Palau withdraws from agreement with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society

Anti-Poaching support most likely to be provided by Japanese government

Koror/Palau, June 03, 2011 – Enforcement of shark sanctuary remains ultimate goal and priority for Palau Shark Sanctuary.

H.E. Johnson Toribiong, President of the Republic of Palau, withdrew the agreement signed in March between the Pacific island state and the marine wildlife conservation organization. Instead, according to Sea Shepherd sources, the Japanese government is supposed to support Palau by providing a patrol vessel and financial support as an alternative to Sea Shepherd’s involvement.
Dermot Keane, founder of non-profit organization Palau Shark Sanctuary, who established the contact between Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Presidential Office of Palau, comments: “While this decision came as a surprise to us, Palau Shark Sanctuary remains fully committed to the protection of Palau’s sharks and seeks full enforcement of the sanctuary declared by President Toribiong in 2009. We hope to welcome a patrol vessel to our waters very soon that will effectively support efforts to end illegal fishing in Palau.”
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For more information on Palau Shark Sanctuary, please contact Judith Hoppe, Tourism Unlimited.
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		Generally the grey reef shark is found on the outer walls of Palau's barrier reef, congregating in areas of heavy upwelling and stronger currents. It is not uncommon to see loose schools that number in the dozens. The grey reef shark feeds on reef fish, cephalopods, crustaceans and even bony fish. Image credit: © Todd Essick/Sam's Tours Download options: Print (jpg, 4,7 MB) Online (jpg, 29 KB )