For the last couple of weeks the GVI Fiji Marine Team's Marine Awareness program at Vuaki and Ratu Meli School has run a program on shark conservation.
The kids told us about their favourite sharks, then discussed the vital role sharks play in the reef ecosystem including keeping second tier predators such as groupers and tuna in check. We also discussed the threats that sharks face from humans and the kids were really good at identifying unsustainable practices such as shark finning, over fishing and pollution as the major reasons why most shark species are under threat. The kids learned that up to 73 million sharks are killed worldwide each year by human activity and why this is so detrimental for Fiji’s reefs. They also learned that sharks are worth more to Fiji’s economy alive than dead. We brainstormed on the ways that sharks contribute to the economy, including attracting tourists to dive on Fiji's reefs.
The kids then designed posters depicting their favourite sharks and designed to promote shark protection and conservation. The best poster from both Vuaki and RMMS will be published in the Fiji Times. GVI Fiji’s marine partner, South Pacific Projects and the London Aquarium also generously provided ‘we love sharks’ t-shirts for all the kids as a reward for their hard work.
The Marine Team thoroughly enjoyed working with the children, and we were really happy to see how switched on they were about sharks, their role in the ecosystem, and the importance of their protection. They seemed passionate about their local marine environment and we are confident that they will become great ambassadors for these magnificent creatures in their communities, and hopefully will help play a part in securing a brighter future for Fiji’s reefs.