Palau National Marine Sanctuary - Media coverage

Global Media Coverage Palau National Marine Sanctuary

Global Ocean Legacy The Pew Charitable Trusts

Source: The Pew Charitable Trusts About Global Ocean Legacy Global Ocean Legacy, a project of Pew and its partners, is working with local communities, governments and scientists around the world to protect and conserve some of our most important and unspoiled ocean environments.

Together we are establishing the world’s first generation of great marine parks by securing the designation of large, fully protected reserves. To date, our efforts have helped to double the amount of safeguarded ocean habitat worldwide.

Front Cover: Rock Islands of Palau.

Introduction On Oct. 22, 2015, the Palau Congress approved legislation for the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. On Oct. 28, President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. officially signed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act into law.

The legislation creating the sanctuary designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place. At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary becomes the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will become a domestic fishing zone reserved for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. This transformation of Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will take place over a five-year period, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually. The nation’s coastal waters, an area of 12 nautical miles around each of the 250 islands, will continue to be managed by Palau’s 16 states.

An important part of the Palau tradition is to care for the environment. Traditional leaders in the past have enacted "bul" - a moratorium on catching key species or fishing on certain reefs to protect habitats that are critical to the community's food security. Palau was the first country in the world to create a shark sanctuary.

Palau's waters are considered "one of the seven wonders of the world." Their remarkable biodiversity includes more than 1,300 species of fish, more than 400 species of hard coral and 300 species of soft coral. It also has seven of the nine species of giant clams, lakes of nonstinging jellyfish and the most plant and animal species in Micronesia.

Media Coverage Highlights1    

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1

PR Newswire reports that 219 websites picked up the news release with 12,289,205 potential audience members.

Traffic generated from the PR Newswire release included 707 release views, 21,740 web crawler hits, and 1,122 image views.

The audience included 136 media views and 121 organization views according to PR Newswire, with 97 engagement actions, 53 tweets, 25 shares, and 19 click-throughs.

The top two tweets on the Pew Environment twitter page received a total of 123 retweets. Top influencers who engaged included President of Palau Tommy E. Remengesau Jr., U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, and Ocean Initiative which have a combined total reach of 17,922.

The Pew Environment Facebook page posts reached 117,901 people in one day, with 9,046 video views, and 5,444 likes, comments, and shares. The announcement post was so well liked it was turned into an ad.

Data based on PR Newswire report, unique visitors per month stats from compete.com and Vocus, and analytics from Pew’s social media team.

Total Media Coverage Media Outlet

Number of Articles

Potential Viewership2

Associated Press

1

5,578,026

Agence France-Presse

1

78,567

The Guardian

1

34,613,382

The Washington Post

2

20,259,310

Huffington Post

3

30,387,355

National Geographic

1

2,436,520

Discovery News

1

1,477,598

USA Today

1

14,202,325

Yahoo! News

2

75,143,214

Australian Broadcasting Company News Marianas Variety

2

3,550,557

1

Low Data

France24

1

325,711

Daily Mail

2

59,118,089

Wired UK

1

3,397,259

ABC News

1

22,885,550

Fox News

2

27,948,360

New Zealand Herald

1

6,649,087

Radio News: New Zealand

1

401,977

Mashable

2

20,595,695

Salon

1

11,880,173

Miami Herald

1

16,676,444

Boston Globe

1

16,763,094

Connecticut Post

1

184,643

The Seattle Times

1

1,087,767

San Diego Union Tribune

1

1,828,975

2

Data based on the most recently available unique monthly visitors statistics from Vocus and compete.com.

Albany Times Union

1

540,334

Minneapolis Star Tribune

1

8,224,272

Houston Chronicle

1

6,036,944

Albany Democrat-herald

1

44,323

Portland Press Herald

1

752,257

MySanAntonio.com

1

644,576

San Francisco Chronicle

1

10,522,643

Omaha

1

2,077,923

Philly.com

1

3,525,195

The Weather Network

1

4,272,542

DVG (Dive Photo Guide)

1

Low Data

Voice of America

1

8,515,076

EM TV Online

1

Low Data

Newsday

1

2,529,240

The Globe and Mail

1

4,295,613

The Times/nwi.com

1

1,147,584

Herald & Review

1

113,182

Northern Californian

3

31,427

Grist

1

4,275,628

Inertia

1

378,594

Columbus telegram

1

48,281

Demanjo

1

23,142

Townhall.com

1

1,131,478

Headline and Global News

1

1,054,469

WDRB.com

1

624,705

KCEN

1

248,793

mmc-News

1

41,920

NewYac

1

Low Data

Independent

1

6,795,279

Techie News

1

29,523

EcoWatch

1

915,933

Christian Science Monitor

1

4,986,417

Bangkok Post

1

723,345

Apex Tribune

2

21,346

Wwnt Radio

1

Low Data

NYC Today

1

Low Data

Science Recorder

1

29,975

NY City News

1

Low Data

Lighthouse News Daily

1

Low Data

Tech Times

1

67,453

International Business

1

258,188

Ameri Publications

1

Low Data

TV Newsroom

1

128,802

NYSE Post

1

34,796

EcoWatch

1

915,933

CBS

1

1,464,519

Island Times

1

Low Data

Jakarta Post

1

387,614

Total Online Impressions

455,328,942

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://bigstory.ap.org/article/06448c53be714ce1b77dde9b7af7f777/pacific-nation-palau-makingmost-its-seas-sanctuary

By Elaine Kurtenbach Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific's Palau creates huge ocean sanctuary the size of Spain Oct. 28, 2015 http://www.afp.com/en/news/pacifics-palau-creates-huge-ocean-sanctuary-size-spain

The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau created a vast marine sanctuary the size of Spain on Wednesday, banning fishing across the bulk of its waters to preserve the ocean for future generations.

At 500,000 square kilometres (193,000 square miles), the new sanctuary is one of the largest in the world and covers an underwater wonderland containing 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral. Palau President Tommy Remengesau said the sanctuary, comprising 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory, would allow the ocean to heal after decades of industrialised fishing which has driven some species to the brink of extinction.

"A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean," he said ahead of a ceremony Wednesday to officially sign off on the reserve. "Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognise as essential to our survival. "The archipelago, part of the larger island group of Micronesia in the west Pacific, has a population of just 18,000.

The sanctuary will be phased in over five years, eventually leaving only a relatively small area of Palau's waters open to fishing by locals but not the foreign trawlers which dominate the Pacific industry. The no-fishing plan prioritises tourism -- which contributes about US$160 million or 50 percent of gross domestic product annually -- over the tuna industry, which contributes around US$5.5 million a year.

Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 and about one-third of countries have now followed suit, changing attitudes to the predator and helping curb demand for shark fin soup.

Conservation efforts are underway in the Pacific to create a network of marine parks across the region to ensure one of the world's last pristine ocean ecosystems is managed sustainably.

In 2012 the Cook Islands unveiled a 1,065 million square kilometre marine park while Kiribati and Tokelau have also declared huge protected zones. New Zealand announced plans last month to create a marine sanctuary the size of France by 2016.

Palau approves huge Pacific marine sanctuary Tiny archipelago seeks to create world’s sixth-largest area to be fully protected from fishing or drilling http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/oct/22/palau-approves-huge-pacific-marinesanctuary#_=_

By Adam Vaughan Oct. 22, 2015

The tiny western Pacific archipelago of Palau has approved the creation of a marine sanctuary twice the size of Mexico.

