By Prerna Priyanka
A new book from photographer and marine biologist, Tom Vierus, offers readers a unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between shark protection, local economic benefits and community involvement.
What began as an academic journey evolved into a five-year odyssey, culminating in the creation of a captivating book that unravels the mysteries of Fiji’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve (SRMR).
“Even before I first came to Fiji in 2015 to complete the fieldwork for my Master’s degree in Tropical Marine Ecology, I had heard about the Shark Reef Marine Reserve. I had, and still have, a big passion for sharks, and of course, once I was here, I organised to dive there.
“I knew that the story of Fiji’s Shark Reef Marine Reserve was unique and needed to be told far and wide. This little seed eventually grew over the years into a definite plan of creating a coffee table book with lots of easy-to-understand information.”
The reserve’s founder, Mike Neumann, played a pivotal role in shaping Tom’s perspective, inspiring him to document the reserve’s unique story.
The book vividly portrays Tom’s memorable experiences in the reserve, emphasizing the deep connection between humans and sharks. He notes: “Just a few seconds when a bull shark passes you in 30m depth, its eye clearly looking at you, and you look back at it, can be such a moment.”
Through his lens, Tom challenges the stereotypical portrayal of sharks as mindless killing machines, highlighting their complex social structures and behaviours.
As a marine biologist and photographer, Tom discusses the delicate balance between capturing the beauty of marine life and conveying crucial conservation messages.
“To me, this often goes hand in hand…we cannot have enough storytellers spreading awareness through various mediums and formats and hopefully get people to care about certain issues,” he states.
One of the book’s highlights is the win-win-win situation created by the shark dives in the reserve, where shark protection, local economic benefits, and community involvement are intertwined.
“The chance to share the water with these mighty predators continues to draw thousands of tourists to Fiji year after year, and all these visitors need hotels, restaurants, and flights – all revenue that flows into Fiji’s economy.”
Similarly, Tom discussed the unique partnership the Sanctuary and industry has developed with nearby Galoa village: “The village receives a dive levy from every visitor who dives in the SRMR in exchange for not fishing in the area.
“Over the years, this partnership has resulted in the payment of tens of thousands of Fiji dollars to the community, which can freely decide what to do with the money,” he said.
The collaboration has also led to increased fish catches and diversity in surrounding areas, showcasing the positive spillover effects of marine protected areas. Shark diving activities in Fiji also contribute significantly to the country’s GDP, providing a sustainable alternative to shark fisheries.
The book sheds light on the pivotal role played by Beqa Adventure Divers (BAD) in establishing Fiji’s first National Marine Protected Area. Through sustainable ecotourism practices, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve became a reality in 2014.
Tom commended the founder, Mike Neumann, for his vision and determination: “I have the utmost respect for his endurance, determination and drive.”
Tom is inspired by the efforts of leading scientists, BAD founder Mike Neumann, and a shark feeder, who he has interviewed for the book. He expressed admiration for those who turn vision into reality and actively contribute to conservation efforts.
The book, carefully curated from approximately 100,000 photos taken over the years, aims to showcase not only the typical images of sharks but also the behind-the-scenes efforts, including food preparation and scientific research.
“If I had to quantify the amount of time spent on sorting and editing images, it would likely be days, if not weeks – it is definitely a big part of any photographer’s life!” said Tom.
“I want to make people see the beauty of our planet but also the fragility of nature and how much has been and still is being destroyed. I want to make people care, and I would love everyone to do little bits in their lives to either alleviate pressures on the natural environment or to even actively pursue to protect it.”
Looking ahead, Tom is involved in several exciting projects, including a long-term multimedia story on the street dog situation in Fiji. He remains committed to using his photography and filmmaking skills to raise awareness and inspire sustainable living and conservation efforts globally.
