FOR SHAME!

WHAT HAVE THEY DONE?

First posted 11/22/08 on http://www.samstours.com/blog/

My good friend and internationally acclaimed photographer / environmentalist Gunther Deichmann has once again used the power of his lens to bring world attention to yet another of mans destructive practices in an unfortunately ever-growing list that shows a callous disregard for the world we will pass on to our children and their children.

Gunther was recently in Bali, Indonesia on a commercial photo shoot when he came across some boats being unloaded in the harbor. Much to his dismay the catch being unloaded was thousands and thousands of shark fins from species that included hammerheads, white tips, black tips and more. True to form, Gunther's first reaction was to start shooting pictures. So powerful were some of the images he shot that Germany's STERN MAGAZINE chose one as "Photo of the Week" (Issue #46, November 06, 2008). Britains DAILY MAIL also featured Gunther's images and story on shark-finning. Follow the link below to see the article:http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1086501/A-sad-sharks-tale-Shocking-images-scale-fin-trade.html

I think it is safe to say that most divers are well aware that shark-finning represents massively destructive and absolutely unsustainable decimation of sharks and I'm likewise sure that most divers do not support the practice. But being aware of and or not supporting shark finning is simply not enough anymore. It is time for each and every one of us to do more right now!

The rate of destruction of sharks is already so monumental that there is a growing belief that many species of sharks are headed for extinction in our lifetime. It is hard to believe that sharks, a species that has existed for millions of years, face extinction at the hands of man on our watch. While there's no guarantee of success for any actions we may each take to try to end this wasteful practice, there is every assurance that if we FAIL TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION NOW to stop the rape of our oceans, sharks and many fish stocks too will be eliminated. Greed, corruption and massive profiteering is destroying the very world that we as its present stewards are supposed to hold in trust for our children. We must each take it upon ourselves to act against these forces for if we do not, we too are part of the problem.

I call on every diver to take an immediate and strong stance against shark-finning and to fully engage themselves every single day in rallying more and more non-divers to the cause. We need to relentlessly fight back against those who are destroying our oceans without regard for the future. We cannot allow them to win. To most of the world shark-finning is out of sight and therefore out of mind. By the time the world wakes up to the danger it will be too late! We have to work together now to keep this issue in the forefront and to bring about an immediate halt to this insance practice before the total collapse of shark populations signals their total extinction.

Won't you follow Gunther's lead and DO SOMETHING POSITIVE TODAY and every day hereafter to help protect sharks forever? Tomorrow is already too late!

If you need more information about shark finning simply Google “shark finning” follow the links and start reading!

For more on Gunther's incredible photography, some great tips on Apple Aperture & Photo Shelter, or interesting articles on the environment, follow the link below to: http://www.deichmann-photo.com/blog.html

Stealing the Future - Commercial Fishing in Palau, Micronesia

Palau has gained much international notariety for taking strong positions when it comes to protecting it's environment and natural resources including setting aside marine and terrestrial conservation areas, outlawing live reef fishing, and banning the taking of sharks or their fins. The President even set an illegal catch of shark fins on fire some years ago in protest against the then lax laws against shark finning.

While there are many great stories to tell about accomplishments made by Palau, there is also a sinister story that somehow gets brushed aside or swept under the rug, and that is the impact of licensing foreign fishing fleets to operate in Palau's waters. It doesn't take much research to find out that fisheries around the world are in grave danger of total collapse. It takes even less research to uncover the unsavory performance records and in many cases illegal activities associated with commercial fishing fleets worldwide. In the case of Palau, the main regional fishing fleets emanate from Japan, China, Philippines and Indonesia.

