Playa - more dead Sharks?

It just never stops does it.

Check out these pics - and these!

From what I can understand, these are fishermen from Puerto Morelos, half way between Playa and Cancun, and they may, or may not be sneaking over at night to capture those big pregnant Bull Sharks that visit Playa during the pupping (and diving) season. Apparently, they dispose of the relevant fishing permits (but not for Playa!), making this legal - but certainly not right!

Solutions?

There has been a national and international outcry, and there is a petition. 

Good luck with that.

My call, granted without disposing of the full picture.

Our Fiji Shark Project hinges on compensating the local stakeholders and thus making conservation more lucrative than fishing - and it clearly does work.
With that in mind, here's what I would do - already hinted at in this post.

• Get the Shark dive operators to work together - yes I know, that's a long shot. And if that's not possible, assume leadership and do it solo. The others will follow due to competitive pressure, like the guys down the road were forced to follow after we established the SRMR.

• Establish a Shark dive levy of USD 20.00/pp/pd on top of the regular price for the Shark dive. Divers love paying for conservation, so that should be easy.

• Disburse those funds to the fishermen (not the authorities), ideally earmarked for something concerning their families, like e.g. children's tuition, etc.

• In exchange, obtain an agreement about a seasonal fishing ban for the critical habitats involving a) a ban on targeted Shark fishing and b) a ban on gear that is likely to result in Shark bycatch e.g. gill nets, wire leaders, very strong fishing lines etc.
  This is much easier than trying to establish a year-round Sanctuary or MPA, the more as it can initially be merely a private agreement with the local fishermen thus not requiring legislation that is always a tedious process. But do aim to get some legislation confirming the above in the long run, if only at the municipal/local level. Having established a track record of cooperation will certainly help!

• Establish patrols - maybe even involving the fishermen that could be paid from the Shark levy. On top of that, maybe the staff of the Shark diving operators can be deputized like we've done here - remember that apart from the conservation aspects, you would be defending your own business assets!

• Bring in the research in order to get the data for further refining the process.

Just my two cents as always.
Wishing you the very best of success - and if you want to discuss, you know how to reach me!

Conservation International - Fiji Bulls!

Yet another stellar pic of wallpaper Bulls by Lill - click for detail!

One more video with our Sharks!

LOVE it, for obvious reasons!
Yes this would once again be Shark Reef!
Apart from watching the various videos, you can read more about Conservation International's Shark work here.

Enjoy!



And... did you notice something? :)

PS: Sharks mean business here!

TEK!

As in Traditional Ecological Knowledge!

That's what our Eroni and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic undergrad Victor are presently gathering.
Victor contacted us a while ago asking whether he could join in for some research and we took that as a pretext to initiate phase two of our effort to understand and then, to protect Fiji's Bull Shark population.

It's a well known fact that the pregnant Bulls migrate to rivers in order to give birth. In fact, they may even be philopatric and always go back to the same rivers.
Rivers and estuaries are ideal Shark nurseries as they harbor many juvenile fishes as prey and also offer some protection against attacks by marine predators, as in big Groupers and other Sharks.
It is our aim to identify Fiji's Bull Shark nurseries as we would very much like to succeed in protecting the gravid females on their perilous voyage to and from those locations - and of course, we'd like to protect the youngsters as well.

As we speak, Roni and Victor are traveling around the country, conducting interviews with people on those rivers, collecting water samples - and sampling huge quantities of grog in the process!


The results so far are nothing short of spectacular as they are discovering a wealth of hitherto untapped traditional and sometimes, even ancestral knowledge about the animals and their behavior. They are also discovering that Fiji's rivers harbor a variety of Sharks and not only Bulls, although the latter are the only ones able to subsist in the upper reaches that are pure fresh water. All very intriguing and exciting - and loads of fun on top of that!

Once they come back, we will determine the most promising locations for deploying some of our acoustic receivers - and should we be so lucky to get a ping from one of our tagged females in November, the circle will have been completed.

Will this all be enough for Eroni's Masters thesis?
Sure it will, amply - and for some new papers by Juerg as well!
As always, keep watching this space!

Desperately seeking Change!

As promised, back to the Sharks.

If this is true, many of us got to seriously re-think our approach to Shark Conservation.

It says that many fisheries, Shark fishing included, are completely supply limited.
In a nutshell, it would mean that the demand for Shark fins greatly outweighs the supply and that consequently, even if we managed to convince a lot of people not to consume Shark fins, it would have little to no effect on the market and thus, on the supply side represented by the size of the Shark fishing industry.
Couple that with the fact that price elasticity for Shark Fins is probably very close to zero (meaning that demand is not likely to decrease with increasing prices, and that prices will thus rise as stocks get depleted and always balance, or even outpace the rising cost of having to find increasingly rare Sharks in an increasingly empty Ocean) and that fishermen are perfect examples for the Tragedy of the Commons, and we are faced with a problem of truly epic proportions.

