KORI "KOKO" GARZA

Marine Biologist, Conservationist, & Adventurer

Born and raised in the Midwest, over 700 miles from the nearest drop of saltwater, my introduction to the ocean realm was quite different than most ocean-minded individuals. The same fear driven media used to horrify an entire generation was the spark that ignited a fire within that created my passion for the world's most misunderstood species. That's right, JAWS. My fascination with the natural world further developed with thanks to the infamous Steve Irwin, "The Crocodile Hunter", as he influenced my complete fixation on behavioral studies of predatory species. I always admired how where others saw monsters, he saw beauty.

I went on to attend Hawaii Pacific University, accomplishing a bachelor's degree in Marine Science. 

During university I was actively working in the field studying deep water coral species through The Oceanic Institute and later The Coral Reef Ecosystem Division of NOAA, developing a mesophotic coral database for the American Samoa region focusing on the presence of light-dependent corals in regions with depths exceeding thirty meters in order to increase understanding of the vertical distribution of coral reef ecosystems among the sea floor. The database is currently being used in support of the proposed listing of 66 coral species for coverage under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

My complete fascination with sharks continued to thrive throughout my studies and after. I was approached by producers of Discovery Channel's "Shark Week" in 2014 to be featured on an episode highlighting the large predatory shark species of Hawaii. It was during filming that I met photographer and shark conservationist Juan Oliphant. I went on to join the One Ocean Diving/Water Inspired team (founded by Juan Oliphant and Ocean Ramsey) where I learned how to interact in-water with these incredible predators and conduct pelagic field research surveys. Fate had finally brought me into the incredible world of sharks.

My dedication to the conservation and research of shark and ray species continues to grow and develop as I travel around the globe expanding my knowledge on the world's most misunderstood creatures.

I am currently working as a divemaster and shark handler with Deep Obsession Charters of West Palm Beach Florida and will be returning to Mo'orea August-November to continue my seasonal work for the entirety of whale season.