The involvement of three of Fiji’s largest voluntourism organisations has added a large amount of data and collectors to The Great Fiji Shark Count in 2014. They are a diverse group of youngsters in different parts of the country, and have been very helpful in sending in data and boosting our results.

As the total number of observations are important to the science (the more data points, the more robust the results, the better the outcomes) these groups have greatly improved the volume of reports and surveys this year.

We look forward to their input and data during the November count, which is sooner than you think!

Projects Abroad

In cooperation with Beqa Adventure Divers’ Fiji Shark Conservation Project in Pacific Harbour, Project Abroad gives volunteers the chance to get up close to some of the most endangered animals in the world.

Working directly with the on site shark research scientists, Project Abroad volunteers are directly involved in scientific shark research work. With over 30 volunteers in country working on the various projects, and all of them have been involved in The Great Fiji Shark Count during their weekly dives in Beqa Lagoon.

Full details of their project are here: http://www.projects-abroad.co.uk/volunteer-projects/conservation-and-environment/fiji/monthly-updates/?content=2014/march-april/

Voluntourism contributes greatly to the Great Fiji Shark Count

Global Vision International (GVI)

Based in the idyllic Yasawa Islands in the West of Fiji, Global Vision International (GVI) Fiji’s Marine Research and Conservation Projectconducts research that will facilitate long term benefits to the local communities of the Yasawas and help guarantee food security for future generations.

This small international team of volunteers works on collecting data, now including Shark Counts, by underwater research dives, that help establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Full details of their project are here:http://www.gvi.co.uk/programs/marine-conservation-expedition-fijiin-fiji/

Frontier-Fiji

Frontier-Fiji’s Reef Conservation Project aims include surveying the marine resources of the island of Beqa, to provide information to allow informed decisions regarding the management of their coastal ecosystems.

Frontier-Fiji conducts scientific baseline data surveys of the Beqa reefs, mapping the sea grass beds and mangrove fringes of the region. Once a long term data set is obtained, patterns of resource use can be identified and work with local communities can begin to build awareness of the value and vulnerability of their marine environment.

See more details of their project here:http://www.frontier.ac.uk/projects/120/Fiji-Marine-Conservation-%26-Diving