Rusi, back then.

Happier days - picture by his friend Cristina, with kind permission.

This was in 2009.

Alex and Ila had proclaimed the International Year of the Shark, and we decided to roll it out across Fiji in a series of various initiatives under the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project.

This is a PSA we ran on local television.

Although this is not his voice, it was entirely Rusi's brain child - and I will never forget how seeing the finished product drove tears to his eyes.

Enjoy.

Twenty!

Check out the list of Shark-Free Marinas!

Yes, that's twenty Fijian operators that have made a commitment for Shark conservation by pledging not to allow any dead Sharks to be landed at their dock. And I just hear that one more has agreed to sign up - and counting!
Is that cool - or what!

This is foremost the direct personal success of Stuart and Matava who have taken the initiative, done most of the leg work and tirelessly promoted the concept.

But this is also a testimony to how much Fiji cares about Nature in general and Sharks in particular.
This is a country that thanks to a visionary network of locally managed MPAs, is well on its way to protecting 30% of its reefs and that has declared all of its waters to be a Whale Sanctuary - and may hopefully once do the same for Sharks.
This is the country that has embraced the International Year of the Shark, with the who's who of conservation, diving and tourism signing up to its local initiative, the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project. This is where local television and the main media support Sharks and where a locally produced pro-Shark PSA has been a roaring success among the indigenous population, many of which revere Sharks as Gods and Guardian Spirits.

And finally, our thanks need to go to Patric and Luke who have come up with this brilliant initiative and have invested their time, energy and money into what is a fabulous example of smart and inclusive conservation!

Stuart tells me that thanks to a generous grant by PADI Project Aware, the signage is being printed and that it will be distributed within the next two weeks.

A big Vinaka Vakalevu to everyone involved!
I'm sure that Dakuwaqa is smiling!

Honoring Alex

Shark people: Alex (center) with Gary and Klaus (yes this is a link!)

The good guys of MaiLife have done it again!

Please click on the images below: this month's issue features an hommage to our friend Alex the Sharkman who sat down for an interview with Jone during his recent visit. It's the story of how a small boy from the island of Malta became one of the most authoritative and passionate advocates of Sharks.

Thank you Alex!
And Sharkman is now on the list! (:

Enjoy!

Sharkman!

Sharky stuff: Shark Men Rusi, Alex and Gary on Shark Reef. It's a nice pic of real nice people: click on it!

We had the great honor and pleasure of hosting Alex the Sharkman.

He lives breathes dreams Sharks and has done so since his earliest childhood.
He is a Shark poet, Shark blogger, Shark lover, Shark conservationists and Shark activist. Wherever Sharks are threatened, he will raise his authoritative voice. Contrary to many, he's not only a talker, but very much also a doer, for which he has earned my respect.

I've known about and admired Alex for a very long time and when we developed the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project in response to his International Year of the Shark , we decided that it was high time that he come and meet our friends at Shark Reef. He has been with us for the past three weeks where he has assisted in Gary's newest tagging sequence and given several interviews to the local media - but above all, he has dived dived dived!
We all had a great time, marked by a shared passion and mutual respect.

Alex, like Nani said, you are now family.
We miss you, and so do our Sharks.

Come back soon!

The Poster!

Well, here it is - we hope you like it!

This is the official poster of the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project, Fiji's very own contribution to the International Year of the Shark. Click on it to see which Dive Ops, Resorts and Conservation NGOs in Fiji are pro-Shark.

FSCAP Supporters can order it with Eroni at Info@FijiShark.com and yes, it's free of charge!
We will display it in strategic locations across Viti Levu and it will be the centerpiece of our booth at this year's DEMA. Should you want to produce your own copies for your own marketing, just contact Eroni and he'll send you the artwork for your perusal.

On Fiji One!

The clip is about to be aired on Fiji One.

As promised, here are the Dates and Times.
This is Fiji - so make sure you switch on the television a little bit earlier!

• Sat 22 6pm - News
• Sun 23 6pm - News
• Mon 24 6pm - News
• Tue 25 8pm - Talk Business
• Wed 26 9pm - News Headlines
• Thu 27 8pm - Have your Say
• Fri 28 9pm - News Headlines
• Sat 29 6pm - News
• Sun 30 6pm - News
• Mon 31 6pm - News

And whilst yer waiting (with bated breath, no doubt!), here's the English version, once again a World Premiere.

Sneak Preview!

Yes we do this, too!

The following is a world premiere.

As you know, Fiji has made it's own local contribution to the International Year of the Shark, the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project.
The supporters are the who's who of Fiji diving and conservation and we try to continuously add new content by rolling out new initiatives, like Stuart's impressive list of Fiji-based Shark Free Marinas.

