Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
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Nick Pelios
Freediver, Creator
Kori Garza is a marine biologist, professional shark diver, wildlife conservationist, UW photographer and blogger. Even though she was born in the midwest, she got into marine life after attending Hawaii Pacific University, where she studied Marine Science. Her fascination with sea, and especially shark,s grew more after her graduation and in 2014 she was approached by the producers of Discovery's Shark Week in order to be featured in an episode dealing with the large predatory Hawaiian shark species. Fast forward a few years later, Kori, based in French Polynesia, now runs Ladyshark Expeditions and is also one of the founders of Mao Mana Foundation; educating the community and promoting safe shark interactions.
But that is not all! You can also catch her in Nat Geo Wild's Shark Fest feature, Tiger Lagoon. In one of its latest episodes, Kori encounters a tiger shark named Kamakai, which could prove to be one of the biggest of its species. Since in 2006 French Polynesia banned shark fishing, their populations have grown ever since, as have the sharks themselves. Male sharks can grow up to about 13 feet, females can get even bigger but Kamakai was off the charts, measuring up to 16 feet, or even larger.
"Tiger sharks are apex predators and their presence is a good indication that the ecosystem is thriving. We have seen some really big sharks but none quite like her. When we met Kamakai it was really unexpected. I've been diving with sharks in multiple countries and she is by far the biggest i have ever seen'.