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Fiji: Bull shark migrations near Fiji |
We lack biological data for practically all shark species, especially on their precise geographical distribution areas, their migration behavior or reliable population numbers. This also applies to widely distributed species living in coastal areas, e.g. the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas).
© Klaus Jost / Shark Foundation
Illustration: Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas).
In areas where bull sharks can be seen regularly, observations over past years have shown that grown individuals leave these areas in the spring for two to four months and return in the summer. Where they migrate to during this time is not yet known, but presumably they visit their reproduction regions/nurseries during this time period.
Early in 2003 an international research team launched a bull shark tagging program in the Bahamian waters. The purpose of this program is to find the bull shark nurseries and their migration routes, and in a second step to establish concepts for the protection of these areas.
The experiences and results of the Bahama pilot project led to the initiation of a study on the migratory behavior of bull sharks near Fiji in 2004. Various bull sharks were tagged with satellite transmitters for this research program. At a fixed time, the transmitters come off the sharks and transmit data on the migratory routes, depth, temperatures etc. to satellites. The data is then evaluated using computer programs designed specifically for the project.
In a first phase three bull sharks were equipped with satellite transmitters programmed to release themselves from the sharks at the end of 2004 and then float to the water surface. In the course of 2004 additional bull sharks were tagged with such transmitters. At the end of 2004 the first data arrived and is ready for evaluation in 2005.
 
© Klaus Jost / Shark Foundation
Illustration: Preparing the highly complex transmitter.
Simultaneous to the fastening of the transmitters, initial steps are taken to implement protection provisions. Small reef sections where bull sharks are seen regularly are no longer allowed to be accessed by the fishing industry  Fiji Shark Reef
Project Manager: Jürg Brunnschweiler
In 2004 the Foundation partially financed the project by sponsoring two satellite transmitters worth approx. CHF 10,000.
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Shark Protection Zone: Fiji Shark Reef |
In many regions diving tourism has become an important protection factor for sharks. Studies on the Bahamas, in South Africa, the Maldives and other diving regions were able to show that the value of a living shark for the tourist industry is about USD 10,000 per year, as opposed to USD 500 for one shark that is killed for its fins and other products.
The Foundation's shark protection zone project in Fiji supports the Mike Neumann project whose objective is to turn the Shark Fin Reefs off the southern coast of Viti Levu into a shark protection zone.
© Jürg Brunnschweiler / Hai-Stiftung
Illustration: The "Shark Fin Reef" off Viti Levu, Fiji.
The Fiji Shark Reef Project serves as a model. The village of Wainiyabia, which holds the traditional fishing rights for the reef, receives 5 Fiji dollars per diver per day from Beqa Adventures, the local diving base. In return villagers agree to give up fishing on Shark Fin Reef and ensure that this fishing ban is respected. In cooperation with the Fiji government a nature reserve for sharks and other ocean inhabitants was able to be created.
The project is based on a win-win situation between nature protection, diving tourism, the interests of local fishermen and the government. Other villages on Fiji have already expressed their interest in participating in similar projects.
© Jürg Brunnschweiler / Hai-Stiftung
Illustration: The nature reserve Shark Fin Reef is marked off with buoys.
Overall supervision of the project will be transferred to the Fiji Shark Reef Marine Reserve Committee which will be made up of representatives from various interest groups, including the Shark Foundation, in addition to government representatives.
We would like to stress that the Shark Foundation does not support the hand-feeding of sharks as pursued by Bequa-Adventures. On the other hand, the argument "better a fed than a dead shark" must also be acknowledged.
© Jürg Brunnschweiler / Hai-Stiftung
Illustration:The "Reef Warden" is prepared for a mission.
In a first step the Foundation finances the 10-meter motorboat "Reef Warden", to be used by the trained gamekeeper to patrol the nature reserve, with CHF 23,000.
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