Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific ebook now available!

Reef Fish Identification Tropical Pacific ebook! Now you can take a copy of the Reef Fish Identification: Tropical Pacific with you on your laptop, phone or iPad. The new ebook is available in the Blio format for Android, iPad, iTouch, iPhone and Windows PC computers. You can download a copy of Blio for your device at: http://www.meetblio.com/download/ then purchase a copy of our ebook from within the App or at Blio.com for $29.95.

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ebook now available!

The Great Fiji Shark Count

Throughout the month of April 2012, you have the opportunity to help celebrate and record Fiji’s amazing coral reef biodiversity, show you care about our world’s delicate coral reef systems, and have fun, by taking part in the FIRST FIJI-WIDE SHARK COUNT!

Easy to do, this is suitable for visitors and locals alike, whether you like to fish, snorkel, or SCUBA dive. We hope that tourists, school children, scientists and all people with an interest in the marine environment will take to the reefs with us to search for the Sharks of Fiji!

The Great Fiji Shark Count will be held across Fiji in April 2012, and again in November 2012.

You can do a single count, or take part as many times as you like during that month, so that you cover different reefs. All data will be gratefully accepted!

So, see your resort, watersports operator or travel agent, get your Shark identification materials and dive into the beautiful blue waters of Fiji, to be a part of history!

The Great Fiji Shark Count

DIVE THE WORLD

The International Dive Magazine is a global lifestyle magazine focusing on extraordinary dive experiences, dive travel, exotic location and exciting marine life encounters.

Editor-in-chief Jesper Kjøller extolls what his new publication will and won’t do: ”In our opinion many dive magazines kill the underwater images by cramping too many and too small photographs together in too little space – and then they suffocate the pages further with ugly advertising. Diving is visual activity and with DIVE THE WORLD we will let the images speak for themselves. Our goal is to take the reader along with us on a dive, even if they are relaxing in an armchair or airplane seat with the magazine. Properly telling a story requires space, and we will gladly let an article fill 16 to 20 pages if that is what it takes to bring a story to life.”

A relatively new idea in dive publishing, DIVE THE WORLD is for the traveling diver who enjoys easy tropical diving, marine life encounters and exotic adventures. Get your own subscription here and see a publication schedule here – DTW is on newsstands now.

DIVE THE WORLD

Voracious Demand Threatens Manta and Mobula Rays

¶A few years ago, something surprising began turning up in Asia’s fish markets: the gill rakers of manta and mobula rays.

Manta Ray of HopeManta and mobula ray gills at a market.

¶Shawn Heinrichs and Paul Hilton, photographers who have been monitoring the international soaring trade in shark fins, decided to find out what was going on. The appearance of those creatures in the markets “came as a real shock to us,” Mr. Heinrichs said by phone from Indonesia. “They don’t even taste good, so what was the reason?”

¶On Saturday, the conservation organizations Shark Savers and WildAid released the results of a comprehensive global studyshowing that these species have been driven to the brink of extinction within a chillingly short space of time. The main reason is demand from China, where their gill rakers (filaments that filter the animals’ food from the water) are marketed as a supposed cure for a variety of ailments.

¶The southern Chinese city of Guangzhou is the hub of the trade in the dried parts, which retail for as much as $500 a kilogram (roughly $225 a pound), according to the research team’s findings.

¶The gills are boiled along with other fish products in a soup that is promoted as a cure for anything from chickenpox to cancer. “I call it endangered species soup,” said Mr. Heinrichs, who led the research.

¶The researchers note that the gills had not previously been prescribed in traditional Chinese medicine, and many of its practitioners conceded in interviews for the study that gill rakers were not effective in treating illness and that many alternatives were available. The rising popularity of the ingredient seems to be the result of traders’ efforts to create a market, the report’s authors concluded.

¶The growth in demand has been devastating for populations of both rays — all the more so because these creatures reproduce very slowly.

