At The SOSA, we're proud to shine a spotlight on Project Hiu, an initiative that exemplifies the power of compassion, collaboration, and innovation in ocean conservation. As alliance members, we regularly partner with Project Hiu to support their incredible work in protecting sharks and the communities that rely on them.
The Origin of Project Hiu
Years ago, in the heart of Indonesia, research revealed a harsh reality: fishermen were returning from their expeditions not when they caught enough fish, but when they ran out of cigarettes. This stark observation highlighted a dramatic shift in our oceans—sharks, once a minor part of the catch, had become the primary target. Indonesia, once the world's leading producer of shark fins, saw its oceans emptying at an alarming rate.
Madison Stewart, the founder of Project Hiu, witnessed this devastation firsthand while documenting the shark trade in Indonesia. What she saw wasn't just dead sharks, but the faces of fishermen whose livelihoods depended on them. It was a moment of profound conflict—how do you reconcile the need to protect these apex predators with the need to support the people who rely on them?
The Vision of Project Hiu
Project Hiu, named after the Indonesian word for shark, was born from this dilemma. The initiative provides an alternative income to fishermen in one of the world's largest shark fisheries by engaging them in tourism rather than fishing. By hiring the very boats and crews that once hunted sharks, Project Hiu transforms them into protectors of the ocean.
This small village and its fishermen now stand as symbols of hope—a testament to the idea that we can drive a wedge between hard-working, often desperate fishermen and the foreign buyers who profit from their catch. Through Project Hiu, these men gain a secure future that doesn’t rely on depleting the oceans, but on preserving them.
Why This Matters
Oceanic shark and ray populations have collapsed by 70% over the last 50 years. In Indonesia alone, 80% of the species identified in markets are considered endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened. The future of our oceans depends on reversing this trend, and Project Hiu is at the forefront of that fight.
At The SOSA, we believe that humans are both the greatest threat to sharks and their greatest hope. By approaching conservation with compassion for the humans involved, Project Hiu shows that it’s possible to protect our oceans while supporting the communities that rely on them. This project is not just about saving sharks—it’s about saving ourselves.
A Personal Journey
Madison’s journey from a child growing up on a sailboat in Australia to the founder of Project Hiu is nothing short of inspiring. She’s witnessed the destruction caused by shark fishing, but instead of waging a war against the fishermen, she’s chosen to fight for them. Her work has transformed enemies into allies and has brought hope to a community that was once at the centre of the world’s largest shark trade.
For us at The SOSA, partnering with Project Hiu is more than just a collaboration; it’s a commitment to a shared vision of a future where humans and sharks coexist in harmony. We are honoured to support their mission and to continue working together to protect our oceans for generations to come.