Research reveals high variability in shark presence in Fiji

A new research published by the Pacific Conservation Biology, Community-driven shark monitoring for informed decision making: a case study from Fiji, reveals 146,304 sharks were observed in Fiji waters between 2012 and 2016.

Fijian dive operators, in collaboration with eOceans, documented sharks in their dives.

The research paper states 30,668 dives took place between 2012 and 2016 at 592 sites around Fiji.

A diver feeds a shark. A new research published by the Pacific Conservation Biology reveals 146,304 sharks were observed in Fiji waters between 2012-2016. Picture: THE FIJI SHARK DIVE

“We found high variability in shark presence, species richness, and relative abundance through space and time,” said the authors of the research, Christine Ward-Paige, Helen Sykes, Geoffrey Osgood and Juerg Brunnschweiler.

“One trend was surprising: the most common species, Whitetip Reef Shark, decreased over the study period at eastern sites and increased at western sites; the cause is currently unknown.

“Our results can guide management and conservation needs, future scientific questions, and provide a baseline for future assessments.

“This study demonstrates the value of longitudinal observation data that includes absences for describing marine fauna and confirms the capacity of stakeholders to document the ocean.

“It also points the direction for broad scale participatory science methodologies to track the ocean.”

The authors said more than 121 million people globally enjoyed naturebased marine tourism, making it one of the largest marine industries.

“Ocean degradation threatens this industry and management has not kept pace to ensure long-term sustainability.

“In response, some individuals within the industry are taking it upon themselves to monitor the ocean and provide the data needed to assist management decisions.

“Fiji is one such place.”

Research reveals high variability in shark presence

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!