Andrea Marshall is a marine biologist known for her pioneering research and efforts in wildlife conservation, particularly in the study of large marine animals like manta rays and whale sharks. As the co-founder and a principal scientist of the Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), Marshall leads numerous projects around the world, working to protect and preserve these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
Born with a deep fascination for marine life, Marshall’s interest blossomed at a young age, around five, and by the time she was twelve, she had already obtained her diving certification. Sharks always held a special place in her heart, and this passion only grew as she pursued her education and career.
Marshall earned her undergraduate degree from the College of Creative Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara in the United States. However, it was in Australia where she made her mark on scientific research. In 2008, she became the first person in the world to be awarded a PhD in manta ray ecology from the University of Queensland.
After completing her thesis, Marshall remained in Mozambique, where she spearheaded the conservation efforts for manta rays along the African coastline. In 2009, she joined forces with Simon J Pierce, a fellow classmate, to co-found the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Together, they established a manta ray and whale shark research program, dedicating themselves to the preservation of these incredible creatures.
Marshall’s work extends beyond manta rays and whale sharks. She also studies other species of elasmobranchs, including endangered wedgefish, mobula rays, whale sharks, and leopard sharks. Additionally, she focuses on understanding species that have insufficient data, such as the smalleye stingray, as well as the conservation of important reef predators like bull sharks in Africa.
During her involvement with the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Shark Specialist Group (SSG), Marshall wrote the first-ever Red List assessment for manta rays, shedding light on their conservation status and the urgent need for protection. Her commitment to studying and safeguarding these creatures led her to an enlightening discovery—a large population of previously unknown manta rays in Mozambique.
In 2009, Marshall formally described a new species of manta ray and published two scientific papers that distinguished the giant oceanic manta ray (Mobula birostris) from the reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi). Her groundbreaking research continued, and in 2010, she announced the existence of a third species of manta ray in the Atlantic, dedicating years to properly characterizing and documenting this elusive species.
Utilizing her skills as a professional underwater photographer, Marshall frequently employs visual evidence to support her research. Notably, she developed the Manta Matcher, the first global online citizen science database for identifying individual manta rays based on their unique markings, which now operates under WildMe, an organization that she serves as a scientific advisor.
Andrea Marshall’s remarkable contributions to marine biology and her dedication to the conservation of manta rays and whale sharks have earned her widespread recognition and admiration. In 2013, she was honored as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer for her pioneering research and conservation work. Marshall’s efforts inspire future generations to appreciate the incredible diversity of marine life and to join the ongoing mission to protect and preserve our oceans.
Awards:
– National Geographic Emerging Explorer (2013)