SHARK CONSERVATION
PROJECT HIU
I have worked closely with Project Hiu for nearly 4 years. Here is more information about my work with them and their organisation.
Project Hiu is a shark conservation project founded and run by Madison Stewart. Madison was bought to one of the largest shark markets in Indonesia to film a documentary. After seeing the devastation and the men who’s children and next meal depended on the small amount they make from fishing; she decided to make a change. Madison returned with the intention of offering these men a different way of life which supports them, their community and our oceans.
‘Project Hiu’, Hiu being the Indonesian word for Shark, is an initiative which aims to provide alternative income to fishermen in one of the largest shark fisheries in Indonesia, and the world. By hiring the shark fishing boats and locals that crew them, we sought to engage the fisherman in a very different role. Tourism. A natural, alternative income that simultaneously and effectively protects sharks.
This small village and the fishermen we work with represent far more than a simple project, they represent the preservation of a vast ocean that connects us all, and an opportunity to drive a wedge between the hard working, often desperate fishermen and the foreign buyers who profit from them.
These men deserve an income free from the threat of prosecution, and the many dangers they face spending weeks away from their families. They deserve a secure future that doesn’t rely on the fishing of these apex predators. In a rapidly changing ocean, our approach must change too. The goal of Project Hiu is to improve conditions above and below the surface, and enforce the idea that one person, and one shark fishermen, can make a difference.
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I joined Project Hiu as a photographer and videographer almost 4 years ago. My background is rooted in Marine Science and Conservation Ecology; so I had looked up to Madison even before I met her. We began working together on a tourist trip where I provided content for the organisation. Since then I have done countless tourist trips and private conservation and research based trips with just Madison and myself.
Many may not understand the vital importance of storytelling to a project like this one; but we have seen increased donations, understanding, and partnerships that give back to the local community directly correlated to the photography and videography we share.
We have embarked on many trips together over the years, one of the most notable being a shark tagging trip in October of 2022. Myself, Madison, two scientists, one shark diver and our incredible crew of fishermen set out to tag and study tiger sharks in Indonesia to understand more about their patterns and how we can begin tailoring conservation efforts for increased positive impact. We were the first team in the world to tag and publish research on tiger sharks in Indonesia. To date this has been my most rewarding story to tell.
As a creator who is passionate about conservation this continued partnership is something I am wildly grateful for; Madison and the crew have changed my life and why I do what I do. Project Hiu is actively improving livelihoods of those stuck in a cycle of poverty and dangerous jobs, as well as keeping more and more hooks out of the water. I am proud to be a part of this mission, and use my talents for the greater good.
CONSERVATION WORK
Bajak Laut is Indonesian for ‘Pirate’ in this short film Madison and the crew head out on a shark fishing trip. The goal was to communicate the realities of shark fishing and what Project His works so hard to replace. My role here was to provide footage and aid in the funding for this film. It was the first long form project I had helped Madison create.
Photography Gallery
Over the years I have taken tens of thousands of photographs for Project Hiu both to highlight the reality of shark fishing and the opportunity of life changing employment Project Hiu provides for a new life.
