For many of us, jumping into ocean waters teeming with sharks isn’t our idea of fun. But for marine researchers working on shark conservation, it’s how they gather important and sometimes surprising information about the widely feared species, many at risk because of human activity.

Steve Kessel, the Shedd Aquarium’s new director of marine research—and a shark expert—has a long history of conservation work, and will oversee projects on species including sharks, conch and Nassau grouper. Kessel recently published a study tracking a shark that was able to expel a metal fish stringer out of its body without any human intervention.

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Kessel joins Chicago Tonight for a conversation.

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