Ten Years of BADness!

Quick&dirty, more pics tomorrow.

Standing, l-r:  Silio, Wase, Ana, Ben, Nani, Tuma, Manoa, Salesh, Mavoa, Tumbee, Andrew; front: Jone, Jone, Api, Aceni. Absent are Netani, Rusi and Miti..

Who would have thought.

Yes today's the day.

Exactly ten years ago, we formally established the SRMR and started operations - first under a different name and about 6 months later, as Beqa Adventure Divers. Lemme tell 'ya, it has been a wild ride - but not now, maybe I'll once write the book.

Now, it's time to say thank you.

First and foremost to our wonderful staff - especially to Nani, Manasa and Rusi for having taken that huge leap of faith in 2004, and for having loyally persevered until this day. Having Tuma's and Rusis' sons, Tumbee and Mavoa follow the footsteps of their fathers fills me with pride and joy.

To the company's founder James who invested all his money into this crazy dream. To Andrew who has tirelessly worked to turn it into what it is now, one of the foremost Shark diving operations. To the village of Galoa for entrusting us with the stewardship of their reef. To the department of Fisheries and especially, Bati, for always being supportive. To Gary and Brenda for invaluable advice and unwavering friendship and loyalty. To Juerg, for being the best scientific adviser and friend one could ever wish for.

And to you, the thousands upon thousands of visitors that have helped us to turn into reality our vision of a tourism-based integrated Shark research and conservation project.

Thank you!