Sam's Tours Brings World Renowned SharkSchool To Micronesia

Here is a press release from Sam's Tours about the SharkSchool program coming to Palau in 2010

The waters of Palau are legendary for their all-year resident shark population. Perfect conditions to host an education program on shark behavior and provide a platform for shark-human-interaction.

For the first time, SharkSchool, a unique shark-human-interaction program, will take place in Palau in September 2010 with Sam’s Tours as their exclusive host. Created by shark behaviorist Dr. Erich Ritter, the program is dedicated to bring divers, snorkelers and swimmers closer to sharks, with the intention to show the true nature of these incredible animals. The SharkSchool program creates a sound understanding of shark behaviour and teaches its attendants the basic principles of shark body language, the most likely intentions of a shark and how to react on the various encounters.

Says Dr. Erich Ritter, Founder of SharkSchool: “There are no dangerous sharks, just dangerous situations. Sharks have the worst and most wrongful image of all animals on this planet. Uncountable myths have survived over centuries which have nothing to do with reality. These are the main factors why sharks are hunted, killed and brought to the edge of extinction for no substantial reason. Divers, frequently encountering sharks in the ocean, are a natural target and interest group to learn more about these fascinating animals and help to improve the knowledge of sharks as well as protecting them.“

Dermot Keane, Managing Director of Sam’s Tours and founder of Palau Shark Sanctuary adds: “Palau has a long history of shark protection. We are proud and defensive of our shark population. Sam’s Tours is honoured to host this event and we aim to make a contribution to the worthy cause of improving shark behaviour awareness. Bringing SharkSchool to Palau is the logical next step in continuing to educate the general public about the importance of sharks for the survival of our oceans after our President declared the waters of Palau a shark sanctuary.“

SharkSchool Palau will take place from September 22 – 28, 2010 at Sam’s Tours Palau. The cost for the exclusive one-week all inclusive program includes the lectures with Dr. Erich Ritter, 5 days of diving, accommodation and all meals. Subject to the type of accommodation, prices start as low as 1,829 US$. The program can be booked through all dive operators working together with Sam’s Tours, Wirodive, and through Sam’s Tours direct.

Palau’s president Johnson Toribiong declared on September 25 in front of the general assembly of the United Nations Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as the world’s first shark sanctuary ever. President Toribiong also called for a global ban on shark-finning and for other nations to follow suit.