When There Are Sharks: Toby Rogers, Research Manager at Shark Spotters

On board our research vessel, Xiphodon, as we chase the first light of dawn in search of the coppery bronze whalers, there is one figure who stands out: Dr Toby Rogers. Toby is the go-to person for the most pressing questions, and he will come up with sound solutions to any problems in the field. For over three years now, he has served as the Research Manager at Shark Spotters, finding every day to be a unique adventure.

Toby’s life journey began in Wales, United Kingdom, where his fascination with the natural world only grew as he spent his days exploring the outdoors. From early on his adventures were driven by a curiosity about the mysteries of the ocean and sharks. It was only during his undergraduate research project where he had the opportunity to study white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) behaviour in South Africa, that he realised it might be possible to turn curiosity into a career. Things came full circle in 2019 when he had the opportunity to study bronze whalers (Carcharhinus brachyurus) as part of his PhD research at the University of Cape Town.

Toby Rogers during a bronze whaler shark tagging trip in False Bay. Photo © Shark Spotters

At Shark Spotters, Toby thrives on the collaboration and independence the role demands. His academic background equipped him with the skills to navigate the complexity of research. It is, however, working with others towards a common goal that has truly honed his collaborative and interpersonal skills. Toby is constantly inspired by new challenges, whether it is mastering a new coding language or finning into the latest research literature.

Toby’s respect for sharks has deepened over time, especially when observing them in their natural habitat. The bronze whaler holds a special place in his heart, a species he has been fortunate enough to study extensively. Competing with the bronze whaler is the salmon shark that he finds particularly intriguing and would someday hope to encounter.

Toby and collaborators tagging an eagle ray as part of a monitoring project in False Bay, South Africa. Photo © Jamila Janna | Shark Spotters

Toby’s career is filled with unforgettable moments. Of course, the ‘sexy’ aspects of the job, from tagging sharks in False Bay to witnessing the bizarre and beautiful marine life up close, are experiences that are beyond compare. He fondly recalls rare encounters with white sharks in historical hotspots and considers it a privilege few have experienced. But the real beauty is being able to quantify aspects of a species’ biology or ecology and contribute to the global understanding of the species in hopes of improving their conservation.

Looking ahead, Toby envisions a future where the marine sector is sustainable, and conservation efforts are more robust. He stresses the need for improved infrastructure and technology to ensure that the knowledge gained through research is shared efficiently and consistently. His message to aspiring conservationists is to find a mentor early on. Toby’s success has been built on the shoulders of those who have guided him, and he encourages others to embrace diverse perspectives with respect and understanding.