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Shark-Free Marina Initiative in Fiji

SHARK-FREE MARINAS IN FIJI

Kadavu, Fiji Islands - July 09, 2009 - The international Shark-Free Marina Initiative works with marinas, boaters and fishermen to develop policy designed to protect a vital component of the oceans health, our sharks.

The majority of shark species caught by recreational and sport anglers are currently listed by the IUCN as 'Threatened' (or worse) and each year an average of a ½ Million of these sharks are killed in the United States alone.

By encouraging non-lethal 'catch-and-release' shark fishing your patrons and clients can enjoy their sport while ensuring that shark populations are not further diminished. By promoting sustainable practices of ocean management we hope that sharks will be around to keep our oceans healthy for generations to come.

Currently we are working in Fiji at certifying all marinas and charter fishing boats as 'Shark-Free Marinas'. Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters was the first in Fiji to sign up and has agreed to promote, coordinate and distribute information about the Initiative. We hope that Fiji can be the first country to be proud to announce itself as a 'Shark-Free Marinas' Country!

Denouncing Discovery Communications for Victimizing Sharks for Profit

This is the first time I sign a petition, ever.

Quite frankly, I've been caught completely unawares and only found out about it when browsing Underwater Thrills during my morning coffee, as I do every day. I'm kinda between homes and countries so I'll have to keep this short.

This is important, but it is only one part of the equation - the other part being that as an Industry, we got to provide for alternatives by working with serious producers and cinematographers in order to come up with better programs.

Since 1987, Discovery Channel has annually presented 'Shark Week.' This week-long series of programs featuring sharks claims to present facts about sharks, and its popularity has earned the company millions of dollars. In reality, Discovery uses sharks for the horror-show effect that draws a wide audience. Shark Week dramatizes shark attacks, blood and the animals' unusual dentition, to frighten viewers.

We call for an International boycott of all of Shark Week's programs until Discovery Communications stops using sharks dishonestly for profit in horror shows, and starts presenting them as the important marine animals that they are, now in danger of extinction.

YoSF - We have a Patron!

Tuesday, 21 April 2009 16:46 Stuart Gow

None other than Valerie Taylor herself! We're incredibly honoured and grateful!

The Taylors are some of our Heroes and they've been best friends of the Shark Project in Fiji, and they've been enthusiastic mentors of Shark Reef Marine Reserve since it's inception and regularly pop in to gauge its progress and discuss its future direction - and of course, to have a great time with the Sharks!

They are some of the kindest and most generous people ever, always willing to share their limitless experience and unique insights garnered from a lifetime of interacting and trying to protect Sharks - and yet, nobody could be more modest, humble and self-effacing, and quite unaware of the huge influence they have had in touching the lives of so many.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 21 April 2009 17:01 ) Read more...