Marine Biologist. Shark Scientist.
Drone Pilot. Commercial Diver.KAT MASONKat is a marine biologist (MSc), Divemaster, freediver, commercial drone pilot and ocean advocate. Her focus is on elasmobranch research and conservation; having worked from the Caribbean, to the Maldives, and Southeast Asia, using baited remote cameras, drones and non-invasive tags to monitor a wide range of shark and ray species.
Kat is passionate about the ocean, nature, travel and outdoor adventure, which has inspired her photography and drone videography. She is currently working as a marine biologist and drone pilot in Thailand for her co-founded project ARRI - Aerial Recon & Recovery Initiative.
RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION
A marine biologist with extensive remote tropical field experience, Kat’s work has focussed on elasmobranchs, and the use of non-invasive survey techniques.
After graduating from Plymouth University with a first class BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, Kat went onto obtain her Master’s degree in Marine Biology from The University of the Algarve (Portugal), gaining 95% for her thesis which investigated the drivers of abundance for reef sharks in the Cayman Islands, and receiving Portugal's Merit Scholarship Award, awarded to the top students in the country.
From Southeast Asia to the Maldives to the Caribbean, Kat has conducted research with organisations including The Manta Trust, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Operation Wallacea, The Cayman Islands Department of Environment and LAMAVE Philippines.
Kat is currently working on her new co-founded research project using aerial monitoring via drones to survey the coastlines of two islands in Thailand for ghost gear and marine megafauna.
Visit her LinkedIn profile for more information.
IN THE WATER
Diving is at the centre of Kat’s work. It is not only a fierce passion, but a critical tool for her scientific research. From learning to dive in a zero-visibility freshwater quarry in the U.K., to pelagic dives in ripping currents in the Maldives, to cenote diving in Mexico, Kat loves nothing more than to be underwater.
Kat is a PADI Divemaster, Advanced Freediver, and holds the HSE Professional SCUBA (Commercial Diving) qualification. She is an A2 CofC Commercial Drone Pilot, as well as holding other relevant safety qualifications.
For a full list of qualifications, please keep scrolling.
FEATURES, GUEST WRITING & INTERVIEWS
Ocean Culture Life - Ocean Advocate Profile
The Sirene Project - Following sharks around the world
Ocean Minds with Margaux Monfared - A day in the life of a whale shark scientist
University of Waterloo Women In Stem - UW WiSTEM Instagram takeover to discuss a career as a woman in science
Women Doing Science - Deploying baited cameras and satellite tagging sharks around Grand and Little Cayman Islands
Women in Ocean Science - Using remote cameras in the Cayman Islands to survey local shark populations
Women Who Drone - Kat’s drone photography was presented across a three-day feature on the WWD Instagram page
Plymouth University Alumni Profile - An interview with Plymouth University about her time studying and early career since graduating
Cayman Shark Project News Story - The Cayman Islands shark research was featured on Cayman 27 News station. Unfortunately, this station has since shut down. You can check out this article instead
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Diving Qualifications
PADI Divemaster
PADI Wreck
PADI Deep
PADI Night
PADI EANx
PADI Caribbean Coral Reef Ecology
Apnea Total Advanced Freediver (25 m)
PFI Freediver
HSE Professional SCUBA (formerly Part IV) Commercial Diver
Yachting Qualifications
RYA Powerboat Handler (Level 2)
VHF Short Range, incl. Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (RYA/MCA)
Emergency Treatment / Medical / Safety Qualifications
PADI Emergency First Response - Primary Care
HSE First Aid at Work
HSE Oxygen Administration
Marine & Coastguard Agency Sea Survival
Automated External Defibrillator
HSE Manual Handling
Marine & Coastguard Agency Personal Safety and Social Responsibility
Institute of Fire Engineers Fire Awareness
