KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The Senate has passed legislation to impose stiffer penalties on foreign fishing activities, particularly shark finning.
Senate Bill 6-142 now goes to the House of Delegates for action.
The senators approved the bill following the recommendation made by the Senate Commitee on Judiciary and Governmental Affairs.
According to the committee, current law lacks certain important limitations on the harvest of marine resources by foreign fishing vessels. Moreover, the existing definitions of the zones and waters accessible for foreign fishing are already outdated.
There is also inadequate protection for some marine species, specifically reef fish and sharks, the committee said.
Sharks must be freed if caught, intentional or not, it added.
“It must be released whether dead or alive. If the shark is alive, it must be released in a manner that affords the greatest possible chance for survival,” the committee said.