Our latest project is Fiji's first ever pro-Shark clip which is due to be aired on Fiji TV and MaiTV starting next week (yes I will post the exact days and times!).
We've tried to give it a distinct local twist by keeping part of the narration in Fijian. Rusiate is of course our famous and unsurpassed Rusi who hails from nearby Beqa Island, the very home of Dakuwaqa himself!
We hope you like it - we certainly do!

Our thanks go to the Shark Foundation and to PADI Project AWARE who generously provided the funds for the shoot and the airing. Imraz of Niuwavemedia did an excellent job of directing, shooting and editing - in record time and strictly within a massively discounted budget. Thank you guys!

OK here it is - enjoy!

Fiji: Pro-Shark!

Matava organises Fiji to be the first COUNTRY to fully participate in the Shark Free Marina Initiative Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters take the leading role in the world with a major shark conservation initiative in the gamefishing community KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS - 14 July 2009 - Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco-Adventure Resort and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters are proud to take a world wide leading role in the the international Shark-Free Marina Initiative. The international Shark-Free Marina Initiative works with marinas, boaters and fishermen to develop policy designed to protect a vital component of the oceans health, our sharks. Matava Director Stuart Gow said "We have worked hard over the past few months in Fiji at certifying many marinas and charter fishing boats as 'Shark-Free Marinas' and so far have more than any other country worldwide." "Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters was the first in Fiji to sign up and is actively promoting, coordinating and distributing information about the Initiative. We are working towards when Fiji can be the first country to be proud to announce itself as a 'Shark-Free Marinas' Country!" he continued. The majority of shark species caught by recreational and sport anglers are currently listed by the IUCN as 'Threatened' (or worse) and each year an average of a ½ Million of these sharks are killed in the United States alone. It is estimated that 70-100 million sharks are killed yearly world wide! Bite Me Gamefishing Charters actively avoids fishing for any species of shark and encourages this practice to be followed by all. By encouraging non-lethal 'catch-and-release' shark fishing fishermen and those sharks inevitably caught accidentally can enjoy their sport while ensuring that shark populations are not further diminished. By promoting sustainable practices of ocean management we hope that sharks will be around to keep our oceans healthy for generations to come. Many Fiji marinas and charter operations are already listed on the Shark-Free Marina website as well as having the right to use the SFMI logo and signs for their own publicity. We are now in the process of distributing the stickers, posters and metal dock signs to registered businesses, charter boats and marinas. The SFMI website also has an education centre that we hope everyone will find useful, it includes tips on how to catch and release shark, a list of Endangered and Threatened species plus information on how they can help protect the ocean. "At Matava, and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters we are of course both happy and proud to be spearheading this initiative in the South Pacific and indeed the World" said Matava Director and Bite Me Gamefishing Charter Captain, Captain Adrian Watt. "We also see this as a great step forward and opportunity for all gamefishing and sportfishing charter boats, both on Kadavu and in the Fiji Islands, to move forward in their standards to achieve truly world class levels of service and capabilities demonstrated by the 'catch and release' programs." Captain Watt finished by saying "We would like to thank all friends and clients of Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters past and present who have contributed to the success of our ecotouirsm principles and the resort and we look forward to exciting times ahead." The Shark-Free Marina Initiative has a singular purpose, to reduce worldwide shark mortality. We encourage shark conservation at sport fishing and resort marinas by prohibiting the landing of any shark at the participating marina. The SFMI works with marinas, fishermen and like minded non-profit groups to form community conscious policy and increase awareness of the need to protect our sharks, our ocean and our legacy. Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava - Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian 'bures' with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views. Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters is our on-site IGFA game fishing specialists offering the best of superb record breaking blue water game fishing for tuna, wahoo, sailfish and marlin. As an active member of IGFA and The Billfish Association we advocate tag and release of all billfish and Trevally not deemed to be a National or World Record. www.Matava.com www.GamefishingFiji.com # # #

YoSF - We have a Patron!

None other than Valerie herself!

I'm obviously incredibly honored and grateful!
Don't miss her welcoming address at the 2009 Dive Fiesta, where the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project will be the central theme!
 

Year of the Shark - Fiji: DVD!

Want to spice up your Shark Presentation?

We've produced a short DVD featuring the 8 species that frequent Shark Reef Marine Reserve: Tawny Nurse Shark, Whitetip Reef Shark, Blacktip Reef Shark, Grey Reef Shark, Silvertip Shark, Sicklefin Lemon Shark, Bull Shark and Tiger Shark.