¶A female manta ray will produce between 10 to 16 pups at best during her lifetime, far fewer than great white sharks, for example, which can produce that many in a single litter. And while great whites are protected under international conventions, manta and mobula rays are not, largely because the fishing pressures described in the new report are little understood by conservationists and the general public.

¶“The economics and the moral imperative are clear,” Peter Knights, executive director of WildAid, said in a statement. “We need an immediate moratorium on gill raker trade, and measures for complete protection to some populations and to reduce fishing pressure for others.”

¶A silver lining is that these creatures are also viewed as generators of millions of dollars in tourism revenue because divers and snorkelers travel from far and wide to observe them.

¶For the time being, however, this is not helping to curb the trade. And because of the extreme vulnerability of the manta and mobula rays, the race to save them is “an entire factor worse” than the race to save sharks, Mr. Heinrichs said.

¶As I’ve written here before, it took years of campaigning before shark sanctuaries and bans on shark fin possession began to materialize.

¶With manta and mobula rays, “we simply don’t have the time to go through years of raising public awareness before action is taken,” Mr. Heinrichs said.“The race to preserve these species is almost over before it even started.”

Voracious Demand Threatens Manta and Mobula Rays - NYTimes.com

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today announced its ‘Sustainable Seafood Policy’ including the commitment to cease serving shark fin in all of its operated restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect.

Congratulations to these guys! A BIG hotel chain based in Hong Kong and throughout the Asia region!

Shangri-La Announces Sustainable Seafood Policy And Discontinuing Use Of All Shark Fin Products in 72 hotels and resorts

17 Jan 2012

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today announced its ‘Sustainable Seafood Policy’ including the commitment to cease serving shark fin in all of its operated restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect.

Future banquet bookings made prior to this date will be honoured as per the signed contractual agreement. At the same time, Shangri-La announced that it will phase out Bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass in all its operated restaurants within the year. In December 2010 the company initiated the process with the removal of shark fin products from its restaurant menus. The new policy is a continuation of Shangri-La’s journey towards environmental support.

The company launched its first CSR initiatives in 2005 which were streamlined and formalised in 2009 in the three main areas of Sustainability, Embrace and Sanctuary towards a strategic commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility.

‘Sanctuary, Shangri-La’s Care for Nature’ project was introduced specifically to ensure consistency in biodiversity, conservation and habitat protection across all resorts. Projects include the development of marine sanctuaries to ensure reef protection and stability of the underwater and marine life. Two years later, in May 2011, the company published its first Sustainability Report outlining the company’s progress in the areas of environment, health and safety, employees, supply chain and stakeholder relations.

Shangri-La’s ethos and core values show a commitment to the environment that the company does business in. As part of the CSR efforts, Shangri-La has been working on a number of projects related to sustainability for several years. The sustainable seafood campaign has been on the forefront as the initiative will deliver immediate results.

Shangri-La will continue to review and refine its overall programmes including environmental and sustainability issues.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts today announced its ‘Sustainable Seafood Policy’ including the commitment to cease serving shark fin in all of its operated restaurants as well as accepting new orders for shark fin products in banqueting with immediate effect

To the rescue - Fiji Times Online

Juvenile scalloped hammerhead sharks sold at the Nadi market last year. Picture: HELEN SYKES

To the rescue - Fiji Times Online

A NADI resident who has been closely following the Shark Sanctuary Campaign was disgusted to find that the bodies of mutilated baby sharks are regularly on sale at the Nadi fishmarket.

Lavenia Mataitoga had been made aware of the issues with shark fishing in Fiji through The Fiji Times Save the Shark Campaign and the screenings of the Coral Reef Alliance documentary Shark Hope.

The dive operation she works for, Reef Safari Diving in Port Denarau Marina, also has an active environmental education program for all its staff led by marine biologist Maddy Carse.

