Tanner Underwater / Conservation
In the water.For theirfuture.
Five years supporting shark research, tagging and underwater storytelling in Indonesia.
The story so far
01 / Tanner’s involvement
Our duty to protect sharks goes beyond entering the water…
Five years aiding shark research, tagging and underwater documentation in Indonesia.
Outside of his time in Florida running shark expeditions, Tanner is a part-owner of Project Hiu, a company in Indonesia founded by his wife, Madison Stewart, known as Shark Girl Madison. The company employs shark fishermen in tourism, providing an alternative income to the unsustainable and harmful practice of unregulated shark fishing while still supporting low socioeconomic fishing communities.
Safety & storytelling
Utilizing his shark-handling skills, Tanner adds another level of safety to Project Hiu’s essential research missions. His underwater photography and documentation bring greater exposure to the work, helping share the research and the fishermen’s involvement with a wider audience.
The Project Hiu approach
Shark fins sell for hundreds of dollars per kilogram for a Chinese delicacy called shark fin soup, motivating fishers to catch as many sharks as possible, especially those with the largest fins. Project Hiu’s approach involves repurposing the exact boats used for shark fishing as tourism vessels. The project now employs 15 boats and 75 crew members, and has even sponsored two former shark fishermen to attend university.
02 / The people behind the work
It starts
with the boys.
Tanner’s bond with the Indonesian fishermen exemplifies this human-centered approach to conservation.
Through tourism, the fishermen of Lombok now take people to swim with sharks and then return home every night to their families.
For every month a boat is hired for tourism, it is estimated that up to 60 sharks are saved from being caught and killed.
Meet Project Hiu
03 / Research & tagging
Tanner's photography and shark-handling skills have been instrumental in the success of Project Hiu’s shark research & his bond with the Indonesian fishermen exemplifies this human-centered approach to conservation.
The work continues
after the release.
In addition to these operations, Tanner has contributed to Project Hiu's shark research program by documenting the process and assisting in the tagging of tiger sharks at sea, all while ensuring safety in the water alongside the fishermen.
Project Hiu is the first organisation to tag tiger sharks in these waters, giving vital insights into their movements & aiding in their protection.
Learn more about the project
04 / Beyond the encounter
From an encounter
to understanding.
Following movement
Tagging can help researchers follow where sharks travel beyond the places we encounter them.
Building a picture
Tracking data adds to our understanding of how sharks use these waters over time.
Informing protection
Better knowledge of shark movements can help inform conservation decisions.
05 / Underwater storytelling
Making the
unseen visible.
Underwater imagery is another part of Tanner’s contribution.
Alongside helping with the research, Tanner has been able to produce underwater imagery from these missions: sharks at the surface, the team in the water, and the quieter moments between the fieldwork.
These images help Tanner share the experience beyond the boat. They bring people closer to the animals and give the work a visual story.
Be part of the story
A future for sharks.
And the people beside them.
Learn more about the work and how you can support Project Hiu.
Discover Project Hiu