Conservationists said the sanctuary - at 500,000 sq km - would be the world’s sixth-largest fully protected area – meaning no fishing, or other uses such as drilling for oil – if it is signed into law

by Palau’s president as expected on Monday.

On Thursday, the national congress of the country of around 21,000 people approved the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which will see 80% of the nation’s maritime territory designated as a reserve. The bill to create it was passed unanimously, 16-0 in the house of delegates, and the senate voted to adopt it.

The move follows a string of announcements on new marine parks, by Chile, New Zealand and the UK, to protect vast swaths of oceans from overfishing.

The US-based Pew Charitable Trusts said Palau’s new sanctuary brought the total area of the oceans fully protected up to 1.9%, though scientists say that figure should be more like 30% to protect fish stocks and the health of the ocean.

“Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” said the country’s president, Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. Around 20% of the sanctuary will still be accessible to local fishermen.

Pew, which has supported the sanctuary, said there are more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral around Palau’s hundreds of tiny islands.

“Creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth,” said Seth Horstmeyer, a director of the charity’s Global Ocean Legacy project.

More of the planet was protected in 2015 than ever. Few noticed because it was underwater http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2015/10/22/the-world-hasprotected-more-of-the-ocean-this-year-than-ever-before/

By Chris Mooney and Juliet Eilperin Oct. 23, 2015

This story has been updated.

The Pacific island nation of Palau’s announced Thursday that it is designating a 193,000-squaremile fully protected marine reserve that would be the sixth largest such area in the world and would help protect over a thousand species of fish and some 700 species of coral.

The news is even more momentous given that plans to set aside over 1 million square miles of highly protected ocean have now been announced in 2015 alone, more than during any prior year, according to figures provided by the Pew Charitable Trusts. That is an area bigger than Alaska and Texas combined.

“When you think about it from the perspective of the planet, the last 12 or 13 months, there’s been more of the planet protected than at any time in our history,” said Matt Rand, Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy project director.

Palau’s new reserve joins the single largest marine reserve ever dedicated — the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, at 332,000 square miles and dedicated by Britain earlier this year — as well as New Zealand’s Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (239,000 square miles), and Chile’s NazcaDesventuradas Marine Park (115,000 square miles) and proposed Easter Island reserve (244,000 square miles).

All were announced in 2015. The Easter Island reserve remains in a “proposed” status because, although proposed by Easter Island’s indigenous Rapa Nui people and recently announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, it has not yet been finalized.

If you dip back further into 2014 and the months following the historic first Our Oceans conference in June of 2014, then Pew calculates that more than 1.5 million square miles of ocean have been fully protected, which is 62 percent of the total fully protected areas that exist.

Following the event, in September 2014, President Obama expanded the already existing Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument, greatly increasing the fully protected areas around Wake Atoll, Johnston Atoll, and Jarvis Island from some 87,000 square miles to over 490,000.

Taken as a whole, the United States has designated more fully protected ocean area than any other country, according to Pew. A fully protected marine reserve is the “gold standard” for ocean conversation, said Rand, and means that the areas are off limits to fishing, drilling, dumping and other uses.

In many ways, the flurry of new announcements marks the culmination of more than a decade of work by a handful of conservation groups, including Pew, National Geographic Society, the Marine Conservation Institute, Conservation International and Oceana — to put the most biologically-significant marine areas off limits to exploitation.

At the same time conservationists have been pushing for new ocean reserves, marine scientists have documented that fully protecting large areas can have spillover effects by boosting fish populations. Some fish travel outside these areas and can be caught, making these restrictions more politically-palatable to local residents.

National Geographic explorer in residence Enric Sala, author of the new book “Pristine Seas: Journeys to the Ocean’s Last Wild Places,” calls these regions “fish banks,” in which fishing operators can draw down the interest without depleting the capital.

According to a 2009 study published by a group of researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Oregon State University and the National Marine Fisheries Service, no-take reserves on average produce four times as much fish and these fish are 25 percent larger. Larger fish produce many more offspring, which in turn migrate to neighboring areas where fishing can take place.

“There is clearly momentum. There is implicit peer pressure” among world leaders, Sala said in an interview Thursday. Now that there’s an annual global ocean conference, he added, “People don’t to be the ones who didn’t announce anything.”

[A man on a mission: protecting the last wild oceans on Earth] Some nations, such as Palau, see these reserves as a way to boost tourism. The protections ensure visitors can see some of the prized species remote islands are known for, and provide a branding opportunity in the same way UNESCO’s World Heritage sites have done for many countries.

Elliott Norse, founder and chief scientist of the Marine Conservation Institute, started championing the idea of a global competition among world leaders to designate marine reserves in 2004. In an interview Wednesday, he said heads of states are now willing to act on researchers’ advice because “What the smartest most creative people had been saying, that protecting places in the ocean really works, is now demonstrable with such a high degree of certainty.”

The first world leader to respond to this lobbying effort was an unlikely target: George W. Bush, who designated the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a national monument in 2006. In 2008, shortly before leaving office, Bush put a large swath of the Pacific off limits to development when he declared three national marine monuments there.

Despite the recent flurry of designations, only 1.9 percent of the ocean is currently under the strictest protections. Many scientists and conservation groups advocate putting 30 percent of the ocean under full protection.

Advocates are pressing the leaders of several nations to put more of the sea off limits. Other potential reserves include Clipperton Island, an uninhabited island in the eastern Pacific Ocean under France’s control, and part of the area surrounding Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. In the U.S., ocean activists have pushed the Obama administration to consider protecting a couple of zones in New England, including Cashes Ledge, and in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska.

Yellowtail Fusilier (Richard Brooks/The Pew Charitable Trusts)

The new announcement by Palau has several unique aspects to it: The country is protecting fully 80 percent of its waters, a remarkably high percentage. The remaining 20 percent will be a zone reserved only for local fishing and some other relatively small scale or non-industrial fishing.

Palau has also launched a number of other conservation initiatives including the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009. For the island nation, protecting its natural resources makes a great deal of sense — tourism to the islands is one of the primary sources of economic revenue, especially for diving. And it has now added a protected area bigger than California.

Palua, located in the Western Pacific ocean off the Philippines, was formerly a “trust territory” of the United States — it became independent in 1994.

“The scale of protection on the oceans far exceeds what takes place on the land,” said Pew’s Rand. “These marine reserves are massive in size, and really, just a few of the marine reserves together is larger than our whole national parks system.”

Even with these recent designations, the task of protecting these areas remains unfinished. Some critics have questioned how countries will protect these large areas, given the fact that many nations lack the capacity to mount regular patrols. While most are remote, large fishing vessels with an economic incentive to extract their resources can still travel there, though some groups are working to monitor the vessels’ movements through satellite imagery.

Palau Passes Law Making 193,000-Square-Miles Of Coastal Waters A Pacific Marine Sanctuary http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2015/10/22/palau-law-coastal-waters-marinesanctuary_n_8357356.html

By Paul Vale Oct. 22, 2015 The government of a tiny island in the Pacific passed legislation on Thursday making nearly all of its coastal waters a marine sanctuary. The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which will be signed into law next week, makes 80 percent of the country’s littorals a fully protected marine reserve, free from fishing and mining.

Palau sits 600 miles east of the Philippines and is made up of 250 islands The sanctuary covers more than 193,000-square-miles (larger than the US state of California) and will become the sixth-largest fully protected marine reserve in the world. Any illegal fishing in the area will be countered by tough new regulations.