With fish stocks diminishing, bigger fleets are traveling farther and farther from their native fishing grounds to international waters and in all too many cases to the soveriegn waters of other nations where they plunder the resources of smaller nations helpless to prevent them. Palau is no exception. Whether or not fishing fleets are licensed to fish Palau's waters they invariably seem to show total disregard for contracts, licensing requirements, restrictions, rules, regulations, laws or conservation practices. For all intents and purposes it's a free for all when it comes to what they take and how much they take. Sure, some get caught, but that's just the tip of the iceberg! Violations include transhipping of catches to the Philippines to avoid revenues to Palau with vessels congregating north of Palau to offload more valuable catches to motherships instead of landing them in Palau. They take on of fuel at sea instead of in Palau. Captains lie and cheat on manifests to hide illegal catches and under report catch sizes and values. There are incident of smuggling of tobacco and alcohol.

Another continuing practice, despite Palau's tough laws and at one point tough enforcement that now seems to have been watered down or ceased altogether following the departure of attorney Christopher Hale of the Attorney Generals office, is the issue of shark finning. It was headline news in Palau for quite some time a few years ago but more recently seems to have faded away. At least the attention to this issue has faded but by all reports, the killing of sharks and taking of shark fins is very much alive and strong throughout both legal and illegal fishing fleets operating in Palau. With few exceptions, almost every foreign fishing vessel that was thoroughly searched by Palau law enforcement produced illegal catches including shark fins. It's almost guaranteed to be the same today. But apparently searches seem to be few and far between or simply not thorough enough. Shark fins are being stowed in hidden compartments underneath tuna holds and other areas of the vessels. Fleets are meeting offshore to unload their illegal catches. And all the while, Palau seems to do nothing to shut down illegal fishing in its' waters.

Recently, President Remengesau proposed that Palau pass legislation banning the export of all highly migratory fish from Palau. This could be a start, but there's sure to be a big political fight and even if it were to pass, its' not intended to take effect for several years. By then it won't even matter as the cupboard will already be bare! It's also election year in Palau and as in any election anywhere, there are bound to be powerful and influential financial forces at work.
Despite the damage and destruction they bring, foreign fishing fleets continue to operate in Palau because powerful and influential Palauans ensure they do so and profit accordingly. Palau's international "friendships" with the Philippines, Taiwan and Japan are perhaps another reason that Palau seems to turn a blind eye to the rape and pillage of it's natural resources. As a tiny island nation with limited financial resources, Palau is dependent on foreign aid and assistance from Taiwan, Japan, USA and others in almost every area including government subsidies, capital projects including roads and bridges, power, water and sewer, national health, education, maritime law enforcement, national defense and more. Palau must ask itself if the short term gains to be made by turning a blind eye to impact of foreign fishing fleets are truly worth the long term destruction of Palau's natural resources.

On one hand there is much rhetoric coming from Palauan leaders about the need to be self-sufficient especially in food supply and agriculture and on the other hand Palau let's their neighbors and so called friends steal their most important food source right from under their nose. Why is that? When is enough enough? Which Palauan has the courage and the willpower to tackle this issue? Now is the time for that person or persons to stand up and return fire in the great food war!

IMAGES: Courtesy Christopher Hale; Kevin Davidson

Balancing Profit versus Protection.

Balancing Profit versus Protection.

Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr., who launched the Micronesia Challenge recently signed new legislation known as the Protected Areas Network (PAN) to further Palau's efforts to preserve her pristine environment for the generations to come. The PAN legislation has been the subject of long-running debate and difference between some of Palau's 16 States and the national government. Funding for support of the Protected Areas Network will reportdely come from a $30 fee to be paid by visitors arriving in this tiny island nation. It is not clear at this writing exactly how fees will be collected but early reports suggest that the fee will be included in the cost of airline tickets. Palau gets approximately 80,000 visitors per year most of whom are scuba divers creating an estimated $2.4 million in revenue in support of this program. Many states in Palau also charge environmental fees including Koror State ($35) and Peleliu ($20) which get the largest share of divers. An additional departure tax of $20 per person also applies to visitors.

