Team
GEERG researchers and volunteers are based at various institutions across Canada. Although studying the Greenland shark and other northern elasmobranchs could easily employ several researchers on a full-time basis, no funding exists to sustain our work. GEERG duties are thus seasonal and non-remunerated. GEERG directors may nonetheless be reached throughout the year.
“A man alone is in bad company.”
“A man alone is in bad company.”
QUOTE: Jacques-Yves Cousteau, himself citing Paul Valery.
COVER IMAGE: Looking for Greenland sharks in the St. Lawrence Estuary. (Photo © Jeffrey Gallant | GEERG)
Jeffrey is the founder and lead scientist of GEERG. His research focuses on how environmental factors and underwater acoustics influence the movement and behaviour of the Greenland shark. Jeffrey is also a licensed captain, diving instructor, aquanaut, photographer, and editor of the Diving Almanac & Book of Records. [Full Bio on the Diving Almanac]
Marine biologist specializing in sharks; founding Director of Sherwood Scuba Marine Conservation; Associate Editor of the Diving Almanac [Full Bio on the Diving Almanac]
Paul has been a diving instructor since 1973 and he is also a certified commercial diver. He is the President of the Quebec Federation of Underwater Activities (FQAS), a former DSO of the Quebec Aquarium, and a former President of the Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS). [Full Bio on the Diving Almanac]
Patsy has been our accountant and master administrator since GEERG was founded in 2003. Patsy is also an associate editor and researcher for the Diving Almanac & Book of Records.
Jean-Louis is a prolific artist, writer, and photographer who finds his inspiration while diving. He is the founder and Director of CIEL | Centre d'Interpretation des Eaux Laurentiennes (Laurentian Waters Interpretation Center), and of Aquadelic. [Full Bio on the Diving Almanac]
Board of Advisors
Marine biologist; veterinarian; author; cinematographer; sculptor; Director of Animal Care at Dalhousie University; research focuses on veterinary aspects of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, and shark ecology; co-founder of the Greenland Shark and Elasmobranch Education and Research Group (GEERG) in 2004; co-teaches a summer field course, Biology and Conservation of Sharks, Skates and Rays, at Dalhousie University; first diver to tag a torpedo ray underwater; has been involved in the production of more than 50 television documentaries; founding Director of Wild in Blue; author of Eastern Tidepool and Reef: North Atlantic Marine Life (1997); a.k.a. CHC. (SOURCE: Diving Almanac)
Marine biologist specialized in marine mammal ecology and ecosystem biodiversity; conservationist; mediator between traditionally conflicting stakeholders including ocean fisheries, whaling, shipping and conservation; CEO of M - Expertise Marine, a consulting firm on marine science and scientific communication; former Assistant Professor at the University of Tromsø; speaker at TED; author; public speaker; radio and television host; has conducted research around the world including Canada, the Caribbean, Africa and Scandinavia; advocates an approach linking research, conservation and education as the best way to protect the oceans for future generations. (SOURCE: Diving Almanac)
Paul is a retired principal of a trade school located in Drummondville, Quebec. He was part of the team that designed and built GEERG's shark observation cage in 1999, and he was a key player in the acquisition and modernisation of our flagship research vessel, the Skalugsuak.
Diving Safety Officer (DSO) and aquarist at the Montreal Biodome; Executive of the Canadian Association for Underwater Science. (SOURCE: Diving Almanac)