Some 20 percent of the island’s waters will be reserved for local fishing vessels and domestic commercial fishing operations, with foreign commercial fishing operations being phased out over the next five years.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," President Tommy Remengesau Jr said in a statement, according to AP. Palau, which created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 to protect the myriad species that swim in its waters, sits 600 miles east of the Philippines and is made up of 250 islands with a population of around 20,000.

Plans are afoot for an even larger sanctuary to be established by the British government around the Pitcairn Islands, also in the Pacific. Westminster is to designate the region a Marine Protected Area, as outlined in budget documents released in March. Once implemented, restrictions will be imposed on a 322,000-square-mile area around Pitcairn its three sister islands, which boasts a wealth of marine life, including coral reefs.

Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 Last month, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key told the UN general assembly in New York that an ocean sanctuary would also be established around the Kermadecs, creating another fully protected ecosystem around the island north of the country's North Island.

This Tiny Nation Could Be A 'Tipping Point' For Saving The Oceans Palau just created one of the five largest fully protected marine reserves in the world. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/palau-ocean-conservation_562a6754e4b0443bb563c751

By Lila Shapiro Oct. 23, 2015

The tiny nation of Palau, an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, has long been a international leader in ocean conservation. Over the past decade or so, it established the world's first shark sanctuary, passed some of the most stringent laws banning bottom trawling, and developed a framework for community-based conservation by training local fishermen to collect data on their catch. This week, Palau has conservationists cheering again.

President Tommy Remengesau Jr. said Thursday that he'd sign newly passed legislation protecting 80 percent of the nation's territorial waters -- about 193,000 square miles -- from all fishing activities.

This reserve will be one of the five largest fully protected marine areas in the world.

All told, a record 1 million square miles of ocean have been granted strong protections this year, The Washington Post reported. Among other nations, Britain reserved 333,000 square miles, New Zealand dedicated 230,000, and Chile protected 115,000.

Yet, even with these new dedications, only 1.9 percent of ocean waters are being strictly protected -- in other words, you can't fish, you can't extract minerals and you can't dump trash there. Ocean conservationists would like to see that figure closer to 30 percent.

Elliott Norse, chief scientist for the Marine Conservation Institute, who has been working on these issues since 1978, said he would settle for 20 percent. Actually, he said he'd "give his life" for it.

"I would give my life gladly to see us reach the modest goal of 20 percent by 2030," Norse said.

"If we really did it effectively, not just in name but do it in fact, we would be able to save virtually all of the kinds of animals and plants and bacteria and viruses in the oceans whose functioning is essential to our continuing existence on earth."

Nothing is as effective at preserving marine biodiversity and keeping the oceans healthy as protecting large swaths of water, according to Norse. Without that protection, he said, marine life forms will keep going extinct, the oceans will become more and more acidic, and more "dead zones" will appear.

While sea mammals have died out for millennia -- take Steller's sea cow, one of the largest marine mammals in the world, which went extinct in 1768, just 27 years after Europeans discovered it -- the process has sped up over the past half-century. Norse was born in 1947. The oceans, he said, have "emptied in my lifetime."

Palau is still home to some 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral. The nation has made a bet that tourism will be a better long-term investment than the fishing industry, and so far the wager appears to be paying off. According to one study, each reef shark swimming in Palau's waters can bring around $2 million to the country over its 16-year lifespan.

But as Remengesau pointed out in a United Nations address last year, Palau cannot protect the oceans by itself. "I return again and again to a question my forebears never conceived of: How much will Palau's efforts matter if the world is not on the same page?" he said.

"The key really will be in enforcement," said Robert H. Richmond, a professor at the University of Hawaii who has been working in Palau since 1986.

This June, authorities in Palau burned four Vietnamese boats that were caught with a 17,000pound haul from illegal fishing, including protected sea turtle, sea cucumber and reef fish species.

Richmond thinks that Palau's new ocean reserve could be a tipping point, leading to more protected waters. He cited an unlikely source to make his point.

"I was talking with some people in the fishing sector. They said they were not too worried about Palau, because it is just one archipelago," he said. "What they were concerned about was that when Palau does something, the other islands often follow."

The Dive-Friendly Marine Reserve Holidays Within A Few Hours Of Australia http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/2015/10/26/marine-reserve-dive-trip_n_8385782.html

By Cayla Dengate Oct. 26, 2015

A marine reserve the size of California has just been declared around the tiny Micronesian islands of Palau.

If you're a diver, you're smiling right now.

In this massive reserve, the largest in the Pacific, there will be no fishing or mining, but plenty of world-class diving where fish, sharks, turtles and rays will be protected.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr said the Palau community -- north of Papua New Guinea and east of the Philippines -- knew the value of conservation.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," he said in a statement.

"Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognise as essential to our survival.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations."

Why choose to dive in a marine protected area? Well for starters, it's a way of using your purchasing power to say you support sustainable tourism.

It places a value on the natural environment and generally speaking, you'll pay a fee that goes towards maintenance and education.

The most compelling reason to pick a marine reserve, however, is because you'll see more cool stuff!

So here are the marine protected reserves you can get to within a few hours' fly time.

All but 20 percent of the waters surrounding the 750 islands of Palau will be a marine reserve by 2015. It will grow on the world's first shark sanctuary set up in 2009.

This West Papuan oasis is the largest marine park in Indonesia, spanning the waters around four main islands.

You can expect to see dugongs, manta rays, turtles, sharks, fish and a spectacular array of corals.

One of the favourite entry points is the island of Misool, known for its eco resorts and coral beaches.

You didn't expect that, did you?

Within an hour's drive from the airport, where the city still basically in sight, you can dive with the friendly groupers and juvenile dusky whaler sharks at Cabbage Tree Bay.

It may be small, but it's a no-take zone, which means fishing isn't allowed, and because of its unusual north-facing aspect, it harbors all manner of tropical fish.

Nowhere is the effect of Climate Change more immediate than in Kiribati, where islands are losing ground to sea level rise.

The Phoenix Islands Protected Area, however, is leading the world by example.

President Anote Tong calls it: "...our gift to humanity in recognition of the value of conserving marine biodiversity and the need to strengthen the ocean's resilience for the common good".

Swimming with whale sharks is real bucket list stuff, and one of the places you can get in the water with these gentle giants is a marine reserve off the coast of Western Australia.

In this protected reef, you can also expect to see turtles, white-tip reef sharks, dolphins and fish of every colour and shape you can imagine.

The Pacific Is About to Get a Massive New Ocean Reserve The nation of Palau in the western Pacific just protected 80 percent of their ocean. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/10/151022-palau-marine-protected-area-oceansanimals-conservation/

By Jane J. Lee Oct. 22, 2015

A tiny island country in the western Pacific Ocean that's smaller than New York City has approved the creation of an enormous marine reserve that's bigger than the U.S. state of California.

The nation of Palau is moving forward with creating a reserve that's about 193,000 square miles (500,000 square kilometers) in size. This would make it one of the five largest fully protected marine areas in the world. (Read about Chile's newest marine reserve.)

On Thursday Palau's Congress signed off on keeping 80 percent of its territorial waters from any extractive activities, including fishing and mining. The remaining 20 percent will remain open to fishing by locals and a limited number of small commercial operations.

President Tommy Remengesau Jr. plans to lend his signature to the new reserve as soon as next Monday, which will make the protected area official.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," Remengesau said in a statement. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival."

