I have distinct honor of introducing you to a remarkable ANZEC student-led initiative within our community that embodies the spirit of exploration, adventure, and conservation.
The FINstitute, based at James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, is not just another student-run club; it's a beacon of hope for the the field of ocean conservation. The FINstitute's mission is simple yet profound: to support Australian and Indonesian shark conservation initiatives through scientific collaboration, elevating student research, and hands-on learning opportunities. This team has created an impressive track record in their mere two semesters as a club at JCU. Recently, they produced and hosted "Re-Imagining Jaws," a first-of-a-kind community outreach, education, and awareness event in collaboration with the Rummer Lab, PhysioShark Project, Fish and Fisheries Lab at JCU, the Save Our Seas Foundation, Reef Ecologic, and the Oceania Chondrichthyan Society. In front of over 100 attendees, they released 7 of the Rummer Lab’s epaulette sharks back into the wild following the important data they afforded Aaron Hasenei’s PhD research regarding the effects of climate change and ocean warming on small reef sharks. Additionally, they have organized an observational shark tagging field trip for a handful of members to further their mission of connecting students to field opportunities in the realm of shark science.
Aliah Banchik is the co-founder and President of The FINstitute and also a student member of our chapter of the Explorer’s Club. Alongside her co-founder and vice-president, Luca Hoffecker, and their dedicated executive team, they have organized the "From Me, to Hiu" fundraising event. It will be a conservation centered cocktail hour hosted on the JCU townsville campus featuring a panel of shark scientists with two main activities to raise money: A massive raffle, and a student underwater photography contest judged by a panel of award-winning photographers including Jake Wilton and Brooke Pyke.
"From Me, to Hiu" is more than just an event; it's a movement. The event aims to raise $4,000 USD to acquire a Mini Pat tag for their project partners in Indonesia: Project Hiu. Project Hiu, founded by Australian Geographic Society prize winner, Madison Stewart, is an initiative dedicated to shark conservation and providing alternative income to fishermen in Indonesia, one of the largest shark fisheries in the world. The Mini Pat tag is a minimally invasive shark tracking tool used to study the movements of and identify critical habitats for these apex predators and their natural habitats…and they need our help to reach this ambitious goal.
The outcomes of "From Me, to Hiu" extend far beyond a successful event. They encompass the preservation of our oceans, the empowerment of local communities, and the education of young minds passionate about marine conservation. By acquiring this Mini Pat tag, Project Hiu will be able to tag the third shark ever tagged in the heavily fished waters of Lombok Indonesia; the world’s largest shark fishing market to date.
As the Chair of our Australian and New Zealand Explorer's Club chapter, I am humbled and proud to witness the dedication of Aliah, Luca, and The FINstitute team. Their commitment to shark conservation exemplifies what it means to be explorers and stewards of our planet.
In conclusion, I urge you all to support The FINstitute's "From Me, to Hiu" initiative with a generous donation. Your contributions, whether financial or through sharing their mission, will have a ripple effect, protecting our oceans and inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
For more information about this event and how you can get involved, please visit the event page.
Thank you for your unwavering support of exploration, conservation, and the incredible individuals who drive these initiatives forward.
Yours in exploration and conservation,
Todd Tai
Chair, Australian/NZ Explorer's Club Chapter
