19/7/2006 - Dakuwaqa

Deep channels within the reef networks of Fijian waters were in legends guarded by various marine gods, including one called Dakuwaqa. This particularly feisty guardian travelled the waters of Fiji taking the form of a shark and offering all the other gods outside. After an undefeated run Dakuwaqa ended up pleading for mercy during a spectaular ruck with Rokobakaniceva, a big-daddy octopus. Mercy was granted in exchange for his word that he would never harm any people from Kadavu wherever they may be in any part of Fiji waters. To this day, because the octopus yielded to his foe’s plea, Kadavu islanders have no fear of sharks when out on or in the water.

Cook and Bligh frequently wrote of Fiji's waters being "infested" with sharks; that is, overrun in numbers or quantities large enough to be harmful, threatening, or obnoxious. Since they both spent a significant amount of their time aground on reefs the fins they observed cutting through the surface and "circling the ship" were most likely small blacktip reef sharks hunting for octopi and crustaceans on the shallow reef top.

Larger sharks do call Fiji home and sightings of these are often reported by local fisherman. These sharks are doubtless attracted by the fishermen's activities and some claim to have had their catch stolen by Dakuwaqa (who's name translates to 'back of the boat', presumably some reference to his supposed habits). Although more serious incidents have been recorded there will always be an element of exaggeration when the stories are recounted round the kava bowl upon their return to the village. Encounters with large sharks invariably start the whispers of Dakuwaqa...