As a Supporter of the Year of the Shark - Fiji, you can now order them at our dive shop: just call 3450 911 0r write to Info@FijiShark.com. We'll give them at cost and it's entirely up to you whether you hand them out for free as part of your Shark Awareness Course or mark them up and sell them instead.

However, please keep in mind that the footage is copyrighted to BAD and that you may not use it for any other purpose.
Vinaka!

Year of the Shark Fiji - MaiLife!

Shark Diver is in Playboy and I'm green with envy!

But, we're getting there: the latest issue of Mai Life, one of Fiji's most popular magazines is featuring a multi-page article about the Year of the Shark and MaiTV will run a feature about Shark Conservation for which they have already interviewed Ron and Valerie along with Juerg.

Here's an excerpt from the magazine.
Click to read and admire the (Shark) pics, courtesy of Sasha!
..

International Year of the Shark - Fiji. Apparel!

Check this out.

This is the brand-new line for the YoS-Fiji and as a registered Supporter, you can now order it from Sean at Windward Apparel!
Obviously, you can then add your own logo instead of ours.

Sean has announced that 10% of the proceeds will go toward the YoS and namely, the printing of further materials, as in the upcoming Poster.

Sean - well done and Vinaka!

International Year of the Shark - Fiji: Lecture!

Pic: Alexander Safonov

Remember Juerg?

He's currently here in Fiji where we're busy Radio and Satellite tagging, plus DNA sampling!
Plus, John the Renaissance Man is adding more species every day: 412 and counting, and this without ichtyocides - yet! To the Butterflyfish counters among you: every species known from Fiji is right there on Shark Reef!
Talk about fast and furious action!

Juerg has kindly agreed to give this public lecture about his latest findings:

• Venue: USP Marine Studies lecture theater, Lower Campus
• Date: February 9, 2009
  
• Time: 5pm
• Subject: An integrated Approach to studying Bull Shark Behavior and Ecology in the South Pacific: The Bull Shark Tagging Programme

Synopsis:

Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) are widespread along the continental coasts of all tropical and subtropical seas but also occur around remote island states far away from continental waters. They are often found close inshore in shallow water which makes them readily accessible for scientific study.

The Bull Shark Tagging Programme started in 2003 with a pilot study in the Bahamas to test the feasibility of studying movement patterns and habitat use of bull sharks with state-of-the-art pop-up satellite archival tags. Since 2004 the project's main field site is located in Shark Reef Marine Reserve off the southern coast of Viti Levu, Fiji, where the behaviour and ecology of bull sharks is investigated using direct and indirect observational and monitoring techniques and tools.

You and your friends are cordially invited to attend.
Looking forward to meeting you there!

International Year of the Shark - Fiji

It only takes "One".

Actually, they were two, Alex and Ila, and thanks to their wonderful initiative, 2009 has been declared the International Year of the Shark.

Ever since having become a Member, we've been working on a concept enabling us to create a positive buzz for Sharks all across Fiji. We are lucky insofar that Shark Conservation ties in beautifully with Fijian Culture as for many indigenous Fijians, Sharks are sacred and killing them is Taboo. As an example, many of our feeders hail from Beqa Island and are thus protected by the Shark God Dakuwaqa.

We call it the Fiji Shark Conservation and Awareness Project and it hinges on a Shark Awareness Presentation that we are currently rolling out to the participating Dive Shops.
As you can see, the presentation is kind of "open-ended", allowing for a short 15-20 minute overview or instead, for a fully fledged and much more detailed lecture in Shark Biology and Shark Conservation.
Giving the short presentation to clients is merely a minimum requirement for participation and we are sure that the individual Dive Shops will find ample ways to expand on the concept and develop other Shark-related initiatives of their own.

At the same time, we plan to reach out to the schools via the Fiji Ministry of Education.

This is obviously very much work in progress but after having secured the support of two key Government Departments, Fisheries and Environment, and of several Dive Shops that have agreed to act as Regional Representatives, we're ready to go!
Official Start: today January 19!

Matava has very generously set up a great website and we've run this very first little local marketing brochure (click for details) in order to get things started.

The next phase will be a drive for membership and as the different categories (Dive Shops, Resorts, NGOs etc) get populated, we anticipate many more events and initiatives.
On our side, we have already secured several guest lecturers and are working on several Fiji-wide initiatives aimed at mobilizing and educating the public at large.
Watch this space!

Feedback so far has been overwhelming and although this is very much in its initial stages, we are very confident that 2009 will be a good year for Shark Conservation in Fiji!

To all involved: Vinaka Vakalevu!