Matava is a Project AWARE Go ECO Operator

Project AWARE’s Go ECO Campaign was revamped throughout Asia Pacific in 2005 to inspire dive operators to implement environmental best practices in their local area and educate tourists about how they can travel responsibly. By following environmental guidelines, dive centres can minimize their impact on our aquatic ecosystem whilst contributing to environmental, economic and cultural conservation.

Ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular and it’s crucial that the dive industry respond to this to ensure they are meeting standards their consumers demand.

Go ECO helps dive centres and resorts to do this by providing their customers with dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment and a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability.

Mad Fish Dive Centre at Matava became one of the first Go ECO Operators in Fiji and the SOuth Pacific, and pledge our commitment to the Go ECO Eco-Operator guidelines below.

Go ECO helps dive centres and resorts to do this by providing their customers with dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local aquatic environment and a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability .

Mad Fish Dive Centre at Matava was awarded the level of Go ECO Operator in 2005, and we pledge our commitment to the Eco-Operator guidelines below.

As an eco-operator, we…

• Provide dive experiences that enhance visitor awareness, appreciation and understanding of the local Fijian aquatic environment.
• Use recycled products whenever possible.
• Participate in local Fiji conservation efforts and support established parks and reserves within Kadavu waters.
• Do not sell items made from endangered species, threatened species, corals or tropical hardwoods.
• Respect local people, culture and traditions while abiding by local laws and regulations.
• Provide pre-dive briefings on responsible dive practices such as:
  • Proper buoyancy control
  • Securing equipment and streamlining body position
  • Maintaining distance from sensitive environments
  • Not touching or chasing animals, especially mantas on the Manta Dive
  • Abiding by all fish and game regulations
  • Use mooring buoys or drift diving techniques whenever possible to avoid damage to underwater habitat.
• Offer Project AWARE specialty courses that teach customers about ecology and conservation.
• Practice buoyancy control skills in a pool or sandy area before swimming near a coral reef or any sensitive environment. Make sure your equipment is secured, you’re weighted properly and be careful not to touch, stand on or collect coral.
• Display environmental public awareness materials and provide community involvement opportunities.
• Use environmentally sound methods of rubbish disposal.