Daniel Hampton

Daniel is one of the two Coastal Explorer Interns this year. Having grown up in Kent and volunteered with Kent Wildlife Trust (Shoresearch and year 10 work experience), Daniel is thrilled to be able to join Adonis Blue as a staff member after recently completing his degree. Daniel studied Marine Biology (Integrated Masters) at the University of Southampton with a semester abroad at James Cook University, Australia. Daniel’s Master’s thesis was the first ever study investigating cryptobenthic fish (fish <50mm) biodiversity and community composition in the Coral Sea Marine Park, Australia. Daniel has a variety of hands-on experience including scientific diving, ecological surveying, RIB operations, BRUVs, and ADCP/CTD deployment. At University, Daniel also served as the President and Treasurer of the University of Southampton Sub Aqua Club and the Student President of the School of Ocean and Earth Science.

Daniel has a particular interest in elasmobranchs and ocean predators and has completed several voluntary roles related to sharks. This has included photo analysis of grey nurse shark fishing related injuries (FINstitute, Australia), Sharkademy Shark Specialist Residency 2025 (full scholarship), volunteering at the European Elasmobranch Association 2025 conference in Holland (student bursary) and at Sharks International 2026 (Sri Lanka, Marine Biological Association student travel grant). Daniel is particularly excited to be joint project lead on the project Sharks of Kent, given his love for his local area and sharks!  

In his spare time, Daniel loves to travel, learn new languages and experience marine life underwater.