Location #8: Fiji - Pacific Harbour

Hello from the edges of earth—sharing stories from Fiji. Journeying to the most remote and interesting dive sites in the world, connecting with people who have dedicated their lives to ocean science, conservation, restoration and discovery. And in this case, shark species of all kinds.?

In the midst of alarming environmental news, this log highlights the progress and positive impact made by individuals and communities—from those living on the fringe to those in the center of it all.?

Meeting people who have upended their entire lives to be closer to the ocean is what our time in Fiji was all about. We hope these stories and insights from the edges of earth offer a fresh perspective, reminding you there's progress and impact happening all around us.

WHERE WE’VE BEEN?

July 2023 - Pacific Harbour & Beqa Lagoon, Fiji

Pacific Harbour is in the south of Fiji’s mainland called Viti Levu. There, our aim was to explore the Shark Reef Marine Reserve and The Beqa Lagoon. Surrounded by 30 kilometers (19 miles) of barrier reef, there are three islands that make up the Lagoon—Yanuca, Davui and Beqa. The reef acts as protection and an underwater lifeline, making these three islands particularly active and thriving.?

READ ABOUT IT

The birthplace of the Edges of Earth expedition concept, Fiji holds a special place in our hearts. After a visit to Fiji in 2021, we knew we’d have to come back to immerse ourselves in the shark conservation programs that are keeping these waters active with life.?

• ?? READ OUR PARTNER LOG - Beyond Fiji’s Resorts: What's beyond the luxury lies a grittier experience. We encountered this firsthand, swimming with 30+ bull sharks amid murky waters caused by persistent and torrential rain.

• ?? READ OUR FIELD LOG - There’s Always a Bigger Fish: We dig into why we’ve prioritized sharks on expedition, as we hope to dispel myths surrounding these often misunderstood creatures.?

• ?? READ OUR STORY IN Scuba Schools International (SSI) - Diving with Fiji’s Bull Sharks: A snapshot of bull shark studies and the enduring efforts of science and research all in the name of safeguarding Fijian waters.

• ?? READ OUR STORY IN Mares - Our Encounter with the Ocean Tigers: Our intense, up-close encounter with a tiger shark, amidst countless bull sharks, offered insightful revelations on this apex predator's ecological role.

• ?? READ OUR STORY in Girls that Scuba - Diving Beyond Boundaries – Bull Shark Conservation in Fiji: Natasha D. Marosi’s story of transitioning from a conventional New York lifestyle to a dedicated pursuit of shark science, research, and scuba diving in Fiji.?

WANT TO SEE IT??

PEOPLE WE LOVE

We learned all about shark species during our time in Fiji. But of equal importance, we learned about the power of fearlessly pursuing one’s ambition. People like Natasha illuminate the path to living a life not limited by conventional boundaries or dictated by societal norms. Her story is a reminder that we can push our limits, redefine our narrative and transform our lives in unimaginable ways when we dare to follow our gut.?

Natasha D. Marosi: A New York lawyer who traded her briefcase for diving gear, now a shark conservationist and active PhD candidate in Fiji. Natasha's major life pivot has led her to study bull sharks, working to dispel myths around these misunderstood creatures. She's collaborated with the United Nations Development Program to launch "My Fiji Shark," an adoption initiative aimed at funding shark research and introducing people to a new perspective on these marine animals. A role model for women balancing professional aspirations and a love for scuba diving, she redefines what success can look like.

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