Enric Sala, a National Geographic Society explorer-in-residence and head of the Pristine Seas project, said that "Palau has really blown it out of the water."

The country "is one of the places with the highest marine biodiversity on the planet," he says.

Pristine Seas helped evaluate the effectiveness of smaller, traditional marine reserves in Palau.

The country's waters are home to over 1,300 species of fish, about 700 species of hard and soft corals, and marine lakes that host hordes of non-stinging jellyfish.

Palauans have a long history of bul, or setting aside smaller reef areas during fish spawning and feeding periods as a way of giving those populations time to recover from fishing practices. The

federal government has now effectively extended that practice to encompass the majority of the country's ocean.

Pacific's Palau Creates Huge Ocean Sanctuary http://news.discovery.com/earth/oceans/pacifics-palau-creates-huge-ocean-sanctuary151028.htm

By Paul Heltzel Oct. 28, 2015

The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau created a vast marine sanctuary the size of Spain on Wednesday, banning fishing across the bulk of its waters to preserve the ocean for future generations.

At 193,000 square miles, the new sanctuary is one of the largest in the world and covers an underwater wonderland containing 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral.

Palau President Tommy Remengesau said the sanctuary, comprising 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory, would allow the ocean to heal after decades of industrialised fishing which has driven some species to the brink of extinction.

“A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” he said ahead of a ceremony Wednesday to officially sign off on the reserve.

“Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognise as essential to our survival.”

The archipelago, part of the larger island group of Micronesia in the west Pacific, has a population of just 18,000.

The sanctuary will be phased in over five years, eventually leaving only a relatively small area of Palau’s waters open to fishing by locals but not the foreign trawlers which dominate the Pacific industry.

The no-fishing plan prioritizes tourism — which contributes about $160 million or 50 percent of gross domestic product annually — over the tuna industry, which contributes around $5.5 million a year.

Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009 and about one-third of countries have now followed suit, changing attitudes to the predator and helping curb demand for shark fin soup.

Conservation efforts are underway in the Pacific to create a network of marine parks across the region to ensure one of the world’s last pristine ocean ecosystems is managed sustainably.

In 2012 the Cook Islands unveiled a 1,065 million square kilometre marine park while Kiribati and Tokelau have also declared huge protected zones.

New Zealand announced plans last month to create a marine sanctuary the size of France by 2016.

Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/10/22/palau-making-most-its-seassanctuary/74428952/

By Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO - Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau’s president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 193,000 square miles, or slightly larger than the state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

“We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,” he said in a statement.

The country created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world’s smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world’s ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 620 miles northeast of his country’s North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

http://news.yahoo.com/top-asian-news-7-00-p-m-gmt-190308429.html Top Asian News at 8:00 p.m. GMT Oct. 22, 2015 WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. says it won't consider North Korea's call for a peace treaty unless it abandons its pursuit of nuclear weapons and improves human rights. Sung Kim, U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, described Pyongyang's proposal for negotiations on a treaty as "disingenuous."

LONGMONT, Colo. (AP) — In an anonymous office building in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, in a part of Colorado where cattle ranches fade into strip malls, a gravel-voiced man with a Brooklyn accent is moving through the streets of Pyongyang. Joe Bermudez is staring into a computer screen at a detailed satellite image, maneuvering his cursor past guarded checkpoints and into restricted neighborhoods where the North Korean elite live behind high concrete walls.

Looking down on the city from more than 250 miles up, he lingers over what he believes is the private airport of Kim Jong Un, North Korea's young leader, pointing out a pair of VIP helicopters and a Soviet-era biplane. He moves north, jumping across the countryside and picking out hidden tunnels, walled compounds and a small flotilla of military hovercraft designed to storm South Korea's beaches.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A silver-haired South Korean woman adjusted her 83-year-old North Korean husband's necktie. He held her hands and stroked her shoulder. Before this week, they hadn't seen each other since war tore them apart 65 years ago, and there is no reason to believe they will ever see each other again. "Let's meet again in the afterlife," Oh In Se told his 85-year-old wife, Lee Soon-kyu, during their final meeting Thursday at the North's Diamond Mountain resort. "Be healthy," his wife replied. "Live long."

QUETTA, Pakistan (AP) — A suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque in southwest Pakistan on Thursday, killing at least 10 people and wounding several others, a government official said.

Provincial home minister Sarfraz Bugti said the attack took place in the district of Sibi, about 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province. He said the suicide attacker entered the mosque as Shiites were holding a gathering ahead of the Ashoura, a key religious event.

LONDON (AP) — British Prime Minister David Cameron was hoping for agreement Thursday on the international fight against extremism with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a state visit hailed as a landmark by both nations. The two leaders met for talks and dinner at the prime minister's official country residence, Chequers.

BANGKOK (AP) — A deadly bombing in August threatened to scuttle Thailand's economically crucial tourism industry but officials are now forecasting more than 30 million visitors this year as arrivals from China swell. The bounce back reinforces the teflon reputation of Thai tourism,

which has thrived over the past decade despite two coups, episodes of deadly street fighting, airport occupations and natural disasters.

BANGKOK (AP) — Southern Thailand was hit Thursday by the most severe haze ever from forest fires in Indonesia, forcing all schools in a province to close and disrupting flights in a popular tourist area, officials said. Thailand's south boasts beaches popular among tourists in Surat Thani and Phuket, two of the seven provinces suffering from the haze.

BEIJING (AP) — Now there's an answer to a sad, strange and common question in China: How can someone be a good Samaritan to an elderly person in need without getting scammed? China's e-commerce giant Alibaba has partnered with an insurance company to introduce a one-year, three-yuan (50-cent) insurance plan that covers up to 20,000 yuan in litigation fees for anyone who wants to help an older person to their feet but is concerned about being accused of knocking them down to begin with. The novelty insurance product attracted more than 60,000 buyers since going on sale Oct. 15.

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission says two men charged with money laundering were arrested at the airport carrying $5.4 million in cash and both trying to fly to China. A statement said businessman Ojukwu Nnamdi Rowland was carrying an undeclared $2.9 million in U.S. dollars when he was searched at the international airport in Lagos, Nigeria's commercial hub, on Oct. 8.

NEW DELHI (AP) — One of the world's most polluted capitals, New Delhi, closed a stretch of a major road to private cars for a few hours Thursday, hoping to give its citizens a brief breath of fresh air by observing a car-free day. Only public transport was allowed on the road from Old Delhi to the doorstep of Parliament.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Beijing has claimed diplomatic immunity for a Chinese couple suspected in the shooting deaths of two Chinese diplomats and the wounding of the country's consul-general in the central Philippines, and will take custody of them, an official said Thursday. A Chinese man has been accused of killing diplomats Sun Shan and Hui Li and injuring Consul-General Song Ronghua on Wednesday in a restaurant in Cebu City, where they worked at Beijing's consulate. Police say the alleged attacker is the husband of another Chinese diplomat who has also been taken into custody.

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korean singer PSY is fighting a legal battle with artist tenants who are reluctant to leave a building he owns in Seoul. The property dispute has struck a nerve in a country where super-high rents have been criticized as killing vibrancy in cities by spurring gentrification and evictions. Choi Jee Ahn of Takeout Drawing said Thursday that about 10 lawsuits have been exchanged between a gallery the artists belong to and their YouTube star landlord.