From that point of view and assuming (probably correctly) that the total sum of money available for Shark Conservation is finite, the answer to this particular debate is clearly No, go invest your money into more effective projects instead!

So, should we now re-focus all of our energy onto disrupting the supply side?
Declare Shark fishing to be immoral and illegal and prosecute anybody engaging in it?
As much as I would like to do that because I really do love Sharks and hate seeing them killed, I'm convinced that such an approach would not only utterly fail, but create a whole new set of problems on top of that.
Just think of the drug trade (and incidentally, the drug mafia is already part and parcel of the Shark fin trade) and you see where I'm coming from. Prices would skyrocket, violent conflicts would escalate and the slaughter of Sharks would continue unabated.
Plus, it would mean persecuting and criminalizing the fishermen, many of which are poor and are just trying to eke out a meager living in order to feed their families. That just can't be right, can it.
And they will not just take it laying down. Again, think of the coca farmers. Or the purported reasons for the piracy on the Horn of Africa.

Like it or not, any viable solution will have to end up being a pragmatic compromise.
The Asians and their predilection for Shark fin soup are a fact and no amount of rhetoric is going to change that in the foreseeable future - certainly not to the extent of significantly impacting the trade. Plus, and yes I'm repeating myself, who are we to dictate what they may, or may not eat!
And at the same time, fishermen need to be allowed to fish.

What to do?

The solution lays in trying to steer the discussion towards Sustainability.
And that means that we cannot just demand that the other side embrace our point of view: like it or not, we must be willing to engage in dialogue about killing some of the very animals we love and are trying to protect!
If we succeed, we can at least influence how many get killed, how and when - but the battle about keeping alive all of them is a lost cause.

Like in the case of Tuna, Billfish and actually, many Fishes that are currently being targeted commercially (want a current overview of the extent of the debacle? Read, this!), Sharks are being overfished to the point where some species are severely threatened.
Short-term (whatever that may mean, as some estimates talk about centuries), stocks need to be allowed to replenish and the fisheries targeting those species need to be pulled back accordingly.
But long term, there needs to be a consensus for allowing fishermen to harvest sustainable quotas.
Yes, of Sharks, too!

Thankfully, many of the principal NGOs and Government Agencies have embarked on this pragmatic and solution-oriented route. It's a complicated and multi-pronged process that is often polarizing and controversial (read this!). But I like agree with the general direction, and those who take it onto themselves to see it through deserve our respect and gratitude.
Well, most of the time.

Alas, the sheer magnitude and complexity of the task at hand implies that it will always be slow-moving - and time is of the essence!

This is where we, the small guys, can be of value.
Smallness can be a huge advantage - the main one being: No Committees!
Nothing gets watered down to the smallest common denominator but instead, we can create a positive ground swell that will ultimately benefit the "big boys", too, by being fast and nimble, vocal and irreverent, out-of-the box and politically un-correct, sometimes even visionary.
Or outright crazy, like wanting to base a Shark Conservation Project on the premise that it's perfectly OK to exploit Sharks commercially - and even -anathema!- to hand-feed them! What are the chances of that ever being approved by consensus?

And what about the fundamentalist and dogmatic zealot fringe, be it the idealistic Huggers or the Eco-Terrorists? They sure make a lot of headlines and some might say, they do so at the expense and to the detriment of the "movement".
But then again, is there such a thing as bad publicity? Plus, they will always remain the fringe, with the advantage that the majority will appear reasonable and moderate in comparison!

In a way, this is a true democratic process, where knowledge and opinions circulate freely via the electronic media and extremism, propaganda and disinformation are quickly identified, exposed and eliminated along with the fraudsters. And where like in Science, an open and often, robust dialogue will mostly lead to the right conclusions.
Don't we all wish that this would happen everywhere?

So yes, the task is daunting indeed!
But all together, big and small, cold realists and hopeless idealists, we can turn this thing around!
Looking for a Sea Change? Literally?
That would be us!

Let's get it done!

Shark Reef and the Fiji Shark Corridor

Great Pic: Klaus Jost and yes, that's Predator! Click on it!

From our new website.

Shark Reef Marine Reserve was established in April 2004 and is the first of its kind in Fiji, namely, a protected sanctuary for the Sharks.

