Fiji Times Article, Thursday, October 12, 2006

Beqa Divers recognised
Thursday, October 12, 2006

BEQA Adventure Divers is one of the 12 finalists from 900 entries in the BBC World's World Challenge Award 2006.

Pacific Harbour Tourism Association chairman Jim Sherlock said the association was extremely proud that one of its members had been selected as finalist for this international award.
Based at Pacific Harbour, Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) is the only Oceania finalist in the running for the prestigious award. The other finalists are from Africa, Asia and Europe.

Mr Sherlock said Beqa Adventure Divers had been selected as a finalist for its efforts in creating a marine reserve on "Shark Reef" in order to protect sharks that are becoming an endangered species because of the long-line fishing industry.

He said with the current debate over the Qoliqoli Bill it is interesting to note that BAD negotiated with two landowning units that both claimed ownership over Shark Reef. They have contracts with both Galoa and Wainiyabia villages and pay them both $5 per day per diver in compensation for allowing nobody to fish within the boundaries of the marine reserve.

Fiji Times Article, Thursday, October 12, 2006