International Women's Day : Interview with Madison Stewart, Founder of Project Hiu

Interview with Madison Stewart, Founder of Project Hiu

Madison Stewart, better known as "Shark Girl Madison," is a passionate filmmaker dedicated to shark conservation and the founder of Project Hiu, an initiative that transforms former shark fishermen into eco-tourism operators. We had the opportunity to ask her a few questions about her journey and the challenges she has faced.

When did your filmmaking career start, and what is one significant moment that stands out in your career so far?

I started filming as a teenager because I was watching the sharks I loved disappear, and I knew I had to do something. I couldn’t just sit back while the ocean was being destroyed. One standout moment? There are so many, but one was filming a group of ex-shark fishermen, now working in tourism thanks to Project Hiu, swimming with sharks for the first time. These were men who had killed thousands of sharks in their lifetime, now seeing them as valuable in a different way. That was powerful.

When did you start recreational and tech diving? Was it primarily for fun or for work?

I grew up in the water. I started diving when I was 12, and by 14, I had left school to pursue it full-time. Back then, it was pure obsession. I just wanted to be with sharks. Tech diving came later—I did it as soon as I had saved enough money for the course because I knew it would help me with my filmmaking.

For those who don’t know, what is Project Hiu, and how was it founded?

Project Hiu was born out of a simple idea: What if, instead of fighting shark fishermen, we offered them an alternative? I spent time with shark-fishing communities in Indonesia and saw how desperate their situation was. They weren’t killing sharks because they wanted to; they were doing it because it was their only way to survive. So, I started hiring their boats for tourism instead of fishing. It gave them a new source of income—one that didn’t rely on killing sharks. Now, we work on education, alternative livelihoods, and supporting these communities beyond just removing them from the trade.

What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting Project Hiu?

People love an easy solution: "Ban shark fishing!" But conservation isn’t black and white. The biggest struggle was proving that working with the fishermen, not against them, was a better approach. Also, funding—no one wants to donate to shark fishermen. But they are the key to solving this issue.

As a foreign woman working closely with local fishermen, what have been the biggest cultural or personal challenges you've faced, and how did you overcome them?

Being a young, foreign woman in a male-dominated, deeply traditional industry, there was a lot of skepticism at first. I had to earn respect by showing up, listening, and proving that I wasn’t there to exploit them or tell them how to live their lives. Now, we have mutual trust. I see them as friends, not just fishermen. And they see me as someone who genuinely cares.

How has your perspective on shark conservation evolved since you first started Project Hiu?

I used to think the biggest threat to sharks was the fishermen. Now, I know the real problem is much bigger: poverty, lack of education, unsustainable industries, and a global system that values profit over nature. Saving sharks isn’t just about stopping fishing; it’s about giving people better choices.

What is your next goal for Project Hiu?

Scaling this idea. We’ve proven that hiring shark fishermen can work. Now, we need to expand it, create more sustainable jobs, and work on long-term solutions like education and community development.

What advice would you give to other women trying to make a difference in conservation?

Don’t wait for permission. Start now, start small, and don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo. Also, don’t let anyone tell you that being emotional about your cause is a weakness. Passion is what drives change.

Join the next trip to Project Hiu with Gili Divers

At Gili Divers, we believe in responsible and engaged diving. That’s why we offer our Divemaster trainees a day trip to Kuta to visit Project Hiu and meet the former shark fishermen who have transitioned from fishing to tourism. This unique experience provides a deeper understanding of the project's impact and a firsthand look at a successful shift towards sustainable alternatives.

Learn more about our Eco Divemaster and join us and be part of the change!

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