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That commitment means turning down projects that distort
science for entertainment, and instead focusing on content
that educates, inspires and informs. “Every shoot doubles as
a research expedition,” Fitzpatrick says. “If we’re going out, we
bring students, researchers and partners with us.”
Biopixel is actively building the next generation of marine
scientists. The foundation supports PhD students working on
cutting-edge projects, and their first has already graduated.
“We’ve got more on the way,” Fitzpatrick says. “That’s how we
build capacity—not just for us, but for ocean science globally.”
These young scientists aren’t confined to labs. They’re in the
field, tagging animals, collecting data and publishing world-
first findings.

ANCHORED IN THE FAR NORTH
Despite an international career that has taken him across the
globe, Fitzpatrick remains deeply connected to Port Douglas. the ocean still has more to teach us, and through science and
storytelling, we can help protect it.
“It has a special place in my heart,” he says. “Those early days
on Undersea Explorer shaped everything I do now.” In a world where sharks are misunderstood and oceans
face unprecedented threats, Fitzpatrick shows that
Today, with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, filmmakers when science meets storytelling, conservation can truly make
and engineers, Fitzpatrick continues to expand the boundaries waves.
of underwater exploration and cinematography. Whether
deploying shark-mounted cameras in remote reefs, refining
acoustic tracking systems, or mentoring the next generation of #biopixeloceans
marine scientists, his work remains grounded in a single belief:

20 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner
PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 21