Counting Fiji's sharks, rays and turtles
It is estimated that globally as many as 73 million sharks are killed every year, and that shark populations have dropped by 70- 80% over the past few years. This is due to commercial fishing for sharks, most of which are thrown away once their fins have been sliced off for sale for shark fin soup.
Using the data you have helped gather, we will not only be able to map Shark distribution and abundance in Fiji for the first time, but because Sharks are Apex Predators and vital to overall marine life balance, we can use the information to infer patterns of marine ecosystem health.
Over the past 3 years, dive operators across Fiji & their diving & snorkelling guests have been recording their Shark, Ray & Turtle sightings over the months of April & November. Thanks to those dedicated divers, we now have some interesting facts to share about Shark populations in Fiji.
Throughout the months of April and November every year, you have the opportunity to help celebrate and record Fiji’s amazing coral reef biodiversity, show you care about our world’s delicate coral reef systems, and have fun, by taking part in the FIJI-WIDE SHARK COUNT!
Easy to do, this is suitable for visitors and locals alike, whether you like to fish, snorkel, or SCUBA dive. We hope that tourists, school children, scientists and all people with an interest in the marine environment will take to the reefs with us to search for the Sharks of Fiji!
The Great Fiji Shark Count will be held across Fiji every April and November every year.
You can do a single count, or take part as many times as you like during that month, so that you cover different reefs. All data will be gratefully accepted!
So, see your resort, watersports operator or travel agent, get your Shark identification materials and dive into the beautiful blue waters of Fiji, to be a part of history!