Consequently when Ms Mataitoga encountered juvenile whitetip reef sharks and endangered hammerhead sharks in the market, she was outraged.

The shark defender challenged the sellers, and since then, one of them has stopped trading in sharks.

The other identified himself as a "middleman", not a fisherman.

He was selling the bodies of whitetip reef sharks, which had already had their fins cut off for the shark fin trade, for $F2 each.

Baby sharks are regularly caught in the Nadi Bay river estuaries, showing that this is a valuable breeding ground for these endangered species.

Many sharks do not breed until they are 10-15 years old, and then usually only have two to six babies.

If the babies are killed before they have a chance to reproduce, it will reduce the number of adult sharks, and the population will be destroyed.

Living sharks are vital to a healthy reef fish population and also bring millions of dollars to Fiji from tourists who come to go shark diving.

Killing them for $2 just doesn't make sense, economically or environmentally.

"The majority of divers have a high expectation of seeing sharks when diving in Fiji," says Reef Safaris general manager Andrew Cole.

"And all have a high respect for these apex creatures and for their necessity to have populations restored to true balance in order to protect the ecosystem of the marine world.

"Take away the sharks and the reputation of Fiji diving being a visual, dynamic and exciting experience has a high potential of being damaged and there are numerous other dive destinations around the world that may then be considered as holiday destinations at the expense of Fiji."

Ms Mataitoga had the courage of her convictions and spoke to the shark sellers, explaining that sharks are endangered and that they should be preserved.

She spoke out in the market and made sure her point was understood.

If we all did the same, we could stop this ugly trade very quickly.

Let's protect Fiji's sharks.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP

Any time you see sharks, shark meat or shark fin soup for sale, talk politely to the people doing it and explain why we should be protecting sharks. Or, if you prefer, just cut out the box below and give it to the person. Many people are still not aware why this is a problem, but by spreading the information, you can make a real difference, one shark at a time.

* Living sharks are important to the environment, tourism economy, and culture of Fiji.

* They are extremely vulnerable to overfishing as they grow slowly and breed at a late age and in small numbers.

* Shark fishing is not part of Fijian tradition or long-term fisheries practice.

* Please do not sell, buy or eat shark fin soup.

Become A Fiji Shark Defender!

* Helen Sykes works with shark campaigner Manoa Rasigatale and the Coral Reef Alliance, in conjunction with Pew, to create awareness and help bring about legislation for a sanctuary to protect sharks in Fiji's waters.

To the rescue - Fiji Times Online

The 'million dollar manta' being killed worldwide for unproven health tonics

Download report

Manta rays are so popular with divers and snorkelers that a single animal can 'earn' more than US$ 1 million over its lifetime for local eco-tourism, according to a new report issued by the Manta Ray of Hope Project. Despite their popularity and lucrative tourism value, the report provides shocking evidence that these graceful and gentle giants are rapidly disappearing due to extreme fishing pressure that is largely unknown by the general public or conservationists.

The Manta Ray of Hope Project, a joint effort of two conservation organizations, Shark Savers and WildAid, released a comprehensive report documenting worldwide manta and mobula declines due to the trade in their gills. The report, entitled "Manta Ray of Hope: The Global Threat to Manta and Mobula Rays" provides the most far-reaching research ever conducted into both the intensive overfishing of mantas and mobulas as well as the trade in their gill rakers that are driving mantas and mobulas to the point of population collapse.

Manta Ray of Hope / Shark Savers / WildAid

The destruction of ray populations is the result of demand for their gill rakers, with an estimated market value of $11 million annually. That is a fraction of the value of manta and mobula ray tourism, which is estimated at over $100 million per year, globally.

Shawn Heinrichs, Manta Ray of Hope team leader, explains, "While the gills are valuable for this trade, it is also robbing local economies and the environment of one of the most charismatic creatures in the ocean that could draw millions of dollars each year for those communities."

