Marine Biologist. Shark Ecologist.
Drone Pilot. Commercial Diver.
KAT MASON.Kat 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 has spent the last year working as Project Coordinator (including drone pilot & scientific diver) in Thailand for her co-founded project Aerial Recon & Recovery Initiative (ARRI).
KAT MASON
Photo by M.S. Photography-Love The Ocean
RESEARCH & 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 Caribbean, Kat has conducted research with organisations including The Manta Trust (Maldives), The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Operation Wallacea (Indonesia, Utila, Mexico), The Cayman Islands Department of Environment, LAMAVE Philippines & the University of the Azores.
Since late 2022, Kat has dedicated her time to her co-founded research project (ARRI), using aerial monitoring via drones to survey the coastlines of two islands in Thailand for ghost gear and marine megafauna; working with local stakeholders to restore the local marine environment.
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.
AWARDS & GRANTS.
REEF’s Discover the Sea Photography Contest (2024)
REEF | 3rd place in the Habitat/Seascape/Environment category
Ocean Conservancy’s Small Grants Program (2023)
Ocean Conservancy & GGGI | Grant Recipient for Aerial Recon & Recovery Initiative (ARRI)
Ocean Solutions Fund (2022)
Experiment Foundation | Grant Recipient for Aerial Recon & Recovery Initiative (ARRI)
Merit Scholarship Award (2019)
University of the Algarve | Top 16 Students within the University, & in Portugal
The Dean's List (2015)
Plymouth University | Recognition for Exceptional Academic Achievement
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
