Josie leads strategic initiatives at SHAMS to safeguard sea turtle habitats in the Red Sea, where her work focuses on balancing marine wildlife conservation with the impacts of human activity. Established by the Saudi Arabian government, SHAMS-the General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea-is dedicated to protecting and restoring vital ecosystems along its shores. With a unique combination of isolation and biodiversity, this impressive stretch of coastline hosts five of the world’s seven sea turtle species: green, hawksbill, loggerhead, olive ridley, and leatherback.
According to Josie and the SHAMS turtle team, nesting has been confirmed for hawksbill and green turtles, though hawksbills tend to favor southern regions while greens have a broader range throughout the central and northern coasts. This area has lacked consistent long-term monitoring of sea turtle populations, presenting Josie and the SHAMS turtle team with a unique opportunity to close data gaps on species distribution and nesting patterns. These efforts will be crucial for shaping targeted conservation strategies to support sea turtle populations throughout the Red Sea.
With a background that spans fisheries management and sea turtle conservation, Josie has dedicated her career to understanding the complex dynamics between marine ecosystems and local communities. Her PhD research at the University of Exeter took her to Northern Cyprus, where she investigated how small-scale fisheries interact with sea turtle populations. Through a hands-on approach that included onboard observations, fisher reports, and turtle movement tracking, she identified practical ways to reduce bycatch and help coastal communities thrive alongside local wildlife. Working with organizations like the Society for the Protection of Turtles, Josie also developed close ties with local fishers, coordinated beach monitoring programs, and responded to stranded and bycaught turtles-all with the goal of creating long-lasting conservation practices.
Beyond Cyprus, Josie has worked on projects across the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, consulting on sea turtle telemetry and nesting assessments. Her expertise in remote monitoring has been instrumental in collecting data from challenging locations, ensuring that vital insights into sea turtle movement and habitat use shape sustainable development in the region. Inspired by SHAMS’ mission to conserve one of the world’s most unique and biodiverse ecosystems, Josie is committed to addressing complex conservation challenges through adaptable, research-supported management strategies.
Her role with SHAMS involves combining her scientific background with community-based action to develop a comprehensive conservation spatial plan for sea turtles across the Red Sea. This initiative aims to protect critical habitats while balancing community needs, encouraging local stewardship, and ensuring the long-term preservation of the region’s largely unexplored marine ecosystems.
