Beqa Adventure Divers: Shark Reef Marine Reserve
Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) is globally recognized as being the gold standard in standard for having developed a model that pairs respectful, safe and sustainable shark encounters with research and conservation whilst collaborating with the authorities and sharing revenue with local grassroots communities. As such, BAD has been instrumental in establishing Fiji’ world-renown Shark ecotourism industry, an extremely attractive and lucrative niche product where the model is now being emulated by several of BAD’s peers. In November 2014, Shark Reef Marine Reserve was officially designated as Fiji’s first National Marine Park, with BAD entrusted with its ongoing stewardship and ecosystem management. Benthic assessments conducted in 2014 and 2022 recorded coral cover ranging from 40% to 60%, demonstrating positive reef accretion rates and the efficacy of targeted conservation interventions in promoting coral resilience and ecological stability. Shark Reef Marine Reserve (SRMR) is a section of patch reef approximately 3 Km from the southern shore of Viti Levu in the Fiji Islands. In 2014 it was declared a statutory marine reserve under the Fisheries Act of 1942 (Cap 158) with the specific objective of protecting shark populations in the area.
Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) plays a crucial role in shark conservation, which directly benefits coral reef health. As apex predators, sharks regulate fish populations, preventing the overgrazing of coral reefs and maintaining ecosystem balance. The GFCR funding enables anti-poaching patrols, community engagement with the Galoa villages, and sustainable shark ecotourism, BAD helps protect marine biodiversity while providing alternative livelihoods. Their efforts reduce illegal fishing, promote sustainable resource management, and support scientific research on shark populations. By preserving sharks, BAD ensures healthier coral reefs, where herbivorous fish can thrive, preventing algal overgrowth and promoting reef resilience.
BAD’s yearly contribution to Fiji’s economy is approx. FJD 1.5m in verified direct financing and an estimated FJD 10m in indirect revenues from airlines, accommodation, restaurants, tours, souvenirs, etc. As a whole, Fiji’s shark dives have been shown to contribute over USD 40 million to the local economy – and this sustainably and without any adverse effects on the animals and the ecosystem.
In BAD’s 20 years of existence, they have
- Successfully serviced over 50,000 satisfied dive tourists
- Contributed over FJD 20 million in direct, and FJD 150 million in indirect revenues to Fiji’s economy
- Trained over 50 extremely well-qualified and well-paid diving professionals and over 500 SCUBA divers.
Most of BAD’s Dive Masters are graduates of our youth program that supports school leavers who would not have otherwise found employment.
- On top of several millions in wages, directly contributed over FJD 500,000.00 to local grassroots communities
- Facilitated the publication of over two dozen scientific reports and peer reviewed research papers
- Pioneered the legislation leading to the establishment of Fiji’s first National Marine Park, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve along with several gazetted, and thus enforceable MPAs.
- Sponsored the training of over 50 honorary fish wardens, among which many are BAD’s staff.
- Pioneered Fiji’s first Public-Private Partnership in Marine Conservation
- Helped restore more than 50 hectares of mangrove forests
- Been mentioned in countless print, video and social media by the most prestigious quarters
