| The 'thank you' to Palau |
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On September 25, 2009 Palau declared itself the world's first National Shark Sanctuary and called for an international ban on shark-finning. We prepared this thank you to Palau for this historic and important shark-saving action. Also see the signatures and comments, here. Dear President Toribiong, We congratulate and offer our deep gratitude to you and to the people of Palau for your courageous and intelligent creation of the National Shark Sanctuary in Palau. We agree with your statement, Mr. President, that "the strength and beauty of sharks are a natural barometer for the health of our oceans". We realize this is just a beginning and we support Palau in its desire to diligently enforce, as well as seek international assistance to enforce, these new shark protections. We also want to acknowledge the efforts of the Palaun organizations whose efforts helped to create the National Shark Sanctuary. The Belau Tourism Association, Palau Visitors Authority, and Palau Chamber of Commerce faciliated the efforts of Shark Savers and other NGOs and individuals as we sought to defeat Palau Senate Bill 8-44, which threatened to re-open commercial shark fishing. The Palau Shark Sanctuary is an NGO that has worked for years to establish the National Shark Sanctuary in Palau. Thank you for serving as a beacon to the world as you protect the world's great treasures, the sharks and their ocean habitat. |
