Keith Poe, globally celebrated as SharkTagger, is a trailblazing shark conservationist, researcher, and innovator whose work since 1993 has redefined shark science and sustainable fishing. Operating out of Southern California,

Keith has earned the Aftco Tag Flag Top Tagger award eight times for tagging the most mako sharks in the Pacific, a testament to his unmatched expertise. His invention of the shark sling, the first of its kind, allows precise measurements of length, sex, and weight while prioritizing shark welfare, setting a global benchmark for minimally invasive research. Keith’s hands-on methods, like hand-feeding mako sharks to reduce capture shock, as seen in a viral 2021 video off Marina del Rey, exemplify his commitment to ethical practices.

Keith ran his own shark tagging program for years, sharing data with Leanne Laughlin (DFW) and Heidi Dewar (NOAA). His collaborations with leading scientists include PAT-tagging swordfish with Michael Domeier at the Pfleger Institute of Oceanography, assisting Jeff Graham’s students at Scripps Institute, and working with Diego Bernal (now a professor of Biology at Dartmouth).

Since 2012, Keith has been a cornerstone of the Marine Conservation Science Institute (MCSI), deploying SPOT, PAT, and acoustic tags on adult female mako and white sharks from his boat, including the notable “Poe Girl,” whose tag lasted seven years. He pioneered in-water SPOT-tagging at Guadalupe Island with Dr. Michael Domeier, uncovering migration patterns like the “Point Conception Tribe.

”Known for solo expeditions, Keith fearlessly tags massive sharks, such as a 17-foot 6-inch female great white off Santa Monica Bay and a 1,500-pound mako. His innovative tactics, like drifting with whale carcasses to attract sharks, highlight his resourcefulness. Rare encounters, including petting a wild mako and observing a 20-foot great white off Palos Verdes, underscore his unique rapport with these predators. Keith’s work with MCSI’s Expedition White Shark app lets the public track tagged sharks like “Jasmine,” advancing real-time migration research.

A passionate advocate, Keith secured living world records for mako and thresher sharks with the International Game Fish Association, sparing specimens from harvest. As an advisor to the Billfish Foundation, Recreational Fishing Alliance, and United Anglers, he has educated anglers through seminars, Shark Week appearances (credited as Shark Tagging Expert, Shark Expert, and Shark Researcher), National Geographic’s Counting Jaws (2023), and media like GrindTV and YouTube. His photography of shark markings enriches research libraries, and SharkTagger.com amplifies his mission. In December 2024, Keith planned a tagging expedition to Santa Barbara and Point Conception with Dr. Michael Domeier, targeting adult female white sharks (15 feet or longer). His philosophy—“You can’t manage something you don’t understand”—guides his science-driven approach, while his secrecy about tagging locations shields sharks from trophy hunters. Despite risks in his hands-on methods, Keith’s data has documented rising shark populations and new behaviors, solidifying his legacy.

Contact Keith at sharktagger777@gmail.com or 310-562-6205 for inquiries about great white mako, thresher, and swordfish conservation. Follow his journey on SharkTagger.com, Facebook, YouTube, and the Expedition White Shark app to support his mission to protect sharks for future generations. 

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