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!
Wednesday, August 2, 2006
Monday, January 9, 2006
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.
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,
A government source said: "We suspect that Chinese criminal cartels are behind many of the boats.
Shark fins can fetch £400 per kilo,
Tuesday, May 6, 2003
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.
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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.
Images: Courtesy Ethan Daniels
Monday, March 17, 2003
Working to make Palau a World Shark Sanctuary!
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund®
Founded 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Koror, Palau – March 17, 2003
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund donates to Project S.A.V.E.
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund, marking the first anniversary of its successful fundraising program, announced a donation of $350 to Project S.A.V.E. (Shark Awareness Visitor Education), a shark awareness program of the Palau Conservation Society. Founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund, Dermot Keane, made the presentation to Ms. Julie Barr, Project S.A.V.E program coordinator at Palau Conservation Society.
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund 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. The “Fund” 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 Funds 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, that will benefit Palau and its economy in the years to come.
# # #
Contact:
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund
Box 3006
Koror, Palau 96940
Founded 2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Koror, Palau – March 17, 2003
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund donates to Project S.A.V.E.
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund, marking the first anniversary of its successful fundraising program, announced a donation of $350 to Project S.A.V.E. (Shark Awareness Visitor Education), a shark awareness program of the Palau Conservation Society. Founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund, Dermot Keane, made the presentation to Ms. Julie Barr, Project S.A.V.E program coordinator at Palau Conservation Society.
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund 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. The “Fund” 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 Funds 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, that will benefit Palau and its economy in the years to come.
# # #
Contact:
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund
Box 3006
Koror, Palau 96940
Friday, March 1, 2002
Save our Sharks!
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund®
Founded 2001
March 1, 2002
For Immediate Release:
March 1, 2002 the Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund launched an innovative merchandising program consisting of a line of unique T-shirt and hat designs for adults and children. Proceeds from sales of Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund merchandise support efforts to end shark finning in Palau’s waters and establish a World Shark Sanctuary therein. Sales to visiting divers and local residents exceeding initial expectations and as a result plans to expand the merchandising program, product lines and authorized retail outlets continue.
# # #
Sunday, November 4, 2001
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund®
Founded 2001
Working to make Palau a World Shark Sanctuary!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Koror, Palau – November, 4, 2001
Dermot Keane, staff member of a local Palau dive center, announced the creation of Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund in response to the ongoing destructive practice of “shark-finning” by foreign fishing fleets in Palau’s waters. Founding of the Shark Sanctuary Fund continues a long-running effort by the dive center staff members to bring about an end to the shameful practice of shark finning.
The “Fund” intends to support itself through sales of private logo merchandise, with proceeds to be donated 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 Funds 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, that will benefit Palau and its economy in the years to come.
# # #
Contact:
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund
Box 3006
Koror, Palau 96940
Founded 2001
Working to make Palau a World Shark Sanctuary!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Koror, Palau – November, 4, 2001
Dermot Keane, staff member of a local Palau dive center, announced the creation of Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund in response to the ongoing destructive practice of “shark-finning” by foreign fishing fleets in Palau’s waters. Founding of the Shark Sanctuary Fund continues a long-running effort by the dive center staff members to bring about an end to the shameful practice of shark finning.
The “Fund” intends to support itself through sales of private logo merchandise, with proceeds to be donated 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 Funds 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, that will benefit Palau and its economy in the years to come.
# # #
Contact:
Palau Shark Sanctuary Fund
Box 3006
Koror, Palau 96940
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