Shark Sanctuary In Pulau Declared-Size Of France
The world's first shark sanctuary will protect the declining fish in waters off the tiny island republic of Palau, the country's president said today. Johnson Toriboing announced the creation of a shark haven without commercial fishing during an address before the United Nations General Assembly in New York City.
"I believe the physical well-being and beauty of sharks reflects the well-being of the ocean," Toriboing told reporters at a news conference.
"It is my honor and opportunity to tell the world to join me to protect these species, which are on the brink of extinction."
(Related photos: "Vast New Ocean Refuge Home to Huge Crab, Coral.")
Sharks are increasingly under threat as the demand for shark-fin soup—a delicacy in many Asian countries—has risen worldwide.
"The need to save the ocean and save sharks far outweighs the need to enjoy bowls of soup," Toriboing said.
An estimated 130 rare shark and stingray species live in or pass through Palau's waters, including great hammerheads, oceanic whitetips, and leopard sharks. (See more shark pictures.)
France-Size Haven
Located roughly 500 miles (805 kilometers) east of the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean, Palau is made up of about 200 small islands and is one of the world's smallest and youngest nations. (See map.)
But what it lacks in land, Palau makes up for in water: Its territorial waters span more than 230,000 square miles (600,000 square kilometers)—an area about the size of France.
