Invisible Hands is a student-led group dedicated to celebrating volunteers through digital journals that highlight their contributions to the community. More than just a recognition platform, we advocate for positive change by promoting volunteer opportunities to inspire and engage others. By uplifting those who give back, we help strengthen the bonds within our community.

From Ocean Dreams to Conservation Teams 

Shannon’s journey from an ocean enthusiast to a dedicated volunteer with Project Hiu reflects a deep commitment to environmental preservation and shark conservation. 

Influences and Inspirations 

Shannon’s love for the ocean was a driving force behind her decision to start volunteering. She felt a deep connection to marine life and was particularly moved by the climate crisis and the issues surrounding shark fishing. “I've always been such an ocean lover,” Shannon says. “With the climate crisis and shark fishing, I just felt like I had to do something about it.” This passion for the preservation of the marine economy led her to joining Project Hiu, an organization focused on shark conservation in the face of extensive shark hunting and poaching. 

Shannon credits Madison Stewart, the founder of Project Hiu, as a significant influence on her decision to get involved. Madison, an Australian filmmaker, accidentally started the project while documenting the shark trade in Indonesia. Her compassion and understanding of the fisherman's plight were crucial in forming a connection with them. “Madison showed them compassion. They were just trying to feed their families. It's dangerous work,” Shannon explains. The fisherman have all almost lost their lives to the trade, or know somebody who has. This approach resonated deeply with Shannon and inspired her to join the cause. 

Shannon recalls the moment she decided to join Project Hiu;

“It kind of makes me emotional, I don't know why, but there was this article that I read that said the amount of phytoplankton in the water, which is responsible for a lot of the oxygen we breathe, was decreasing by a huge amount each year. It threw me in such a spiral.” She continues, “When I see that I think “Where are my children going to be when they’re 20 and the world is almost inhabitable? I feel like I can't bring a person into this world without doing everything I can to make it a better place for them.”

Understanding Project Hiu

Project Hiu, “Hiu”, meaning “shark” in Bahasa Indonesian, was founded by Madison Stewart in 2017 and is dedicated to shark conservation. The initiative began after Madison's film about shark fishing faced backlash. Determined to show a more comprehensive view, she returned to document the fishermans lives and the dangerous nature of their work. She eventually formed a plan to pay the fishermen not to fish sharks, and instead use their boats for eco-tourism. The initiative has grown from one boat to ten, providing an alternative source of income for the fishermen and their families. 

Shannon explains, “Project Hiu empowers the fisherman by providing them with sustainable alternatives. It's about showing them compassion and improving their living conditions through community development projects, such as building schools and providing clean water.” These efforts aim to reduce the dependence on shark fishing by offering other opportunities.

Intern Diaries and Market Scenes

As an intern with Project Hiu, Shannons days were filled with a mix of conservation efforts and immersive cultural experiences. Each day began with a drive to the more rural side of Lombok, where she would meet the local fisherman and tourists. The work included managing snorkel tours, educating tourists about the project, and ensuring respect for local customs. 

One of the most poignant aspects of her role was visiting the shark market. Here, Shannon witnessed the stark reality of shark fishing. At the market, massive tiger sharks and other species were brought in, their fins removed and bodies discarded. This practice, driven largely by the demand for shark fin soup in some cultures, underscored the dire need for conservation efforts. The fishermen, despite their involvement in this trade, were not heartless. Many are driven by financial necessity and prefer to avoid the dangers of shark fishing altogether. 

Challenges and Triumphs 

Volunteering with Project Hiu is not without its challenges. Shannon recalls the difficulties of dealing with tourists who may not understand the cultural sensitivities of the region. For instance, respecting local customs, such as covering up in predominantly Muslim areas, is crucial. “It was mortifying when a tourist refused to cover up, disrespecting the community we worked hard to build trust with,” she shares. Despite these challenges, Shannon finds the work incredibly rewarding. 

She also highlights the dangers the fisherman face, sharing harrowing stories of near-death experiences and the perilous nature of shark fishing. These stories underscore the importance of Project Hiu’s mission to provide safer, more sustainable livelihoods for the fisherman.

Making Waves 

Shannons experience with Project Hiu enhances the broader impact of volunteerism. It's not just about the immediate benefits but also about fostering long-term change and understanding. Volunteering in a foreign country, especially as a white person, requires cultural sensitivity and respect. “You don't want to be taking jobs from locals or disrespecting their customs. It's about empowering them and supporting sustainable change,” Shannon emphasizes. “Volunteering should always focus on empowering the people you're helping,”. 

Her work with Project Hiu highlights the importance of respecting and understanding the communities you serve. It's about more than just conservation; it's about building relationships, building trust, and supporting sustainable development. You can support Project Hiu from Newfoundland by purchasing their merchandise and promoting their social media pages.