Na Tui ni Wasaliwa: Fiji’s Shark Conservation Focus

In Fijian, qio means shark. The title of this piece draws from the Fijian language to reflect a truth that Fiji’s ocean communities have understood for generations: sharks are not threats to be managed. They are na tui ni wasaliwa — rulers of the ocean — and the health of Fiji’s reefs depends on them remaining that way.

Sharks and reef health

The connection between shark populations and healthy reefs is well-established in marine biology. Sharks sit at or near the top of reef food chains, and their presence regulates the populations of the species below them. Without sharks, mesopredators (mid-level predators like snappers and groupers) expand in number and consume herbivorous fish. Without enough herbivores, algae grows unchecked and smothers the coral that the entire system depends on.

This is why shark decline — even in areas where coral and fish seem visually healthy — is considered an early warning sign of reef degradation. Fiji’s coral reefs are among the most biodiverse in the world. Protecting the sharks that regulate them is not separate from protecting the reefs. It is the same thing.

Fiji’s track record on shark protection

Fiji established itself as a shark sanctuary in 2014, making it illegal to fish for sharks in Fijian waters. This was a significant decision in a country where shark fin fishing had been a source of income, and it reflects a genuine commitment to long-term marine conservation over short-term commercial gain.

The internationally renowned shark dives at Beqa Lagoon (near Pacific Harbour) operate within strict guidelines that have been developed over more than two decades of experience. These dives — featuring bull sharks, lemon sharks, and various reef species at depths around 30 metres — are among the most responsible large-scale shark interactions in the world. The operators maintain clear protocols, brief all divers extensively, and work actively with conservation organisations on shark research and population monitoring.

What responsible shark tourism looks like

Choose operators with established safety records and clear conservation commitments. The best shark dive operations in Fiji have been running for years and have extensive safety histories. They should be willing to talk about their conservation work, their relationship with local communities, and their commitment to responsible diving practices.

Follow the briefing. Shark encounter briefings exist for good reasons. The guidance on body position, movement, and distance isn’t bureaucratic formality — it’s based on years of observation about what keeps both divers and sharks comfortable and safe.

Don’t seek out sharks without proper guidance. Encountering sharks while snorkelling or free-diving outside of organised experiences is different from a guided dive with professional supervision. If you’re on a snorkelling trip and see reef sharks, maintain a calm, slow presence and enjoy the encounter from a respectful distance.

Avoid shark fin products. This one is straightforward. Shark fin soup and shark fin products remain available in some markets. Not purchasing them is the most direct action individual travellers can take to support shark conservation globally.

The broader picture

Fiji’s approach to shark conservation — protective legislation, responsible tourism frameworks, community education — is a model that other Pacific nations have looked to. The fact that Fiji’s shark populations remain healthy enough to support world-class dive experiences is a direct result of these protections. It’s also a reminder that conservation and tourism don’t have to be in conflict. Done well, they reinforce each other.

By: Sarika Nand