The sharks of the Marovo Lagoon hold a special place in the local culture of this part of New Georgia, in the Solomon Islands.
In what is said to be the largest salt-water lagoon in the world, life revolves around its waters and swimming is as normal as walking – so from the earliest age Marovians learn about the inhabitants of the lagoon.
Reef sharks, rather than being feared, are regarded almost like dogs in that their behavior is generally docile and non-threatening, but they can quickly sense unease and can be potentially dangerous to those who fear or provoke them.
They are considered as “home” sharks, and a special type of fish that is at the top of the reef food chain – which is the major source of food for the people of the Marovo.
For that reason sharks are not eaten, because traditional conservation methods teach that removing such an important component of the food chain can create an imbalance which could have very serious ramifications!
You will see sharks on virtually every dive, but the best place to see a lot of them is the welcome jetty at Uepi Island resort where they gather in significant numbers!
The in-flight magazine of Solomon Airlines recently published my Sharks of the Marovo Lagoon article which you can download on the link provided.