We are however aware that modern Conservation guidelines dictate that instead of merely concentrating on trying to save individual species, one must instead focus efforts onto preserving the Ecosystems where they live. With that in mind, our Stewardship is not limited to the Sharks alone but extends to protecting the whole of Shark Reef with all of its inhabitants. Consequently, we have invested considerable resources in order to document its Fish life and the long-term effects of our Conservation efforts.

It is here, in these protected waters that divers can observe and interact with some of the oceans top predators and a multitude of Fish species on The Shark Dive.

Taking Shark diving to the extreme, the regular Shark population comprises 8 different species: Whitetip Reef Sharks, Blacktip Reef Sharks, Grey Reef Sharks, Tawny Nurse Sharks, Sicklefin Lemon Sharks, Silvertip Sharks, Bull Sharks and Tiger Sharks.

If Shark diving is your thing, then Shark Reef Marine Reserve and The Shark Dive are for you!

Shark Reef Marine Reserve is however about much more than just The Shark Dive.

The cornerstone of Shark Reef Marine Reserve are the ongoing research studies in the effort to learn more about these often misunderstood animals and in turn assist in their long-running battle for survival.

Beqa Adventure Divers is proud to be associated with the establishment of Shark Reef Marine Reserve in 2004.

None of this would have been possible without the involvement of the Fiji Department of Fisheries and the traditional owners of the reef, the villages of Wainiyabia and Galoa to whom we extend our special thanks. Both villages have agreed to relinquish their respective fishing rights to Shark Reef and in exchange, every diver who participates on The Shark Dive pays a 'Shark Reef Marine Reserve Levy' of FJ$20. This money is collected by Beqa Adventure Divers and deposited monthly into each village's community bank account.

After 5 years, it is not anymore only a question of providing cash flow to the community: even the initially skeptical fishermen love us to death, as the Reserve has become saturated with big Fish and the resulting spillover has lead to substantially increased fishing yields on the neighboring unprotected reefs. It thus really looks like we've managed to create a win-win situation for everybody involved and that the local community has learned to respect and appreciate what we do.

Following the results of our telemetry studies, it became apparent that the relatively small area of Shark Reef would not be sufficient to provide for adequate protection for our larger Sharks that roam a much wider area.

It is thus that in 2007, we have decided to greatly expand the Shark protected area to comprise the complete fishing grounds, or Qoliqoli of the two original partnering villages and the village of Deuba, once again with the formal endorsement of Government.

The such established Fiji Shark Corridor stretches for approx. 30 miles on the southern coast of Viti Levu all the way from the Navua river to the limit with Waidroka and includes the MPAs of Shark Reef, Lake Reef and our upcoming Combe Reef Marine Reserve, along with all other fringing reefs in the area, all the way to the foreshore.

One of the toughest tasks facing Shark Reef Marine Reserve, or any protected area, is to stop illegal fishing.

In April 2004, Beqa Adventure Divers sponsored the training of 12 Fish Wardens from the local community: 2 each from Waniyabia, Galoa, Beqa Island, Yanuca Island, Waidroka, Navua and staff members of Beqa Adventure Divers. The training program, conducted by the Government of Fiji, has allowed the community to monitor their protected waters as the Fish Wardens are attached to the Fisheries Department and have police powers to stop any illegal activities. We have doubled up our efforts and as of March 2009, all of our staff are officially empowered to protect the waters around Pacific Harbour!

To carry the Fish Wardens out to patrol the protected waters, The Shark Foundation in Switzerland has donated a boat to Shark Reef Marine Reserve, Reef Warden, in 2004. Following the arrival of our second Bladerunner, MV Hunter, Reef Warden has been sold and the money re-directed to research.

The boat and crew are on call 24hrs a day and perform random patrols to ensure no fishing is taking place.

Five Years of BADness!

From an old document

April 8, 2004: formal meeting between the joint representatives of the two villages with representatives of the Ministry of Fisheries under Mr. A. Batibasaga, at which it is formally decided to establish a Marine Reserve at Shark Reef. The villages assign the exclusive rights to operate the Shark Dive and collect the Shark Levy to the newly established dive operation, Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD).

Quite frankly, I had totally forgotten until alerted by a message from Nani!
It sure has been a ride!

Well, for lack of better, here's to us: James, Andrew, Rusi, Tuma, Nani, Tevita, Petero, Eliki, Wati, Tubi, Lo, Sivo, Silio, Vili and Eroni! You are the best!
And to me!

And then, to Juerg, Gary and Brenda and Ron and Valerie who have been so instrumental since the inception of this Project!
And to Stan, Doug, Chip and Susan and Bob and Dinah who gave valuable advice when we first came up with the idea!
And to the Shark Foundation!
And to the scores of friends who have joined us on the way!