Lead investigator Paul Hilton added, "We first came across manta and mobula ray gills in Asian markets several years ago and followed the trail to the dried seafood markets of Southern China. It's sad to see these animals follow the same path to extinction as sharks."

Manta Ray of Hope / Shark Savers / WildAid

Manta and mobula ray populations are severely impacted by any kind of targeted fishing because they have extremely limited reproductive biology. These rays can take ten or more years to reach sexual maturity and typically produce only one pup every two to three years. In comparison, even the Great White shark which is listed under CITES Appendix II and widely considered to be one of the world's most vulnerable species, may produce as many pups in one litter as a manta ray does over its entire lifetime.

As a result, every area with active fisheries directed against manta and mobula rays reports devastating and rapid declines in populations of these rays. In certain regions, such as the Sea of Cortez, the oceanic manta ray (M. birostris) has largely disappeared. The aggressive trade in gill rakers continues in several of the key range states for mobulids with the largest landings documented in Sri Lanka, India, and Indonesia.

"If action is not taken quickly, manta and mobula rays will likely face regional extinctions because of unregulated fisheries", said Michael Skoletsky, Executive Director of Shark Savers. "Anyone who has gone diving with mantas knows them to be intelligent, graceful, and engaging animals. It would be a tragedy to lose them."

Executive Director of WildAid, Peter Knights, adds that "Mantas can generate tens of millions of dollars of long term sustainable tourism revenue for less wealthy nations, or for a few million we can let them go extinct for an obscure and dubious folk cure. The economics and the moral imperative are clear - we need an immediate moratorium on gill raker trade and measures for complete protection to some populations and to reduce fishing pressure for others."

Manta Ray of Hope / Shark Savers / WildAid

The gills of manta and mobula rays are dried and boiled for preparation as a health tonic that is purported to treat a wide range of ailments. Yet the report's researchers did not find the gill raker remedy listed in the official Traditional Chinese Medicine manual. However, that has not prevented its use as a pseudo-medicinal tonic, driven by direct marketing to consumers by importers in Guangzhou, China, the primary destination for this trade.

The report, Manta Ray of Hope: The Global Threat to Manta and Mobula Rays highlights what is known about the remarkable biology and ecology of manta and mobula rays, explains the extreme threats they face, describes the fisheries and trade that target these rays, and offers some solutions via alternative, non-consumptive uses for communities to profit from them, sustainably. The information provided in the report will enable decision-makers to move swiftly in enacting critical protections for manta and mobula rays.

Manta Ray of Hope received support from the Silvercrest Foundation, Hrothgar Investments Ltd, and private donors. Manta Ray of Hope: The Global Threat to Manta and Mobula Rays received additional guidance and data from many of the foremost manta researchers and scientists throughout the world.

About Shark Savers: Shark Savers was founded in 2007 by six long-time divers driven by a shared passion - to save the world's dwindling shark and ray populations. Today, more than 20,000 members from 99 nations share that passion. Focusing on action and results, Shark Savers programs result in saving the lives of sharks and rays. By leveraging professional experience and expertise, Shark Savers brings this important issue to the masses in many compelling forms, motivating people to stop consuming sharks and shark fin soup, and working for the creation of shark sanctuaries and other protections. For more information, please visit www.sharksavers.org

About WildAid: WildAid focuses on addressing the human threat to wildlife. Our comprehensive approach includes public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to reduce consumer demand for wildlife products, and working with communities to support and enforce key protected habitats around the world. For more information, please visit www.wildaid.org.

About Manta Ray of Hope Project: The Manta Ray of Hope Project is a joint initiative that includes top field investigators, leadings scientists and researchers, all working together to further the conservation of manta and mobula rays. The project was founded by Shark Savers and WildAid, with support from the Silvercrest Foundation, Hrothgar Investments, and private donors. Manta Ray of Hope is developing global conservation campaigns based on sound science, including:

• Manta Ray of Hope: The Global Threat to Manta and Mobula Rays, a comprehensive study of the destructive fishing and consumption of Mobulids.
• Establishment of trade bans and sanctuaries.
• Education and awareness campaigns for consumers.
• Ecotourism development in fishing communities.