For more information on PAN legislation visit this link: http://www.mvariety.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=11181&format=html

On another environmental issue, Palau also recently passed legislation banning the export of live reef fish in order to help protect its' Northern Reefs which are reported to have been under pressure from companies involved in the live reef fish trade, exporting to Asian markets. The President reportedly expressed concern that insatiable markets in other countries would lead to the eventual destruction of Palau's reef habitats.

For more on the story go to: http://www.mvariety.com/?module=displaystory&story_id=11177&format=html

SURVIVOR 16 - Can Palau Outwit, Outplay, Outlast?

SURVIVOR 16 - Can Palau Outwit, Outplay, Outlast?

Well, things are once again in full swing here in Palau for the shooting of SURVIVOR 16, the second Survivor show to be shot in Palau, Micronesia. Survivor 10 was also shot in Palau a few years ago. Helicopters are again buzzing around, shuttle boats and security boats zooming here and there, and selected locations cordoned off for filming. Across the street from Sam's Tours, SURVIVOR Base Camp is buzzing with activity almost 24/7.

It's the tourism "off-season" here in Palau so without the Survivor crew here, things around town would otherwise be pretty quiet. Local establishments like Bottom Time Bar and Grill at Sam's Tours, Kraemers Bar and Restaurant, Taj Indian Restaurant, and Drop-Off Bar are all places where Survivor crews hang out in the evenings. They're a busy bunch but also very friendly with lots of new faces from all around the world that help liven up the place. Many bring a fresh perspecitive that's good to hear!

Of course, we don't really get to talk shop with these guys 'cause everythings gotta be kept super secret until after the show airs, but that's why we have the Internet. Anyone looking for info on Survivor 16 Palau just has to spend a few minutes on Google to find all the latest gossip. I pasted a few links below that I ran across but anyone can find these and much more in a few minutes at the keyboard themselves. Guess we'll just have to wait til SURVIVOR CHINA is finished and SURVIVOR 16 Palau begins to air to really know what's going on. http://www.claycritters.com/map/s16/survivor_16_map.htmhttp://www.unofficialsurvivorguide.comhttp://www.survivor.com

But SURVIVOR isn't the only "show in town"... Discovery Channel's BONE DETECTIVE series has been here for a few weeks shooting some episodes of their own. And rumors still abound that SURVIVOR Russia may shoot in Palau too!

THE BIGGER THREAT:Palau is indeed a small place, but nonetheless there's lots going on. I just hope Palau itself can Outwit, Outlast and Outplay the growing global exposure and successfully survive the outcome by converting increased interest and exposure in to sustainable low impact - high return tourism. Sounds simple perhaps, but it's actually a major challenge.
Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr, has done much during his last seven years in office to lay a strong foundation of environmental preservation and protection intended to ensure the survival of Palau's natural resources in the years ahead. He recently masterminded the Micronesia Challenge, and just weeks ago was recognized by TIME Magazine as a global environmental hero, for his many accomplishments. With his two term limit as president about to end in 2008, there is considerable concern about successors sustaining his momentum.
While SURVIVOR 16 Palau Micronesia is but a television show, the true realities are the very real environmental challenges Palau faces as a direct resultant of global warming, illegal foreign fishing, shark finning, destruction of mangroves, and dependence on fossil fuels to name but a few.

Can Palau truly Outwit, Outplay and Outlast the mounting environmental challenges and destructive impacts that are often the result of actions and or inactions of other nations whether close by or half way round the world?

Never mind "Reality TV", a much more (environmentally) foreboding show is being played "Live" right before our very eyes every day in Palau......all that's missing are the cameras to broadcast it around the world .... hopefully to an audience of responsible world leaders with the vision and courage to care and to act now. Palau, is a tiny country made up of hundreds of islands yet fully aware that no man is an island, a sentiment lost it seems on continental nations "who cannot see their damage for the seas!"

Shark-finning continues in Palau

Originally posted Wednesday, August 02, 2006

Despite Palau's strong anti-shark finning laws the destruction of Palau's sharks continues!

