Ashley collecting biological data from a shark caught in the recreational shore-based fishery.
Ashley Wechsler, a former American Shark Conservancy (ASC) Intern and now research assistant, is a passionate conservationist dedicating her life to protecting aquatic animals, especially sharks and reef fish, through research and advocation. Ashley graduated from Wheaton College Massachusetts in 2022 and during this time pursued an internship, under the guidance of Hannah Medd, with ASC during the summer before her senior year. Ashley's research project focused on investigating the seasonal abundance of Blacktip Sharks and interspecific behaviors. Ashley is now working towards her Master's of Science degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences at the University of Florida. Ashley's project is focused on determining the reproductive potential of Gray Snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. Ashley plans to continue her educational journey in hopes of conducting research as a means to better understand the population dynamics of sharks and reef fishes. Ashley happily continues to work with ASC and assist with ongoing projects and outreach during her free time.
Ashely gets a cloacal swab from a silky shark.