For more information

http://www.mantarayofhope.com

Manta Ray of Hope - Documentary

Dear Santa, Bring Me a Manta (HD)

This is the second famous song to be specifically written at and inspired by beautiful Matava by the Scuba Cowboy!

Underwater Digital Photo System for under $400

Epoque’s New 8MP Digital Underwater Camera System Now Available For Under $400!!!!

In the past, it was very expensive to get into underwater photography. Today, with the growth of digital technology and advanced imaging designs, it’s never been easier for the beginning underwater photographer. This week, Epoque USA announced a new 8 megapixel digital underwater camera and housing that has a suggested retail of less than $400.

Here’s some excerpts of the release:

Epoque USA has begun distribution of its EHD-800Ai underwater digital camera and housing to photo dealers. The EHD-800Ai is an 8MP digital camera in its own dedicated housing capable of protecting the camera down to 150 feet underwater. The form fitted housing is compact, lightweight, and easy for any underwater photographer to handle. Its ergonomic controls offer easy access to all the camera functions so changing important settings underwater is possible. It is constructed from molded ABS plastics for maximum strength and durability for reliable protection and performance in rugged activities.

The EHD-800Ai features an autofocus 3X optical zoom lens with a 35mm equivalent range of 36mm-108mm. It also has a macro focus setting for shooting the smallest underwater subjects. The lens is equipped with a 55mm threaded lens attachment ring for mounting the Epoque DCL-20 wide angle conversion lens with a magnification factor of .56, or the DML-2 macro conversion lens with a 2X magnification factor.

The EHD-800Ai has a built-in flash and programmed auto exposure. To expand the system for greater photographic challenges, external slave strobes can be attached with an accessory strobe tray and arm system and a fiber optic cord for flash synchronization. Epoque ES-150 DSα and the ES-230 DS Auto strobes can function as slaves for use with the EHD-800Ai. The strobes are compact, high performance strobes which can be used with any underwater camera system via their Nikonos type sync cord connector, a fiber optic cord, or as a wireless slave.

In addition too being perfect for scuba divers who enjoy underwater photography, the EHD-800Ai is also the perfect outdoor camera for capturing great digital images in activities like surfing, ocean kayaking, and white water paddling. Like every Epoque photo system, the EHD-800Ai can be used as a stand alone photo tool, or it can become the center of an expanding system of accessories for increased creative control. Epoque is the most diverse and affordable high quality product line in underwater and outdoor photography.

Epoque underwater products, with worldwide corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities in Japan, offers a full line of underwater photo and video products. Epoque products have been a favorite of novice and advanced underwater photographers for over 20 years, and are distributed in 35 countries. Epoque USA, a division of Proteus Adaptive Devices LLC with over 30 years experience in underwater photography, is the exclusive authorized distributor of Epoque products in the USA.

For specific details, visit the website at : http://www.epoqueusa.com/epoque_EHD_800_AI.html

For complete information visit the web at www.EpoqueUSA.com, or call 203-599-1203.

Underwater Digital Photo System for under $400

Fiji Underwater photos are up! - Underwater Photography and Scuba News

Well I started with well over a thousand photos. Deleted hundreds. Probably should have deleted more but oh well. Here is the Main album.

There are 4 subs listed on the left side of the screen. Images are organized by where they were taken. Kai Viti and Ra Divers were the two operations I went out with. Both great crews. I would use them again without hesitation. Fiji Underwater Snorkeling

Shore Dives Ra Divers Kai Viti Divers
Fiji Underwater photos are up! - Underwater Photography and Scuba News

Shark Free Marinas: Reducing worldwide shark mortality.

