Marine Biologist and Underwater videographer/photographer

My name is Jillian Morris and I am currently based on the island of Bimini in the Bahamas. I was born and raised in Maine and grew up on and around the water. I have spent the last 6 years pursuing experiences that enable me to be in the ocean as much as possible. I graduated from the University of New England with a BS in Animal Behavior focusing on marine animals. My work with sharks began with an internship at the prestigious Mote Marine Lab in Sarasota, Florida. From there I have traveled the world working on various projects including Critter Came with National Geographic, 6 months working with tiger sharks in Western Australia, 2 season of lemon shark research with Dr. Samuel Gruber in the Marquesas, white sharks in the Farallons and Isla Guadalupe and time at the Bimini Biological Field Station (Sharklab). I earned my scuba instructor certification in order to share the ocean with people. I can still remember my first breath on a regulator and how it changed my life. Photo and video have always been a passion and I realized how powerful they can be to share a message with the world.

I am currently working on an ecotourism liveaboard based in the Bahamas filming sharks and dolphins. Through my travels I have spent a great deal of time in the classroom as well as doing presentations to dive and photo groups about the importance of shark conservation. Each week on the boat we share Sharkwater with our guests and speak to them about the devastation that is occurring as we speak. I am working for a conservation production company as a photographer and videographer. We are currently working on several educational videos as well as the shark free marina project. Each time I am in the water with these animals I feel extremely fortunate. Second only to that experience is sharing it with others. The most effective way to change a person's mindset is to put them in the water with sharks, in their world and on their terms. The first time you make eye contact with a tiger shark or a white shark it changes your view of the world, or at least mine. A solitary moment with a hammerhead takes your breath away and you realize how incredible these animals are. They are vital to our existence and most of the world is ignorant to this fact. It is our job to spread the word and change the inaccurate perception that is deeply rooted in the cultures of the world.