Sharks don’t have a great reputation. People often think about films like Jaws, where they are portrayed as aggressive, unrelenting, and bloodthirsty (a true Hollywood villain!).
When someone says “shark”, most people immediately picture the Great White, one of the largest, most dangerous, and endangered shark species in the world. However, the Great White is one of over 500 different shark species of shark on earth.
Fear is a fair reaction, but in reality, sharks are beautiful, majestic, and one of the most important parts of marine ecosystems.
Read on to find out why sharks are important and what you can do to contribute to protect sharks in countries like Fiji.
Why are sharks important?
Sharks are apex predators, meaning that they are at the top of the food chain in the ocean. Ultimately, that’s part of what makes them seem so scary. And, they’re old. Very old. They’ve been at the top of the food chain for over 400 million years.
All that means, though, is that sharks feed on all sorts of fish and keep their populations at acceptable levels. This stops fish numbers in certain areas from growing to unsustainable levels. If that were to happen, those fish could eat much higher numbers of other fish or vital ocean vegetation, which could then collapse the entire marine ecosystem.
Plus, many sharks target ill and weakened prey. This is because it prevents them needing to chase their prey and expend unnecessary energy, but it has an unintentional benefit of maintaining healthy populations too.
By eating these fish, sharks prevent the spread of disease in the ecosystem and contribute to natural evolution, removing the weakest genes from the pool. This is why sharks can be referred to as the ocean’s “white blood cells”, acting as a living immune system.
Are sharks endangered?
Yes, a large number of shark species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Sharks have roamed the Earth for millions of years, but humans are the greatest threat they have ever faced.
It’s the sharks that should be afraid of us… Unfortunately, human activity has led to a rapid, unnatural decline in their numbers, resulting in a rapidly growing list of endangered shark species. Tragically, every single hour, roughly 11,000 sharks are killed worldwide.
Overfishing is the largest problem, and sharks aren’t even targeted. Many shark species are required to move in order to breathe, but they can easily get tangled in fishing nets while feeding, stopping them from moving and leading to suffocation.
Another serious threat is illegal shark finning, where the fins are cut off and the shark is thrown back into the ocean. Unable to swim without their fins, the sharks sink to the bottom and die of suffocation or get eaten by other predators. Their fins are then sold for shark fin soup.
Why do sharks need protection if they’re top of the food chain?
Ecosystems are fragile, with almost every species playing a unique role in maintaining it. The effects of shark extinction could be devastating.
Because of the heartbreaking statistics, global shark conservation has never been more urgently needed.
When one species (for example, an apex predator like sharks) is removed, the species below thrive, but only temporarily. Their population could rise so quickly that they overeat their food source and then begin to starve.
A destructive chain of events would lead to an increase in algae, which would choke coral reefs and eventually kill them. If coral reefs die, thousands of species will lose their habitat.
Beyond the marine ecosystem, it would also take away a major source of food and income for local fishermen and coastal communities worldwide.
How can you contribute to shark conservation overseas?
Dedicated scientists and passionate volunteers across the globe are working tirelessly to study these misunderstood animals, plant coastal mangroves that serve as safe nurseries for juveniles, and educate coastal communities.
When we step up to protect sharks, we are not just saving a single, isolated species—we are ensuring the ongoing survival of vibrant coral reefs, sustaining local fishing economies that rely on healthy fish stocks, and preserving the overarching health of our planet.
To us, two aspects are key to their survival: scientific research and awareness campaigns to promote shark conservation.
At our Shark Conservation Project in Fiji, we focus on both. Our researchers and participants work towards long-term goals set out by local leaders and experts. As a volunteer, you’ll support:
Data collection on marine life
You’ll be provided with PADI Open Water Dive training so you can assist with the collection of scientific research during survey dives, which will then inform conservation policies.
During this Shark Conservation Project, you’ll:
- dive with bull sharks and collect information on their behaviour
- record details about different shark species during survey dives
- deploy Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUVs) to study sharks without human presence and interference
- observe the local staff tag juvenile sharks so we can monitor their lifespan, nursery habitats, and reproduction
This research is central to the project and we share it with global monitoring platforms to support conservation planning. Because of this research we can continue to protect and respond to the declining shark population.
“I also helped out on the shark tagging programme. This involved us going out on various rivers in Fiji and attempting to catch and tag juvenile bull sharks. This species is famous for its ability to survive in freshwater, and we wanted to determine which rivers in Fiji the sharks use, and roughly how many are actually in the rivers. This kind of information is crucial if we are to determine which areas of the river we need to protect for these sharks.” – Mark M, Shark Conservation Project, Fiji
Plant mangroves to protect sharks and remove carbon dioxide
As well as the core work with sharks, you’ll care for mangrove seedlings in our nursery and replant mangroves along the coast.
Mangroves are one of the most important ecosystems in the world. Historically, people overlooked the value of mangrove forests and removed them from the coastlines to widen navigation channels for ships.
What they didn’t know is that the mangroves provide a habitat structure that keeps young sharks safe from predators. They also act as nurseries for many other fish species, prevent erosion and capture carbon in the air.
These coastal forests store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, trapping carbon in their soils for centuries. This makes them one of the most effective natural solutions for mitigating climate change.
“We joined the shark conservation project in Fiji. We were made to feel extremely welcome by the staff running the project and they went above and beyond to make sure that we were able to make the most of our time. The Shark dives were incredible as well as the fish survey dives, maintaining the coral nursery and planting mangroves. We learnt so much and enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you Maik for looking after us so well . We would come back in an instant.” – Elin O’Niell on Trustpilot
Raise awareness about conservation and the importance of sharks
We run different shark conservation lectures, marine ecology, and environmental classes in order to protect and educate local people. This can include running an awareness workshop, teaching a class on recycling with schoolchildren, or attending a lecture on shark identification.
“Given that the local villages have rights over Shark Reef, as well as other neighbouring reefs, community education is another crucial aspect of the shark conservation project. I participated in several community outreach activities such as painting a kindergarten building, planting nutritional plants for village use, and playing games related to shark education.” – Christina C, Shark Conservation Project, Fiji
How can you get involved?
If you want to support global shark conservation and are excited by the prospect of shark dives and earning a diving qualification, our Shark Conservation Project in Fiji is perfect for you.
If you’re a student aged between 14 and 18, you’ll want to join our Shark Conservation High School Programme, taking place on fixed dates during school holidays.
If you’re an adult aged 18+, you’ll want to join our Shark Conservation Volunteer Project, allowing you to travel at any time, whenever suits you.
Work with sharks firsthand and learn about the importance of shark conservation abroad, all while developing your skills and immersing in Fijian culture.
Stay up to date with conservation news
Interested in more articles like these? Sign up to our newsletter to receive updates like this along with news and promotions every month.
Sign up for more articles like this, straight to your inbox!