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters take the leading role in the world with a major shark conservation initiative in the gamefishing community.
KADAVU, FIJI ISLANDS – 14 July 2009 – Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco-Adventure Resort and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters are proud to take a world wide leading role in the the international Shark-Free Marina Initiative.

The international Shark-Free Marina Initiative works with marinas, boaters and fishermen to develop policy designed to protect a vital component of the oceans health, our sharks.
Matava Director Stuart Gow said:

"We have worked hard over the past few months in Fiji at certifying many marinas and charter fishing boats as ‘Shark-Free Marinas’ and so far have more than any other country worldwide.
Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters was the first in Fiji to sign up and is actively promoting, coordinating and distributing information about the Initiative. We are working towards when Fiji can be the first country to be proud to announce itself as a ‘Shark-Free Marinas’ Country!” he continued.

The majority of shark species caught by recreational and sport anglers are currently listed by the IUCN as ‘Threatened’ (or worse) and each year an average of a ½ Million of these sharks are killed in the United States alone. It is estimated that 70-100 million sharks are killed yearly world wide!
Bite Me Gamefishing Charters actively 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.

Many Fiji marinas and charter operations are already listed on the Shark-Free Marina website as well as having the right to use the SFMI logo and signs for their own publicity. We are now in the process of distributing the stickers, posters and metal dock signs to registered businesses, charter boats and marinas.
The SFMI website also has an education centre that we hope everyone will find useful, it includes tips on how to catch and release shark, a list of Endangered and Threatened species plus information on how they can help protect the ocean.

“At Matava, and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters we are of course both happy and proud to be spearheading this initiative in the South Pacific and indeed the World” said Matava Director and Bite Me Gamefishing Charter Captain, Captain Adrian Watt.

“We also see this as a great step forward and opportunity for all gamefishing and sportfishing charter boats, both on Kadavu and in the Fiji Islands, to move forward in their standards to achieve truly world class levels of service and capabilities demonstrated by the ‘catch and release’ programs.”

Captain Watt finished by saying “We would like to thank all friends and clients of Matava and Bite Me Gamefishing Charters past and present who have contributed to the success of our ecotouirsm principles and the resort and we look forward to exciting times ahead.”

The Shark-Free Marina Initiative has a singular purpose, to reduce worldwide shark mortality. We encourage shark conservation at sport fishing and resort marinas by prohibiting the landing of any shark at the participating marina. The SFMI works with marinas, fishermen and like minded non-profit groups to form community conscious policy and increase awareness of the need to protect our sharks, our ocean and our legacy.

Matava – Fiji’s Premier Eco Adventure Resort, is an eco adventure getaway offering you a fun and unique blend of cultural experiences and adventure activities in the environmentally pristine and remote island of Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. Matava – Fiji Premier Eco Adventure Resort is a PADI Dive Resort as well as a Project AWARE GoEco Operator. With more than 12 years experience in the Fiji Islands, Matava is recognized as a leading educational dive centre. Matava offers accommodation for up to 22 guests in lush tropical surroundings in traditional thatched Fijian ‘bures’ with hardwood polished floors, louvre windows and private decks offering privacy, comfort and superb ocean views.

Bite-Me Gamefishing Charters is our on-site IGFA game fishing specialists offering the best of superb record breaking blue water game fishing for tuna, wahoo, sailfish and marlin. As an active member of IGFA and The Billfish Association we advocate tag and release of all billfish and Trevally not deemed to be a National or World Record.

www.Matava.com www.GamefishingFiji.com


Shark Free Marinas: Reducing worldwide shark mortality.

Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor

Im Im August 2009 besuchte ich das Matava-Resort auf Kadavu, der südlichsten der Fidschi-Inseln. Hauptprogramm meines Urlaubes war das Tauchen und dafür ist die Lage des Resorts ideal: auf der Südseite der Insel gelegen, bietet es mit Bootsfahrten von max. 40min Zugang zu insgesamt ca. 20 verschiedenen ausgewiesenen Tauch-Spots am Great Astrolab Reef, aber auch die Möglichkeit, das Riff an anderer Stelle zu erkunden. Die Philosophie des Resorts ist die Umweltverträglichkeit/ökologischen Nachhaltigkeit und die Kooperation mit den umliegenden Dörfern. Die Unterkünfte selbst liegen verstreut an einem kleinen Hügel, teils direkt am Strand, teils ein Stück bergauf. Doch jede der traditionell eingerichteten Hütten, von den Einheimischen Buré genannt, bietet einen einzigartigen Blick auf die vorliegende Lagune mit einer kleinen Insel sowie dem Riff. Die einzelnen Hütten sind für max. 3 Personen ausgelegt. Ausgestattet sind sie mit Doppelbett mit Moskitonetz, wenn nötig Einzelbett mit Moskitonetz, Schrank und Sitzgruppe. Das Bad ist über die Terrasse erreichbar und bietet WC, Waschbecken und Dusche mit Gaswassererhitzer. Licht gibt es nur über Solarenergie, Steckdosen sind in den Hütten keine vorhanden. Akkus etc. können aber in der Hauptburé geladen werden- vorausgesetzt, die Sonne scheint. Insgesamt sind die Hütten schlicht und einfach, aber dennoch gut ausgestattet. Der Service begeisert mit einer mir bis dahin unbekannten Offenheit und Freundlichkeit. Fragen, Wünsche oder Probleme wurden sofort in Angriff genommen und immer mit vollster Zufriedenheit erfüllt. Das Essen ist sehr abwechslungsreich und bietet eine große Fülle an unterschiedlichen Küchen (Indisch, Thai, Lokal u.vm.), eine vielseitige Auswahl von Früchten aus dem resorteigenen Obst- und Gemüsegarten sowie vielfältigste Variationen von fangfrischem Fisch, der teils von den Gästen selbst geangelt wurde. Angeln und Angelausflüge sind jedoch nur einer vielen möglichen Aktivitäten. Egal ob Schnorcheln oder Baden, Vogelbeobachtungen, Besuch von Dorf und Einheimischen, oder einem Spaziergang mit einem einheimischen Medizinmann- für jeden Geschmack ist was dabei. Eine große Rolle spielt im Matava auch das Tauchen. Der integrierte Tauch-Shop ist mit allem für einen erfolgreichen Tauchgang Nötigen ausgerüstet. Es ist ein großes Tauchboot vorhanden, aber bei größeren Gruppen werden auch mehrere Boote eingesetzt. Die Boote sind immer mit Sauerstoffkoffer und Notttelefon ausgerüstet und im Falle eines Notfalles existiert auch ein Notfallplan, der auch aushängt. Des Weiteren bietet der Tauch- Shop die Möglichkeit zur Aus- und Weiterbildung von Tauchern auf Basis des PADI-Ausbildungssystems.

Weiterhin als positiv zu nennen ist die familiäre Atmosphäre sowohl zwischen Gästen und Personal, als auch zwischen den Gästen untereinander. Aufgrund der geringen Anzahl von Gästen kommt man schnell miteinander ins Gespräch, egal ob bei den Mahlzeiten, bei der traditionellen Kava-Zeremonie oder den unterschiedlichsten Aktivitäten.

Zusammenfassend lässt sich also sagen, dass das Matava Resort durchaus ein Geheimtipp für all jene ist, die sich ausschließlich auf Sonne, Strand, sportliche und kulturelle Aktivitäten konzentrieren möchten und Abstand vom Alltag suchen. Und das alles in einer sehr freundlichen, offenherzigen und kommunikativen Atmosphäre!!!
Matava Resort- das Tor zum Great Astrolab Reef - Review of Matava - Fiji's Premier Eco Adventure Resort, Kadavu Island, Fiji - TripAdvisor