Foreign fishing fleets licensed by Palau to fish in their territorial waters are repeatedly caught with illegal shark catches onboard and yet the country continues to encourage and allow their presence.

Foreign fishing is supposedly a big financial contributor to Palau's small economy though considerable debate exists as to whether or not that indeed is the case. Trying to get accurate revenue statistics on this industry is next to impossible. Tourism and specifically dive tourism is the current mainstay of Palau's emerging economy and to date is the only viable and productive industry established in Palau. As President Tommy Remengesau Jr. noted, the environment in Palau is the economy and nothing could be closer to the truth in case of Palau's dive industry. Palau is repeatedly top-ranked by divers worldwide for an abundance of large pelagic animals particulary schools of sharks as can be seen at Blue Corner, Palau's "signature" dive. It doesn't take a scientist to figure out that destroying Palau's sharks will severely impact and or destroy it's diving industry without which the country will continue to deepen it's dependence on foreign funding.

It is widely speculated that the large amount of finacial assistance pouring in to Palau from Taiwan is among the leading reasons Palau chooses not to rid itself of the licensed (mostly Taiwanese) foreign fishing vessels that repeatedly and demonstrably pillage Palau's marine resouces thereby robbing Palau of any hope of financial independence. Not surprisingly, the majority of foreign fishing companies in Palau exist with assistance from powerful and influential Palauans without whose support these companies could not operate here.

Marine law enforcement personnel, Customs officers and the Attorney Generals staff are engaged in trying to stem the destruction and have quite a number of successes under their belt. But the truth is that they are fighting an uphill battle against a well organized, well funded and well connected opponent and every success is overshadowed by the sheer volume of destruction that escapes detection and or prosecution.

It is a complex problem that requires a lot effort and resources to overcome and like any solution it has to start somewhere with someone. Palau has made solid first steps with strong laws against shark-finning and stepped up enforcement efforts but more work is needed. Enforcement requires personnel, equipment, expertise and great expense far beyond Palau's limited resources. Though Palau is a small country it has many strong, influential and wealthy friends including the United States with whom it is closely aligned under a Compact of Free Association, and the United Nations of which Palau is among the newest country members.

Foreign fishing fleets from wealthy powerful nations are guilty of stealing the natural resources of a sovereign nation (Palau). They operate with almost total impunity just like bullies in a playground who pick on the smaller guys because they know they can't fight back. It makes one wonder where are Palau's friends when needed and when will Palau sum up the courage to take on the neighborhood bullies.

Save our Sharks!

Just two years after Palau was named “Shark Guardian of the Year” by European based shark conservation organization “Sharkproject” and received international acclaim for enacting tough new laws designed to protect Palau’s dwindling shark population, licensed foreign fishing vessels continue to profit from the illegal slaughter of sharks.

In January of 2006, two licensed foreign fishing vessels operating under Kuniyoshi Fishing Company (KFC), were caught with illegal shark catches on board. One vessel was arrested offshore by Palau patrol boat “Remiliik” after fishing in Palau’s waters and then trying to flee the area instead of off-loading their catch in Koror. The vessel was escorted to Malakal Harbor where 96 shark bodies and basket loads of shark fins were found onboard in addition to a significant tuna catch. If the patrol boat had not arrested this vessel it would not only have escaped with an illegal shark catch but would also have taken a significant tuna catch and unloaded it outside of a Palau, another violation of its’ license that robs Palau of a supposed benefit of allowing licensed foreign fishing vessels to operate in Palau’s waters.

The criminal destruction of Palau’s natural resources generates huge profits for fishing companies but does little to benefit Palau or Palauans. Palau’s primary industry for the foreseeable future is tourism a large part of which is built around scuba-diving, which in turn is built around Palau’s reputation for large marine animals such as sharks. When the sharks and other large creatures are gone so will a large part of Palau’s competitive edge in the diving market along with the revenue generated by live sharks.

