Matava is the First Resort to achieve Shark Safe Certification

Shark Safe certification program

The mission of the Shark Safe certification program is to protect oceanic ecosystems by encouraging practices
that do not negatively impact shark populations. By increasing public
awareness of the need for shark conservation, we endeavor to change the
way people think about sharks, thereby reducing the sale, use, and trade
of shark products.

The Shark Safe certification program uses an easily recognizable logo to endorse
restaurants and select businesses that distinguish themselves through
their manifest dedication to shark conservation. Establishments earning Shark Safe status may
proudly display the logo to attract customers. The logo also serves to
engage dialogue from patrons, thereby further promoting awareness of
shark and ocean conservation.

Matava Director Stuart Gow said "We have worked hard over the past few years to ensure that all the food,
not just the fish, within our resturant 'The Terrace' here at Matava are
sustainable and natural"

"Matava, and our on site fishing charters Bite Me Gamefishing Charters, are
the first in Fiji to sign up and be awarded certification. We are now
actively promoting, coordinating and distributing information about the Shark Safe certification
program around Fiji." he continued.

Goals of the Shark Safe certification program:

• Increase public awareness of the need for shark conservation.

• Reduce the sale, use, and trade of shark products. Shark Safe certification is designed to give discerning customers confidence that their choices help protect sharks.

Restaurants and businesses recognized as Shark Safe have met scientific
criteria and stringent guidelines, and they are awarded the
authorization to display the Shark Safe logo. The logo and its
associated recognition and prestige will help attract customers to the
business.

Since sharks are universally recognizable and tend to attract attention, customers and passers-by not already familiar with
the program will still be drawn to the displayed logo and will be
inquisitive. Participating establishments can provide literature about
the Shark Safe program,
explain the basic premises, and direct people to the sharksafe.org
website.

Christopher Chin, Executive Director and Founder of COARE and the Shark Safe Ceritifcation
programsaid "We're thrilled to be working with Matava. For them,
conservation and sustainability are not mere bylines, but a deeply held
philosophy. The world would truly be a better place if more resorts were
to follow Matava's lead."

Beginning with the city of San Francisco and neighboring towns and cities, COARE and WildAid are
organizing a campaign to increase awareness of shark finning and the
deleterious effects of sharkfin soup consumption. Center for Oceanic Awareness, Research, and Education (COARE) " ti...

The ultimate goal of this campaign is to encourage both communities and the city
administrations to embrace a requirement that any shark fins used come
from legal and sustainable fisheries.

As part of this project, COARE is proud to offer Shark Safe certification to
businesses that distinguish themselves through their dedication to shark
conservation.

Bite Me Gamefishing Chartersactively avoids fishing for any species of shark and encourages this practice
to be followed by all. By encouraging non-lethal 'catch-and-release'
shark fishing fishermen and those sharks inevitably caught
accidentally can enjoy their sport while ensuring that shark
populations are not further diminished. By promoting sustainable
practices of ocean management we hope that sharks will be around to
keep our oceans healthy for generations to come.