Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Palau senate passes bill banning feeding of sharks

Posted at 21:18 on 04 December, 2009 UTC

The Palau Senate has passed a bill which will prohibit the feeding of sharks within Palau’s territorial waters.

The bill states that feeding sharks may cause these marine animals to associate human beings with food and could create an increased safety risk for humans.

The bill proposes a fine of US$1,000 and or a 90 day jail term for violating the ban.

Earlier, President Johnson Toribiong declared Palau’s entire Exclusive Economic Zone as a shark sanctuary.

The president said although there is only one patrol boat at Palau’s disposal to enforce the ban, he is calling other nations to respect his efforts.

He said that he will be sending letters to the Taiwan and Japan governments to respect Palau’s EEZ.