Sport Diver has been asked by the Coral Reef Alliance — who have been working tirelessly to help create a sanctuary for Fiji's sharks — for our help in raising awareness and letting the Fijian government know that the sanctuary is critical in protecting the sharks in Fijian waters. All it takes is a few minutes of your time, we promise.

Within the next month, the Fijian government is slated to consider legislation that would designate its waters a shark sanctuary. If passed, this legal protection would contribute greatly to the health of Fiji’s spectacular marine ecosystem, and ensure the viability of a shark diving tourism industry that in 2010 contributed US $42.2 million to the Fijian economy.

Many conservation groups, both internationally and within Fiji, have come together in support of this important decree. Will you?

Please write to the individuals below to let them know you are behind this pending legislation. We’ve even included some sample text, so all you need to do is cut and paste if you’re busy.

Thank you in advance!

Sample text: “I am proud to support the designation of a shark sanctuary in Fiji. The legal protections offered to sharks in the pending decree will help ensure a healthy marine ecosystem and give divers like me a powerful incentive to travel to your beautiful country. Please move this important decree forward, and reinforce Fiji’s reputation as a world-class diving destination!”

Please forward your letter to:

Fiji Government

Office of the Permanent Secretary of Tourism, Ms. Joyce Qaqalailai: [email protected]

Tourism Fiji

Senior Marketing Officer, Mr. Thomas Valentine: [email protected]

Marketing Officer, Ms. Alisi Lutu: [email protected]

Fiji Times: [email protected]

For more information about the Fiji Shark Sanctuary, please visit these links:

• http://www.scubadiving.com/travel/fiji/news-dema-coral-reef-alliance-working-protect-sharks

• http://www.pewenvironment.org/news-room/press-releases/shark-dive-tourism-in-fiji-worth-us422-million-a-year-85899379487

• http://www.coral.org/node/5427