World’s First Shark Sanctuary

Palau, Micronesia, is one of the 7 Underwater Wonders of the World, and is now bolstering that status by creating the world’ first officially-recognized shark sanctuary.  The hope is to protect great hammerheads, leopard sharks, oceanic white tip sharks, and more than 130 other species who are considered endangered or vulnerable, and fighting against extinction.

Palau, Micronesia

The result of this sanctuary is an end to all commercial shark fishing in the surrounding area, giving the creatures about 237,000 square miles of ocean in which to live and breed.  Accompanying the ban on shark fishing in these waters, Macau President Toribiong has asked the UN General Assembly for a global ban on shark-finning.  Shark-finning is cutting off a shark’s fin (often for shark fin soup) and then returning the shark to the ocean.  Without the fin, the shark cannot swim, and drowns.

Palau is often rated as one of the top dive destinations because of its extensive fish and coral population.  It’s efforts to protect sharks will likely to make it an even more popular spot.

If you’re a diver, does a shark sanctuary make for a move appealing dive vacation?

Photo credit:  public domain (wikimedia)