New Pollinator SS Working Group Formed
Nicole Machuca
Social Science Working Group
The Social Science Working Group will provide a space for social scientists and others interested in social science in the pollinator conservation space to connect, share knowledge and resources, discuss challenges, and support each other. The group is co-led by Lily Peppers (MJV) and Nicole Machuca (Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center). It is one of several working groups hosted by MJV for the Partner Network and is open to both MJV Partners and non-partners.
Why Join? Conservation takes collaboration! Working groups are:
A chance to meet other partners doing similar work
A space to share ideas and challenges
An opportunity to contribute your perspective and expertise to collective resources
Participation Details
Virtual meetings held approximately quarterly (schedule set by group)
Commitment is one year: Oct 2025 through Sept 2026
Members help define the group’s priorities and deliverables
Key aspects of the group include:
Networking and relationship-building
Supporting members in navigating challenges in their social science projects
Sharing experiences, resources, and best practices
Building understanding of social science practices and methods within the group and broader networks
The group’s primary focus is networking, though members will collaboratively define its priorities and structure. Possible outcomes may include:
Building a strong network of social science practitioners in the pollinator conservation space for knowledge-sharing and support
Determining ways to improve the use and understanding of rigorous social science methods within ecological research and practice
Identifying opportunities for collaboration or funding
Creating a resource library or knowledge repository for social science work
Ready to jump in? Sign up here!
--
Chris Pepin-Neff
Dear Colleagues,
I research public perceptions of sharks and policy responses to human-shark interactions at the University of Sydney in Australia and wanted to pass on some new data that we put out this week. Thank you, Chris Pepin-Neff
--
Australians Agree: You Can’t “Shark-Proof” the Ocean
85% say governments cannot make beaches 100% safe from shark attacks
A new nationwide survey has revealed overwhelming agreement among Australians: shark attacks cannot be completely prevented.
The YouGov survey of 1,500 Australians (25–30 September) found:
· 85 percent said governments cannot make beaches “100% safe” from shark attacks.
· The result held across political lines: Labor (79 percent), Coalition (87 percent), and Greens (93 percent).
· The view was consistent across states: NSW (83 percent), Queensland (88 percent), WA (81 percent), South Australia (87 percent).
Associate Professor of Public Policy Dr Chris Pepin-Neff from the University of Sydney, who led the research, said the findings show rare national unity:
“There has never been a more conclusive survey about Australia’s relationship to sharks and the ocean.
“For 85 percent of Australians across all parties and states to agree on anything is extraordinary, but when it comes to sharks, Australians understand that the ocean is the ocean. You cannot shark-proof Australia.”
The survey was released as governments continue to invest heavily in shark bite mitigation. New South Wales spends around $21 million per year, while Queensland spends more than $22 million annually on shark nets and prevention programs. Nationally, more than $150 million will be spent over the next four years.
Dr Pepin-Neff warned that political promises of “zero risk” in the ocean create a false sense of security:
“Premiers are treating the ocean like it’s a zero-risk proposition where they can be ‘tough on sharks’ to win votes. This is misleading. It is the choices that swimmers and surfers make - not government programs - that will improve safety in the ocean.”
The current research builds on earlier surveys showing most Australians do not blame governments for shark attacks, and that many would continue to visit beaches even if shark nets were removed.
Dr Pepin-Neff added that the study was timed for the start of beach season and deployment of shark nets along the NSW coast. The research was not connected to the recent tragic fatal shark attack at Dee Why Beach, all associated with this research extend their condolences to the family of Mercury Psillakis and the local surfing community.
Key Survey Question (YouGov, 25–30 September 2025): “Do you think governments can make Australian beaches 100 percent safe from shark attacks?”
· Yes
· No
· Not Sure
85 percent answered: No
-ENDS-
Interviews: Dr Christopher Pepin-Neff | School of Social and Political Sciences | chris.pe...@sydney.edu.au | 0448 668 779
Media enquiries: Sally Quinn | Media Adviser | sally...@sydney.edu.au | 0438 038 288
Outside of work hours: please call +61 2 8627 0246 (directs to a mobile number) or email media....@sydney.edu.au
Declaration: The research was conducted with University of Sydney ethics approval and supported by the Envoy Foundation.
--
Dr. Chris Pepin-Neff (they/them)
Associate Professor of Public Policy
Dean's Fellow (Supporting Diverse Students)
School of Social and Political Sciences
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
The University of Sydney
Room 460, Social Science Building (A02) | The University of Sydney | NSW | 2006