In this photo by Rick Rycroft, a fisherman walks by a photographer taking pictures of an art installation called "Mirage" on the beach in Sydney. The Sculpture by the Sea exhibition includes 107 works by Australian and international artists. The sculptures will be displayed on Sydney's beaches and coastal walks until Nov. 8. German sculptor Jorg Plickat won the exhibition's major prize and 60,000 Australian dollars ($43,250) for "Divided Planet," a rusted steel structure he described as a fragmented sphere reflecting the world's divisions. Plickat said the start of a millennium brought hope that people would solve the planet's problems but instead

we see more division. "So it is artists' demand to the politicians to give better answers to what our planet needs," he said.

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Communist Vietnam is turning to Facebook to reach its young people.

The government opened a page early this month and said it will give people timely information about the government and the prime minister.

Palau closes off fishing in nearly all of its coastal waters The Pacific island nation's newly established marine sanctuary will be the 6th largest protected area of ocean in the world. http://news.yahoo.com/palau-closes-off-fishing-nearly-coastal-waters-180315785.html

By Michael Holtz Oct. 29, 2015

The tiny Pacific nation of Palau plans to make almost all of its coastal waters a marine sanctuary amid growing concern over the lack of ocean conservation efforts worldwide.

Last Thursday, lawmakers passed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act that designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve. Palau's president signed the legislation on Wednesday.

“A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” President Tommy Remengesau said ahead of a ceremony on Wednesday to officially sign off on the reserve, according to Agence France-Presse.

“Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," he added.

"Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival.

The law prohibits all extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, from taking place inside the sanctuary. At 193,000 square miles, the sanctuary is slightly larger than California, making it the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The law also aims to curb illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through the area.

Palau’s government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally earlier this year to emphasize its commitment to protecting its seas.

The remaining 20 percent of Palau's waters will be kept as domestic fishing zones for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports.

Ocean conservation has received heightened attention this year as researchers have raised concern over the risks associated with climate change, overfishing, and other threats.

A recent study conducted by two researchers at the University of British Columbia found that only four percent of the world’s oceans are protected. The study concludes that major steps are needed to cover even the most basic global targets to protect marine wildlife, The Christian Science Monitor reported.

The Sea Around Us, an international research group, set a goal of 10 percent by 2020, despite it having taken decades for countries to reach the current level of four percent.

But momentum has slowly started to build. New commitments made this year from countries including Britain, New Zealand, and Chile would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean.

This report includes material from The Associated Press.

Marine sanctuary a long time coming, but worth the wait: Pew Charitable Trusts http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-26/marine-sanctuary-a-long-time-coming,-but-worththe/6884434 Oct. 25, 2015 Standing side by side with Palau on the pathway towards making the President's marine sanctuary dream become a reality has been the Pew Charitable Trusts.

The public policy organisation has been providing technical support throughout, as the bill made its way through congress.

And Seth Horsmeyer, the director of Pew's Global Ocean Legacy project, says while it may have taken a long time to pass that legislation, it was important to get it right.

Palau set to create one of world's biggest marine sanctuaries http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-10-26/palau-set-to-create-one-of-worlds-biggest-marinesanctuaries/6884846 Oct. 26, 2015

The sanctuary will be about the size of California — making it the world's sixth largest area in which commercial fishing and oil drilling will be banned.

More than a year after it was first announced, the marine park will be signed into law this week after Palau's congress passed the bill.

Seth Horsmeyer from The Pew Charitable Trusts, which provided technical support on the project, said the people of Palau support the sanctuary.

"A testament to how much support there is here, especially from Palau's local fishermen, is that no-one voted against it in either house of the congress," he told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat.

The 500,000-square-kilometre reserve covers 80 per cent of Palau's territorial waters.

Mr Horsmeyer said there would be tight rules surrounding the sanctuary.

"Once it's fully implemented, there are strict rules for how you need to move through Palau's waters," he said.

"You can't have your fishing gear out, you have to go in a straight line at a certain speed — all these kinds of things that help make monitoring and enforcement simpler."

Mr Remengesau said his country will promote scuba diving, snorkelling and eco-tourism as an alternative income to commercial fishing.

"We're not just closing our waters and throwing away the key," he told a UN oceans conference last year.

"We're closing our waters because we will do our part in making sure that there's healthy stocks of fish in Palau that can migrate to other places, and that there are other options to grow the economy.

"These are important ways to make a living and at the same time preserve the pristine environment that we have been blessed with in Palau."

Palau president to sign national marine sanctuary measure http://www.mvariety.com/regional-news/80989-palau-president-to-sign-national-marinesanctuary-meAsure KOROR (Palau government/Pew) — The Palau National Congress has approved the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which will establish one of the world’s largest protected areas of ocean in the Pacific island nation’s waters.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr said he will sign the measure into law as early as Monday as Friday was a national holiday in Palau.

“Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” Remengesau said.

“Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean,” he continued.

“Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations.”

Senator Hokkons Baules, lead sponsor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, said: “The Palau National Marine Sanctuary will help build a secure future for the Palauan people by honoring the conservation traditions of our past.”

Often cited as an “underwater wonder of the world,” the ocean that surrounds Palau boasts remarkably healthy marine ecosystems that are home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

The legislation creating the sanctuary designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place. At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary becomes the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will become a domestic fishing zone reserved for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. This transformation of Palau’s exclusive economic zone will take place over a five-year period, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually. The nation’s coastal waters, an area of 12 nautical miles around each of the 250 islands, will continue to be managed by Palau’s 16 states.

“In its 20-year history as an independent nation, Palau has developed a remarkable conservation legacy, including creation of the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009,” said Joshua S. Reichert, who leads environment initiatives at the Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew provided technical support for establishment of both the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

“Palau’s decision is an acknowledgment of the intensely close relationship between the Palauan people and the ocean that surrounds them, a relationship often expressed as ‘Palau is ocean and ocean is Palau.’”

The marine sanctuary law also strengthens efforts to prevent illegal fishing by significantly tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters. It requires expeditious passage of nonlicensed fishing boats through the EEZ, appropriate vessel monitoring systems on all ships, stowage of fishing gear, and stronger reporting requirements. Establishing the sanctuary also will make it easier to identify and stop poaching because the restrictions on commercial activity simplify detection.

Palau, in collaboration with Pew and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is working with maritime enforcement experts from around the world to finalize a strong enforcement plan for the new sanctuary.

“Every visitor to Palau is struck by its remarkable marine ecosystems,” said Seth Horstmeyer, a director of Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy or GOL project, which is working to create the world’s first generation of great parks in the sea. “Creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth.”

President Remengesau invited Pew to Palau in 2013 to help establish a large marine reserve. For the past two years, GOL staff members have worked closely with the President’s Office, the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau, local communities, and fishermen to provide technical assistance, public education, and a consultation process that involved broad participation by the island’s population regarding the sanctuary proposal.

Support for the marine sanctuary is strong throughout Palau and comes from the Rubekul Belau or Council of Chiefs, the State Speakers Association, all 16 state legislatures, the Governors Association, the Belau Tourism Association, the Palau Chamber of Commerce, the Palau Community Action Agency, and more than 7,000 Palauans who have endorsed it via petition.