Shark Heroes 2008

There's Shark Conservation and there's Shark Conservation.

Whilst we in Fiji have chosen to pursue a micro-project "on the ground", others have taken the route of going public and "big picture". Others again prefer to pursue their agendas away from the public eye. Others may be coming from a more scientific angle or work for some Government Agency. All of it is great and in its combination, it is the best recipe for obtaining results - which is the only thing that counts in the end.

2008 has actually been a good year for Shark Conservation.
Yes, the slaughter continues but there has certainly been great progress in fostering public awareness and solidarity. Shark Conservation is undoubtedly gaining traction and changing perceptions is an essential ingredient if we ever want to succeed on a global scale. Many have contributed and all need to be thanked for it.

Personally, I'd like to point out the contribution of two individuals:

Yahoo's Alibaba and Taobao portals are apparently discontinuing all advertising for Shark products as of January 1st, 2009.
That's really unbelievably good news, the more as both portals are based in Asia and had so far played a prominent (and ignominious) role in the global Shark Fin trade. Quite frankly, I would have never thought that Ethics could prevail over Culture and Business - especially in China which is so much associated with the consumption of Shark Fins.
Never have I been happier to have been proven wrong! Teaches me not to assume and never to give up Hope!
I know nothing about the details but apparently, the merit goes to one (Professor?) Brian W. Darwell who seems to have spearheded the lobbying, legwork and negotiating. The only person of that name I found is this gentleman and if this is him, he deserves everybody's gratitude and compliments!

My other Hero for 2008 is Peter Knights of WildAid, for having convinced CNN to produce the epic Shark segment for their Planet and Peril series. I cannot quite imagine any other Organization (maybe the BBC?) having that kind of global outreach and having achieved to capture their solidarity is a truly remarkable feat! Isn't it just Great to see all the sympathetic comments by the viewers who are very probably just ordinary people with no previous exposure to Shark Finning?

Yes, I know, Success has many Fathers as documented by the many NGOs, groups and individuals "congratulating" and otherwise hinting at having made a contribution - which they probably have. Good on them. In the end, we're all in this together.
But whatever the details, the fact remains that it always takes special individuals to harness those energies and to lead the charge.

Guys, as we say in Fiji, Vinaka Vakalevu!

Fare well, Reef Warden

Insiders know that we're all about Shark Conservation.

In fact, the Dive Shop is merely an extension of Fiji's first Marine Park dedicated to the protection of Sharks, Shark Reef Marine Reserve.
The Fiji Shark Project hinges on the concept that successful and above all, enduring Conservation requires that the Stakeholders be fairly compensated for any resulting loss of income. Beqa Adventure Divers is the vehicle by which we can generate the required cash flow to do just that.

When pondering about the best way to go ahead, it became instantly clear that one of the main challenges we would face was going to be, to successfully enforce the fishing ban.
We thus decided to sponsor the training of a dozen local Fish Wardens by the Fiji Ministry of Fisheries, two of which, Papa and Tevita, we employ. In fact, having established the Fiji Shark Corridor, we're about to process another batch in order to reflect the joining in of Deuba Village.
Fish Wardens are like Game Keepers: they are empowered by Government to police, enforce, search, impound and arrest and can avail themselves of the help by the Disciplined Forces like the Police and the Navy.

To round things up, the Swiss-based Shark Foundation generously sponsored the purchase of a special-purpose fast skiff which we named "Reef Warden" and have since maintained and used for patrolling the Reserve. The regular patrols and a couple of "incidents" ranging from stern warnings all the way to temporary arrests and the confiscation of illegal catches have sent the message that Big Brother is watching and we're reasonably confident that poaching, if any, is minimal.

In fact, after 5 years, the fishermen love us to death, as the Reserve has become saturated with big Fish and the resulting spillover has lead to substantially increased fishing yields on the neighboring unprotected reefs. It thus really looks like we've managed to create a win-win situation for everybody involved and that the local community has learned to respect and appreciate what we do.

With that in mind, Reef Warden was definitely becoming under-utilised, a bad thing for a boat that is best kept in constant motion. Also, our newly commissioned second hydrofoil catamaran MV Hunter has proven to be a superior patrolling craft in terms of comfort, eco-friendliness, running cost and speed. Having consulted the Foundation, it was resolved to sell Reef Warden and to re-invest the proceeds into other Foundation projects in Fiji, likely a new set of experiments by our indefatigable Juerg. Reef Warden has now left us for what we hope will be a new, exciting career skimming the azure waters of Beqa Lagoon.

We will miss the pretty, elegant lady.
Moce Mada, Reef Warden, and may Dakuwaqa always protect you!