My Fiji Shark

Brenda is a Super Star Shark head over to www.myfijishark.com to adopt today

‘My Shark Fiji’ is a conservational initiative and an adoption program which was a collective venture between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the South Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) and the Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) where we adopt a shark in and around the Beqa Lagoon and the money raised will go towards existing shark conservation measures, fund research, purchase research materials; create new shark conservation and inshore fisheries management programs; and build an independent Shark Lab to conduct in-country shark conservation research. At our first media round-table in September with SPTO, social media influencers and other members of the media were invited to the My Fiji Shark launch the next month. The influencers pledged to advocate and become ambassadors not only for sustainable tourism but also for the My Fiji Shark initiative.

These plaques were commissioned by SPTO for the individuals who pledged at the launch, made by artisan brothers Warwick and Craig Marlow from 100% recycable materials

At the launch of the MFS initiative, we were glad to hear from the Beqa Adventure Divers representatives who shared with us the work that they do and how adopting a shark would help us understand more about the importance of sharks to the marine life.

"It’s amazing that a couple of minutes drive from Suva city we can jump on a boat and dive into our blue waters and swim with these magnificent creatures” said Neisau Tuidraki, Comms Consultant for SPTO.

She also added that it was our job as Fijians to help with conservation of these sharks that we once considered Gods.

I am beyond grateful to be advocating for the My Fiji Shark initiative. It wasn’t up my ally at first, but after a few dialogues and discussions I was convinced and at the same time grew a soft spot for sharks and the marine life.

My good friend and Reigning Miss Fiji Hally Qaqa pledged $500FJD while Jessica Fong reigning Miss Hibiscus accepted the award on behalf of the current Miss South Pacific who also pledged for the My Shark Fiji initiative. It’s great to see these pageant Queens promoting beauty with a purpose. There will be more on the My Fiji Shark initiative coming up in a few months so please keep an eye out for that.