Palau shark sanctuary

[cdiver2]

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'

 

[Oceanus]

you beat me to it... This really is good news

Palau creates first “shark sanctuary” :: Seaduction ®

Palauan President Johnson Toribiong told the Associated Press in an interview Thursday, “Palau will declare its territorial waters and extended economic zone to be the first officially recognized sanctuary for sharks.”

The need to protect the sharks outweighs the need to enjoy a bowl of soup
President Johnson Toribiong

However, a recent flyover by Australian aircraft showed more than 70 vessels fishing Palau’s waters, many of them illegally. Palau only has one (1) patrol boat for an area the size of Texas so Friday’s announcement to the United Nations General Assembly is really more about calling attention to the issue.

We join others in calling for passage of the U.S. Shark Conservation Act of 2009 (S 850 / HR 81), which would completely prohibit the removal of shark fins at sea, close loopholes in the current finning law, and promote shark conservation in other countries. HR 81, introduced by Representative Madeline Bordallo (Guam), passed the House of Representatives unanimously in March 2009. Senator John Kerry (D-MA) introduced the Senate version in April 2009.

TAKE ACTION: Ask your senator to support the Shark Conservation Act.

 

[sailingk8]

Another way to act for the US:

FLORIDA FISH AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION COMMISSION IS REVIEWING DATA NOW TO DECIDE IF LEMON SHARKS, HAMMERHEADS, TIGER SHARKS AND BULL SHARKS SHOULD BE PROTECTED IN FLORIDA STATE WATERS.

"Worldwide shark populations and our oceans are at a tipping point. Florida now has the opportunity to take a first step towards tipping that balance back in the right direction, and preventing a downward spiral from which we may not be able to recover."

December is when they vote, email them now with what ever relevant info you can to help them decide.

Article with email address and contact:
LiivToday! Contact FWC to help protect Florida’s coastal sharks


Regarding Palau, talk to everyone you can, bring this up where ever you can. I spoke to all my Facebook friends and on my sailing forum. Some how as an ocean community we can help Palau get what they need to fight the on going slaughter.

 

[UKdreamer]

BBC NEWS | Science & Environment | Palau pioneers 'shark sanctuary'

Fantastic news - it makes me feel even more excited about my forthcoming trip to Palau in Feb / March 2010!

Not sure they'll manage to police it but at least it's a start - lets hope other countries follow suit!

 

[Mark Derail]

Another article that came out Oct 2nd.

BBC News - Vast shark sanctuary created in Pacific