A lot of lip-service is given to discussions on the need for sustainable development to support Palau’s long term economic future. The senseless and criminal destruction of Palau’s sharks is about the most un-sustainable practice that can be engaged in when it comes to destroying Palau’s long term economic future. It’s an absolute tragedy with an unavoidably high price tag. As apex predators in the marine food chain and key players in maintaining healthy reef populations, protecting and preserving sharks is an absolute requirement if Palau hopes to maintain a healthy marine environment and a thriving diving industry. Presently and sadly, key decisions on Palau’s fate are left in the hands of fishing companies and foreign fishing vessels that to date have demonstrated nothing but irresponsibility and disregard for Palau’s natural resources, conservation laws or long term economic future. This must change now. Tomorrow will be too late.

Last month an Indonesian boat crew fishing illegally off Ausstralia's Northern Territory used burning poles, lead weights and machetes to fight off customs officers. Officers took control after a chase lasting several hours. They found a large quantity of shark fins and 50 shark carcasses in the hold.

A government source said: "We suspect that Chinese criminal cartels are behind many of the boats.

Shark fins can fetch £400 per kilo,

Republic of Palau Burns Illegal Shark Fin Catch

On May 6, 2003 Republic of Palau President, Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and Minister of Justice, Michael Rosenthal set fire to a large catch of shark fins taken from a Taiwanese fishing vessel caught fishing illegally in Palau's waters.

A patrol boat from Palau's Marine Law Enforcement Division captured the Taiwanese vessel “Sheng Chi Hui #7” while it was engaged in illegally fishing for sharks in waters close to the Palau island of Angaur. Upon boarding and inspection of the licensed vessel, large numbers of steel leaders that are used to specifically target the capture of sharks, were discovered on board. The vessels holds were full of shark carcasses many of which had already had their fins removed. Authorities confiscated more than 1,600 pounds of shark fins and over 400 shark carcasses weighing in excess of 10 tons.

Outraged at the continued targeting and destruction of Palau's shark population by Taiwanese fishing fleets and the minimal fines allowed under current Palau laws, President Remengesau ordered the burning of the captured shark fins, over the objections of those who wanted them sold to generate revenue, to highlight the need for Palau Congress to improve laws protecting sharks. “Sheng Chi Hui #7” was fined less than $13,000 for a variety of offenses. Shark fins reportedly sell in Hong Kong for U.S. $180 per pound or more. A staunch environmentalist, Remengesau told those who gathered to witness the bonfire: “Our message is very clear today: We will not tolerate shark fishing in the waters of Palau.”

Dermot Keane, Founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary, and manager of a local dive business also addressed the crowd and urged them to support the passage of a declaration by the Republic of Palau to establish the waters within Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone, as a sanctuary for all sharks within. Palau Shark Sanctuary was founded in Koror, Palau on November 2001, in response to the ongoing destructive practice of “shark-finning” by foreign fishing fleets in Palau's waters. Shark Sanctuary supports itself through sales of its private logo merchandise, donating proceeds to programs and agencies joining them in their fight to save Palau's sharks. “Loss of Palau's sharks threatens not only Palau's underwater environment but also its entire dive industry, a mainstay of Palau's economy” Keane said. “As Palau is internationally recognized among top dive destinations in the world, it is therefore fitting that Palau takes a leadership role in the worldwide battle to end the destructive practice of shark-finning” he went on to say.


Palau Shark Sanctuary goal is to achieve a declaration by the Republic of Palau, perpetually establishing all waters within Palau's Exclusive Economic Zone, as a World Shark Sanctuary offering protection to all sharks within. Keane says he realizes that establishing a World Shark Sanctuary in Palau is a big challenge but believes it is a worthwhile goal nonetheless, and one that will benefit Palau and its economy in the years to come.

http://www.sharksanctuary.com/

Images: Courtesy Ethan Daniels