In 2015, Global Ocean Legacy has supported efforts that have led to government commitments to protect over 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean. In March, the British government announced its intention to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country’s North Island. And on Oct. 5, at an international ocean conference in Chile, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet pledged to work with the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to adopt its proposal to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific's Palau creates huge ocean sanctuary the size of Spain http://www.france24.com/en/20151028-pacifics-palau-creates-huge-ocean-sanctuary-size-spain Oct. 28, 2015

KOROR (PALAU) (AFP) The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau created a vast marine sanctuary the size of Spain on Wednesday, banning fishing across the bulk of its waters to preserve the ocean for future generations.

At 500,000 square kilometres (193,000 square miles), the new sanctuary is one of the largest in the world and covers an underwater wonderland containing 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral.

Palau President Tommy Remengesau said the sanctuary, comprising 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory, would allow the ocean to heal after decades of industrialised fishing which has driven some species to the brink of extinction.

"A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean," he said ahead of a ceremony Wednesday to officially sign off on the reserve.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognise as essential to our survival."

The archipelago, part of the larger island group of Micronesia in the west Pacific, has a population of just 18,000.

The sanctuary will be phased in over five years, eventually leaving only a relatively small area of Palau's waters open to fishing by locals but not the foreign trawlers which dominate the Pacific industry.

The no-fishing plan prioritises tourism -- which contributes about US$160 million or 50 percent of gross domestic product annually -- over the tuna industry, which contributes around US$5.5 million a year.

Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 and about one-third of countries have now followed suit, changing attitudes to the predator and helping curb demand for shark fin soup.

Conservation efforts are underway in the Pacific to create a network of marine parks across the region to ensure one of the world's last pristine ocean ecosystems is managed sustainably.

In 2012 the Cook Islands unveiled a 1,065 million square kilometre marine park while Kiribati and Tokelau have also declared huge protected zones.

New Zealand announced plans last month to create a marine sanctuary the size of France by 2016. Š 2015 AFP

Stunning photos reveal the secrets of life under the Pacific Ocean - where colourful fish and amazing coral formations combine in spectacular scenes  Stunning pictures reveal the marine sanctuary of the Palau Island nation  The Republic of Palau has passed a law to preserve this underwater utopia  Over 1,300 fish species and 700 coral species live in the translucent waters http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3298745/Stunning-photos-reveal-secrets-life-PacificOcean-colourful-fish-amazing-coral-formations-combine-spectacular-scenes.html

By Aneeta Bhle Nov. 1, 2015 A marine sanctuary which houses thousands of fish species, translucent waters and breath-taking dive and snorkel locations, will remain preserved after a new law was passed in the Archipelago.

The Island nation, Republic of Palau, reveals crystal-blue ocean channels surrounding a group of over 500 Islands in the Micronesia region of the Western Pacific Ocean.

Stunning photos of the nation show the most well-known qualities of Palau from bizarre coral species, such as the brain coral to the interesting underwater creatures that emerge when diving or snorkeling in the area.

Deep sapphire-blue waters, fade into turquoise rings that house over 1,300 fish and 700 coral species in vibrant underwater gardens that line the Islands borders.

Peach-pink jelly fish, mandarin fish and gleaming mantles from giant clams can also be seen, just below the ocean's surface, opening up an extraordinary array of natural wonders.

Beauties lurks above ground as seen among the twisted roots of Mangroves, that draw nutrients from white sandy sea-beds across Palau.

In a bid to maintain the beauty that frames the tropical paradise, a new law to stop commercial fishing and mining in the area has been passed as government policy within the region.

A post to twitter by the Campaigns Director at Global Ocean Legacy for Pew Charitable Trusts, Seth Horstmeyer, said: 'What a week. Palau National Marine Sanctuary is a Law!' 80 percent of the country's waters were named a 'marine sanctuary' in late October, while President, Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. commented, in a statement, that this proves 'that a small Island nation can have a big impact on the ocean.'

'Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,' he continued.

The legislation is set to cover the area of 500,000 square kilometres, 'or slightly larger than the U.S state of California,' mentioned the statement.

National Geographic commented on the law during it's introduction in 2014 and said: 'Ocean scientists have been saying that there is need for more marine reserves around areas of important biological diversity.'

'Scientists say that marine reserves are most effective if they are large, isolated, and enduring,' they continued.

For these reasons, Palau will have a large global benefit on the marine environments, globally, reported National Geographic.

The Daily Mail has contacted the Republic of Palau for comment.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-3284584/Pacific-nation-Palau-making-seassanctuary.html

By Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015 TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau creates world's sixth largest marine sanctuary http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2015-10/27/palau-national-marine-sanctuary-sixth-largestworld

By K.G Orphanides Oct. 27, 2015

The Pacific island nation of Palau has become home to the sixth largest marine sanctuary in the world.

The Micronesian reserve, now the largest in the Pacific, will permit no fishing or mining. Palau also established the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009.

The tiny island nation has set aside 500,000 square kilometres -- 80 percent -- of its maritime territory, for full protection. That's the highest percentage of an exclusive economic zone devoted to marine conservation by any country in the world.

The remaining 20 percent of the Palau's seas will be reserved for local fishing by individuals and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," said president Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. in a statement. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognise as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations."

Palau has only been an independent nation for twenty years and has a strong history of environmental protection. It's home to one of the world's finest marine ecosystems, with more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

Senator Hokkons Baules, lead sponsor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, said the sanctuary will "help build a secure future for the Palauan people by honoring the conservation traditions of our past".

These include the centuries-old custom of "bul", where leaders would call a temporary stop to fishing for key species in order to give stocks an opportunity to replenish.

Pacific Nation of Palau Making Most of Its Seas a Sanctuary http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/pacific-nation-palau-making-seas-sanctuary34647082

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct 22, 2015 Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation creates marine reserve the size of California http://www.foxnews.com/science/2015/10/23/south-pacific-nation-creates-marine-reserve-sizecalifornia.html Oct. 23, 2015

The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau has announced plans to create one of the world’s largest marine reserves, becoming the latest country to bolster protection of its ocean resources from threats like illegal fishing.

Often cited as an “underwater wonder of the world,” the ocean that surrounds Palau is home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral. Legislation, approved this week by the Palau Congress, designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected. No extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place in the sanctuary that encompasses about 193,000 square miles, or an area slightly larger than California.

Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said in a statement. “Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations.”

The protections will be ramped up over the next five years in what is Palau’s exclusive economic zone, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually.

"In its 20-year history as an independent nation, Palau has developed a remarkable conservation legacy, including creation of the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009,” said Joshua S. Reichert, who leads environment initiatives at The Pew Charitable Trusts. “Palau’s decision is an acknowledgment of the intensely close relationship between the Palauan people and the ocean that surrounds them, a relationship often expressed as ‘Palau is ocean and ocean is Palau.’ ” Palau joins a growing list of countries that have created massive marine parks covering nearly a million square miles this year, over concerns about the health of the oceans.

In March, the British government announced its intention to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve covering an area of 322,138-square-miles in the South Pacific. Then in September, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 620 miles northeast of his country’s North Island. A month later at an international ocean conference, Chile announced plans to create a 243,630-square-mile marine reserve around Easter Island.

Pacific island nation of Palau to make most of its seas a sanctuary with no fishing, mining http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/10/22/pacific-island-nation-palau-to-make-most-its-seassanctuary-with-no-fishing/

By Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO – Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau have passed a law to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week after the bill passed Thursday.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=11533702 Oct 23, 2015

TOKYO (AP) " Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau creates big marine sanctuary The government of Palau has approved the creation of a new marine sanctuary the size of California, that will be one of the world's largest protected areas of ocean. http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/287860/palau-creates-big-marine-sanctuary Oct. 23, 2015 The sanctuary will take up 80 percent of the Pacific nation's waters, and will be the world's sixthlargest area to be fully protected from fishing or drilling.

