Meet the Team

The people who make ShellBank happen

As a global multi-partner initiative, Collaboration is key to its success

Created in 2018, we first showcased DNA shell extraction data and results in 2019, then successfully piloted a project that found DNA matches from seized products with reference databases. Together with institutions, organizations and individuals from across the globe involved in building ShellBank’s database and its supporting tools, we are now ready to move from pilot to global practice.

Meet the Core Team Partners

ShellBank is being led by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) in partnership with the Australian Museum – Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (ACWG), National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA Fisheries) – Southwest Fisheries Science Center and TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network (TRACE).

Dr. Christine Madden

ShellBank Director & Co-Founder (WWF)

Dr. Michael Jensen

ShellBank Chief Scientist & Co-Founder (WWF)

Dr. Greta Frankham

Scientific Officer, Australian Centre for Wildlife Genomics (the Australian Museum Research Institute)

Erin LaCasella

Marine Turtle Genetics Program (NOAA Southwest Fisheries Center)

Kelly Morgan

Wildlife Forensic Scientist (TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network)

World Wide Fund for Nature

NOAA Fisheries Southwest Fisheries Science Center

Australian Museum
Research Institute

TRACE Wildlife
Forensics Network

“ShellBank is a game changer in global efforts to detect, disrupt and protect marine turtles from illegal trade. It provides the know-how and access to a global DNA database to track turtles and turtle parts from sale to source.”

“As ShellBank expands, the DNA testing of seized items will lead authorities to where poaching is rampant and hawksbills are under the most pressure. We hope that can be a turning point in saving this species."

“This work is only possible through extensive partnerships with scientists, government, non-profit organizations and village communities living at the remote nesting sites around the Pacific."

“As the global database for ShellBank grows and evolves, it will transform marine turtle conservation efforts globally to identify trends in the illegal trade and put in place targeted efforts that will contribute to dismantling the trade that is threatening these iconic species."

Meet the Collaborators

ShellBank is only possible by collaborating and supporting government agencies, researchers, universities, conservation organizations and communities.

The ShellBank database is a comprehensive repository for published data derived from the incredible work conducted by researchers and governments worldwide. This collection showcases the dedication and achievements made in marine turtle genetics.

We ensure that all original data is properly referenced, giving credit where it is due. As such, any data used from the ShellBank database must also clearly reference the original datasets, maintaining the integrity and recognition of the source material and reflecting the hard work and discoveries made by our research community.

We invite any organization whose data is featured in our database to have its logo displayed on this page. If your research has contributed to ShellBank and you would like your organization to be recognized, please reach out to us. We are committed to transparency and collaboration and value the opportunity to showcase your contributions.