passion for marine biology and elasmobranchs, such as stingrays, developed during her childhood, leading her to pursue a career in marine science with a focus on these lesser-studied vertebrates.

During her postdoc in South Africa, Chantel utilized acoustic telemetry to track stingray movements and studied their dietary habits through stomach content and stable isotope analysis. This research aimed to fill knowledge gaps and contribute to the conservation of these species. Chantel's commitment to engaging the public in marine conservation efforts is evident through her involvement in citizen science projects like Elmo Africa, where individuals report shark and ray sightings and collect egg cases to contribute to marine research.

Through her YouTube channel, Telly's Marine Tales, Chantel effectively communicates marine science topics to a broader audience. One of her notable videos addresses the debate between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon, highlighting the environmental and health implications of salmon farming. By addressing relevant and controversial issues in marine conservation, Chantel's diverse research background and dedication to studying threatened sharks and rays demonstrate her passion for marine conservation and raising awareness about these important marine species.

Chantel Elston manages the citizen science project Elmo Africa in South Africa, which allows the public to report shark and ray sightings along the coastline. The project aims to create a database of citizen science data related to these species, encouraging individuals to report sightings and collect shark egg cases for research. Chantel has been involved with Elmo Africa since her master's days, working to grow and manage the project and collaborating with local NGOs to enhance public engagement in marine conservation efforts.

Through her YouTube channel, Telly's Marine Tales, Chantel discusses various marine science topics, including the debate between farm-raised and wild-caught salmon. By conducting thorough research and presenting information in an engaging manner, Chantel educates her viewers on critical marine science issues, sparking discussions and raising awareness about important environmental and conservation topics.