The President Tommy E Remengesau Junior says the move proves that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean.

He says island communities have been among the hardest hit by threats facing the ocean, and creating the sanctuary is essential to the survival of the people of Palau and future generations.

The ocean that surrounds Palau is often cited as an underwater wonder of the world and boasts remarkably healthy marine ecosystems that are home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

The legislation creating the sanctuary is expected to be signed into law by Palau's President on Monday.

Stunning island nation of Palau will make most of its seas a huge sanctuary http://mashable.com/2015/10/22/palau-marine-sanctuary/

By The Associated Press Oct. 23, 2015

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80% of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20% of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential. " We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 970 kilometers (600 miles) east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.

Dazzling photos from a Pacific marine sanctuary larger than California http://mashable.com/2015/10/27/palau-marine-sanctuary-pacific/

By Ariel Bogle Oct. 27, 2015

Palau, with its 340 islands and more than 1,300 species of fish, is a paradise for marine life.

Located in Micronesia in the Pacific, it's a popular destination for its beaches, diving and surfing.

In an attempt to preserve its pristine environment, 80% of the country's waters will become a marine sanctuary this week where no commercial fishing or mining can take place. Larger than California, the sanctuary will stretch for 500,000 square kilometres (193,000 square miles).

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival," Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said in a statement.

Judging by the photos below, Remengesau and Palau's citizens are taking care of a uniquely beautiful environment.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.salon.com/2015/10/22/pacific_nation_of_palau_making_most_of_its_seas_a_sanctu ary/

By Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015 TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary.

A news release said Palau’s president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

“We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,” he said in a statement.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/article40824990.html

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2105

TOKYO Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary https://www.bostonglobe.com/news/world/2015/10/22/pacific-nation-palau-making-most-itsseas-sanctuary/ZllQIa5UOaIlIH6WyAnRJO/story.html

By Elaine Kurtenbach Associated Press Oct. 23, 2015

TOKYO — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau’s president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 193,000 square miles, or slightly larger than the state of California, the sanctuary will be the world’s sixth-largest fully protected marine area.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year

transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out. ‘‘We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,’’ President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.ctpost.com/news/science/article/Pacific-nation-of-Palau-making-most-of-its-seas-a6583716.php

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept.

28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seas-asanctuary/

By Elaine Kurtenbach Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau’s president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

“We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,” he said in a statement.

The country created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world’s smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world’s ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country’s North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2015/oct/22/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-mostof-its-seas-a/

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.timesunion.com/news/science/article/Pacific-nation-of-Palau-making-most-of-itsseas-a-6583716.php

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary with no fishing, mining http://www.startribune.com/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seas-asanctuary/335775821/

By Elaine Kurtenbach Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015 TOKYO — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.chron.com/news/science/article/Pacific-nation-of-Palau-making-most-of-its-seas-a6583716.php

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://democratherald.com/news/world/asia/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seasa/image_7a220dc5-7c52-58f6-b05a-9a29879fd738.html Oct. 22, 2015

FILE - In this June 13, 2009 file photo, children play at a resort beach in Ngerkebesang, Palau.

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)

The world has protected more of the ocean this year than ever before Fully protecting large areas may have spillover effects by boosting fish populations – and that's only one of the benefits. http://www.pressherald.com/2015/10/22/world-protected-ocean-year-ever/

By Chris Mooney and Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post Oct.22, 2015

Thursday’s announcement, by the small Pacific island nation of Palau, that it is designating a 193,000-square-mile fully protected marine reserve is dramatic in its own right. It would be the sixth largest such area in the world, and would help protect more than a thousand species of fish and some 700 species of coral.

But in context, the news is even more momentous – it means the world has now announced plans to set aside more than 1 million square miles of highly protected ocean in 2015 alone, more than during any prior year, according to figures provided by the Pew Charitable Trust. This is a gigantic area, bigger than Alaska and Texas combined.

“When you think about it from the perspective of the planet, the last 12 or 13 months, there’s been more of the planet protected than at any time in our history,” said Matt Rand, director of the Global Ocean Legacy project at Pew. Palau’s new reserve joins the single largest marine reserve ever dedicated– the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, at 332,000 square miles and dedicated by Britain earlier this year– as well as New Zealand’s Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (239,000 square miles), Chile’s NazcaDesventuradas Marine Park (115,000 square miles) and proposed Easter Island reserve (244,000 square miles).

All were announced in 2015. The Easter Island reserve remains in a “proposed” status because, although proposed by Easter Island’s indigenous Rapa Nui people and recently announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, it has not yet been finalized.

If you dip back further into 2014 and the months following the historic first Our Oceans conference in June of 2014, then Pew calculates that more than 1.5 million square miles of ocean have been fully protected, which is 62 percent of the total fully protected areas that exist.

Following the event, in September 2014, President Obama expanded the already existing Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument, greatly increasing the fully protected areas around Wake Atoll, Johnston Atoll, and Jarvis Island from some 87,000 square miles to more than 490,000. Taken as a whole, the United States has designated more fully protected ocean area than any other country, according to Pew. A fully protected marine reserve is the “gold standard” for ocean conversation, said Rand, and means that the areas are off limits to fishing, drilling, dumping and other uses.

In many ways, the flurry of new announcements marks the culmination of more than a decade of work by a handful of conservation groups, including Pew, National Geographic Society, the Marine Conservation Institute, Conservation International and the World Wildlife Fund — to put the most biologically significant marine areas off limits to exploitation.

At the same time conservationists have been pushing for new ocean reserves, marine scientists have documented that fully protecting large areas can have spillover effects by boosting fish populations. Some fish travel outside these areas and can be caught, making these restrictions more politically-palatable to local residents.

National Geographic explorer in residence Enric Sala, author of the new book “Pristine Seas: Journeys to the Ocean’s Last Wild Places,” calls these regions “fish banks,” in which fishing operators can draw down the interest without depleting the capital.

“There is clearly momentum, there is implicit peer pressure” among world leaders, Sala said in an interview Thursday. Now that there’s an annual global ocean conference, he added, “People don’t to be the ones who didn’t announce anything.”

Some nations, such as Palau, see these reserves as a way to boost tourism. The protections ensure visitors can see some of the prized species remote islands are known for, and provide a branding opportunity in the same way UNESCO’s World Heritage sites have done for many countries.

Elliott Norse, founder and chief scientist of the Marine Conservation Institute, started championing the idea of a global competition among world leaders to designate marine reserves in 2004. In an interview Wednesday, he said heads of states are now willing to act on researchers’ advice because “What the smartest most creative people had been saying, that protecting places in the ocean really works, is now demonstrable with such a high degree of certainty.”

The first world leader to respond to this lobbying effort was an unlikely target: George W. Bush, who designated the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a national monument in 2006. In 2008, shortly before leaving office, Bush put a large swath of the Pacific off limits to development when he declared three national marine monuments there.

However even with the dramatic strides of the last year or more, according to Pew, only 1.9 percent of the ocean is currently under the strictest protections.

The group contends that ultimately 30 percent of the ocean should be protected in this way.

The new announcement by Palau has several unique aspects to it: The country is protecting fully 80 percent of its waters, a remarkably high percentage. The remaining 20 percent will be a zone reserved only for local fishing and some other relatively small scale or non-industrial fishing.

