Toribiong called on the other leaders to take a similar initiative in their respective countries to protect sharks during the recent presidential summit in Palau during the weekend.
The president said that in Palau “ fishing for shark is forbidden, there is a complete ban on shark fishing.”
FSM president Emmanuel Mori said although they will not immediately follow suit, sharks have a is part in theeco- system.
“Sooner or later we will follow Palau,” Mori said.
, RMI president Jurelang Zedkaiafor his part said RMI is supporting Palau’s initiative.
“I support Palau’s declaration of shark sanctuary. We don’t allow fishing of sharks in the Marshall Islands,” Zedkaia said.
Palau gained popularity after President Toribiong declared the country as the world’s first shack sanctuary.
However with only one patrol boat at its disposal, it will be a challenge to patrol Palau’s 240,000 square-mile EEZ.
Palau has a shark fishing law which carries a $250,000 US fine for fishing, mutilation and transport of sharks in Palau waters.
Shark fishing remains a lucrative business, especially with the demand in parts of Asia for shark’s fin soup In Palau waters , there are more than 70 foreign fishing vessels, many of them operating illegally.
About 130 shark species are found in Palau waters.
Palau’s economy is heavily reliant on tourism and fishing.
The tourist activity in Palau iscentered on diving and snorkeling in tropical waters filled with coral reefs, marine life and World War II wrecks.
Palau has also called for an international moratorium on shark finning.
Sharks are vulnerable to overfishing because of their low fertility rates and long life spans.
