Ten years ago, Matt Fieschi was working in the Maldives as a tourism entertainer – playing volleyball, organizing tournaments on the beach, leading snorkelling tours and hosting comic shows. He didn’t think his idyllic island life could get any better… That is, until he learned to scuba dive! After earning his beginner’s open water certification, Matt quickly advanced through training and eventually became a dive instructor.

His island lifestyle and love for scuba provided Matt with a keen interest in environmental protection that he has carried with him throughout his world travels. After returning to his home country of Switzerland, Matt wanted to do something to share his passion for ocean conservation. He saw a Finathon® fundraiser as a great opportunity to contribute funds in support of our ocean planet, as well as a chance to help educate his local community about the challenges faced by sharks and rays – marine animals that he loves. In his hometown, Piscine comunali Bellizona, Switzerland, Matt felt that the general population had misguided beliefs about sharks. The public’s understanding of shark species was based in fear generated by sensationalist media coverage, rather than science-based evidence and real life experience. Matt determined to use his Finathon as an opportunity to help educate the community.

In early July of 2016, Matt organized a Finathon event at the town pool, where attendees enjoyed a swim contest and party. About 30 guests donated and raised $450 in support of sharks, but most importantly, Matt used the opportunity to sit down with his friends, family and neighbors to share his knowledge and discuss the challenges so many shark populations face: overfishing, bycatch and finning. He was pleasantly surprised by their reactions.

Matt shares, “Considering the negative perspective the majority of my town population had about sharks, I have to say that in the end I was surprised… Once I had the opportunity to sit down with them and explain how important this animal is to marine ecosystems, they left with a better understanding and appreciation for these incredible creatures.”

With positive feedback from his local community, Matt now feels empowered to continue to spread awareness and advocate for sharks and rays. And with CITES CoP17 coming up in just a few months – September 24 through October 5, 2016 – we need all the help we can get to advocate for increased protections for shark and ray species!

The time is now to advocate on behalf of shark and ray species. Learn more about how Project AWARE is rallying for their protection at CITES CoP17.