New Zealand born Ryan Johnson is a 30 year old marine biologist based in South Africa. His passion over the past 10 years has been researching the life history of Great White Sharks for his doctoral and masters theses. As part of the research team who satellite tracked Nicole from South Africa to Australia and back, his work  altered our underlying understanding of the Great White's migratory abilities. In 2007, he founded the 'South African Marine Predator Lab' a research institute aimed at generating world class scientific knowledge on marine predators. In 2008 the institute will become operational, and will welcome its first three doctoral and two honors students. Ryan's passion extends to the many charismatic marine predators found cruising Africa's oceans, and over the past 10 years he has led research programs on numerous expeditions.  Recent highlights include expeditions to Mozambique where he studied the whale sharks, humpback whales and manta rays, and Papua New Guinea where he investigated the mystical art of 'shark calling' practiced by the Tembin tribe. 

This site acts as an online CV, information source, and offers the professional services of Ryan Johnson. Services include:

Expedition biologist. With 10 years experience exploring and researching Africa's oceans, Ryan has developed a rare knowledge and appreciation for the continents aquatic life. These skills are perfect if you are planning an expedition to research, explore, film, document Africa's marine life.

Scientific consultant. As humans encroach and impact the worlds marine ecosystems, so does our need to understand the ecological processes that enable the oceans to function increase. Specializing in behavioral and ecological research of marine predators, Ryan is a fully qualified marine biologist available for scientific consultancy.

Scientific collaborator. The world is full of researcher's with ambitious questions, but facing too many difficulties going it alone. If you, or your institute, have a novel marine research projects in mind and are seeking out collaborative partners, then feel free to contact Ryan or the South African Marine Predator Lab (SAMPLA).

Scientific diving. Scientific diving requires the unique combination of a commercial divers physical skills and the scientific application of a marine biologist. As qualified scientific diver, Ryan has established a team that prides itself on meeting the requirements necessary for all underwater scientific work 

Public presentations. Ryan is available to present public talks and scientific lectures on his favorite study animal - the Great White Shark.

Contact details

Email: info@sampla.org