Project Lemon Aid

Between 2021 and 2022 Nova was issued an Emerging Conservationist grant through Conservation Nation.
Check out the video below to preview Nova's work and learn what Conservation Nation is all about.

With the help of Conservation Nation, Nova is working to create educational content about the conservation of lemon sharks through film and photography. This work is being facilitated with the launch of Sharks4Kids' latest research project, Project Lemon Aid, in the archipelago of Turks and Caicos. This project was established with three focal objectives: conduct research, teach local students the tools of shark science, and create long-lasting educational content on the conservation of lemon sharks and mangroves.

Jillian Morris and Candace Fields take measurements of a juvenile lemon shark, photo by Nova West

Conducting Research

Having the proper data is critical for establishing effective protections for endangered populations. In Turks and Caicos there is little to no information about the lemon sharks in the area, which makes it difficult to advocate for this near-threatened species. Project Lemon Aid focuses on tagging and collecting data on the juvenile lemon shark populations to better understand how the local mangroves and fishing policies are impacting these young sharks.

School Visits

In addition to conducting research, it is integral to help educate local students on why shark conservation is important and how they can help. There are many myths people tell about sharks, and education at a young age is part of what will help shift that narrative. Project Lemon Aid is intended as the starting point for local scientists to protect and advocate for their local wildlife, providing them with the tools, resources, and base set data needed to make an impact.

Candace Fields and Jillian Morris teaching at a local elementary school, photo by Nova West

Turks and Caicos aerial, photo by Duncan Brake

Educational Content

Local science and education is crucial to successfully protecting lemon shark populations, but it also takes a world-wide effort to make a lasting change. By creating educational content, Sharks4Kids can continue to educate and inspire children across the globe to protect our ocean species and habitats.

My Role

As a science communicator and conservationist, my role in this project is to film and photograph the research conducted by Sharks4Kids and create educational content for online audiences. This content will include several blog posts for Conservation Nation, social media content for all parties, and a short film about the launch of Project Lemon Aid.

I will also be sharing what I've learned through this apprenticeship as I hone in on my underwater filmmaking and photography skills. This will include creating a day-in-the-life video, sharing field notes, and providing resources to those who are interested in starting a career in the field of science communication.

Published Blog Posts:
Blog Post 1: Shark Conservation Through a Lens
Blog Post 2: Creating Compelling Shark Content

Nova posing with their project's primary camera, a RED Komodo,
photo by Duncan Brake