Shark Conservation and Awareness
Fiji
Key Objective:
The aim of the project will be to provide marine conservation awareness to students and the general public, specifically focusing on Fiji shark awareness and conservation
Why this is important:
As there is a lack of shark literature in Fiji, this project will be made up of short-term research projects (3-4 months) focusing on shark field work, the results of which will be made available to the University community, international researchers, Fiji policy makers, students and the general public. Data obtained will contribute to the data deficiency in shark literature in Fiji.
Background
The project origin stems from the overall objective of the formation of Wantok Moana, that is, to provide a platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students to participate in conservation activities that will allow them to obtain hands-on experience in their fields of study once they graduate. Not all short-project researchers have funds to do field work, therefore Wantok Moana will be able to direct funding resources to these students.
Not all research students doing short-term projects at the University of the South Pacific can afford to undertake fieldwork as they do not have access to research funds. Funding from SOS will allow these students to carry out much needed research on sharks in Fiji.
Aims and Objectives
To provide marine conservation awareness to students, policy makers and the public by undertaking novel shark research and disseminating the data obtained.
- Shark nursery study: to determine the prey preferences of juvenile Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks (Sphyrna lewini).
- Shark density study: to categorise the shark species richness and density at a site yet to be determined.
- Fisher Survey: to obtain shark catch data from local fishers in the Suva.
- Marine life conservation legislation review: to compile existing legislation that protects marine life, especially sharks in Fiji and the South Pacific.
- Presentation of data gathered in Objectives 1-4.
Project leader:
Alifereti Koroilavesau
Partners:
The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji & Wantok Moana
Related threat:
Years funded:
2012
Shark Conservation and Awareness Fiji
— .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 23 August, 2012
On Friday 10th August 2012, the University of the South Pacific (USP), held its USP Open Day for prospective students, targeting current high school students from around Fiji. This is an important date in the University’s Calendar as staff and…