Palau has also launched a number of other conservation initiatives including the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009. For the island nation, protecting its natural resources makes a great deal of sense — tourism to the islands is one of the primary sources of economic revenue, especially for diving. And it has now added a protected area bigger than California.

“The scale of protection on the oceans far exceeds what takes place on the land,” said Pew’s Rand. “These marine reserves are massive in size, and really, just a few of the marine reserves together is larger than our whole national parks system.”

Even with these recent designations, the task of protecting these areas remains unfinished. Some critics have questioned how countries will protect these large areas, given the fact that many nations lack the capacity to mount regular patrols. While most are remote, large fishing vessels with an economic incentive to extract their resources can still travel there, though some groups are working to monitor the vessels’ movements through satellite imagery.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/science/article/Pacific-nation-of-Palau-making-most-of-itsseas-a-6583716.php

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary - San Francisco Chronicle http://www.sfchronicle.com/news/science/article/Pacific-nation-of-Palau-making-most-of-itsseas-a-6583716.php

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.omaha.com/news/world/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seasa/image_89a5d7b1-4b92-536e-b120-ad04ccea19da.html

By Itsuo Inouye Oct. 22, 2015

FILE - In this June 20, 2009 file photo, the Palau Capital building is seen in Melekeok, Palau.

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.philly.com/philly/news/nation_world/20151022_ap_06448c53be714ce1b77dde9b7af 7f777.html

By Elaine Kurtenbach, The Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015 TOKYO (AP) - Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

This country is now 80 per cent nature preserve News http://www.theweathernetwork.com/us/news/articles/climate-and-environment/this-country-isnow-80-per-cent-nature-preserve/59041/

By Daniel Martins Oct. 27, 2015

If you want to swim in pristine Pacific waters with basically zero pollution from ships or fishermen, you might want to put Palau on your bucket list.

The remote archipelago is home to a mere 20,000 people, and its islands' total land area doesn't amount to much. But its ocean territory is another matter, extending far from the country's coasts.

And now the Palau government plans to make 80 per cent of those waters a marine sanctuary, meaning a total ban on commercial fishing and mining activities.

"Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival," Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said in a statement quoted by Pew Trusts.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations."

The country plans to phase in the plan over the next five years, gradually reducing the number of fishing licenses granted annually. The remaining 20 per cent of Palau waters will be reserved for local and small-scale commercial fishermen, with exports limited.

Palau is an archipelago of more than 300 islands, at varying elevations. Rising global sea levels threaten low-lying areas, and the country occasionally feels the sting of tropical storms.

The new sanctuary is designed to protect Palau's ocean bounty of tropical fish and dazzling corals.

The waters teem with more than 1,300 different species of fish, and 700 kinds of coral, which are under threat from dredging and overfishing, a problem for a country whose main breadwinner is tourism.

The new sanctuary is a staggering undertaking.

Though the country's land area is small, its exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast, is enormous. Setting aside 80 per cent of it as a sanctuary amounts to 193,051 mi2, or about the size of Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic.

SOURCE: Pew Trusts | CIA World Factbook

Palau to Create Huge Marine Reserve http://www.divephotoguide.com/underwater-photography-scuba-ocean-news/palau-create-hugemarine-reserve/

By Ian Seldrup Oct. 22, 2015

The tiny Pacific island country of Palau is going ahead with plans to create a vast marine reserve.

At some 193,000 square miles (500,000 square kilometers) in size, it will be one of the world’s top five biggest marine protected areas.

The news comes after Palau’s Congress approved a move to protect 80 percent of its territorial waters from actvities such as fishing and mining. Local fishermen and a few small commercial operations will be allowed to operate in the remaining 20 percent. The legislation could come into law early next week when President Tommy Remengesau Jr. signs off on the plan. The President said in a statement: “Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival.”

The new protections are, of course, great news for the marine habitats and inhabitants of Palau, which is home to more than 1,300 species of fish and around 700 species of hard and soft corals—not to mention the famous residents of Jellyfish Lake.

Palau Making Most of Its Seas a Sanctuary http://www.voanews.com/content/ap-palau-marine-reserve/3018384.html

By Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO— Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

‘Restoring the health of the ocean’ President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

“We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,” he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 970 kilometers (600 miles) east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On September 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau Approves Sanctuary Act To Develop Huge Marine Sanctuary http://www.emtv.com.pg/article.aspx?slug=Palau-Approves-Sanctuary-Act-To-Develop-HugeMarine-Sanctuary&subcategory=Top-Stories

By Marie Kauna Oct. 25, 2015

While Chile, New Zealand and UK are among the many countries who have announced to develop marine parks to protect their oceans from overfishing, Palau has also taken this move to protect its marine species and ocean from overfishing.

With hundreds of islands around the country containing more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral, Palau’s National Congress has approved the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, a move to protecting its vast marine resources.

Conservationists say the 500,000 sq km sanctuary approved to be developed in Palau would be the world’s sixth largest fully protected area, and is twice the size of Mexico.

According to Seth Horstmeyer, Director of the Charity’s Global Ocean Legacy project, the “creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth”, and will see an 80 percent of the marine territory kept as reserved.

Apart from the portion that will be kept for reservation, 20 percent of the sanctuary will still be accessible by the local Palau fishermen for their survival.

The develoment of this marine sanctuary will help save Palau's oceans from overfishing and other illegal marine activities from taking place, while it protects its marine resources for its long term survival.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.newsday.com/news/world/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seas-asanctuary-1.10996376

By Elaine Kurtenbach (Associated Press) Oct. 22, 2015 TOKYO - (AP) -- Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

FILE - In this June 13, 2009 file photo, children play at a resort beach in Ngerkebesang, Palau.

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File) Photo Credit: AP About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

ADVERTISEMENT | ADVERTISE ON NEWSDAY President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Photos of the Day for Oct. 28 - The Globe and Mail http://www.theglobeandmail.com/multimedia/camera-club/in-photos/photos-of-the-day-for-oct28/article27020621/

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.nwitimes.com/news/world/asia/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seasa/image_dcd8aadd-e27e-55c5-b9c3-9c5fb99a7946.html

By Itsuo Inouye Oct. 22, 2015

FILE - In this June 13, 2009 file photo, children play at a resort beach in Ngerkebesang, Palau.

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://herald-review.com/news/world/asia/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seasa/article_41375022-a44b-5465-8ee0-bb08ac0c2d83.html

By Elaine Kurtenbach Oct. 22, 2015

TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year

transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau Congress signs Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act into law http://northerncalifornian.com/content/54016-palau-congress-signs-palau-national-marinesanctuary-act-law

By Natlaia Hall Oct. 27, 2015

The Palau Congress has signed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act into law today. Palau will be coming up with one of the world’s largest protected areas of ocean in the Pacific island nation’s waters. The law creating the sanctuary allows 80% of the nation’s maritime territory as completely protected marine reserve.

The complete protection means no activities like fishing or mining will be allowed. The sanctuary will be present in 500,000 square kilometers area and will become the sixth-largest completely protected marine area across the globe.

The changes will be implemented gradually, said officials. It will take place over a period of five years and during this time a decline will be made in the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels.

As part of the law, efforts will be intensified to stop illegal fishing by measures like tightening rules for vessels that pass through Palau’s waters. With the coming up of the sanctuary, it will become bit easy to stop poaching incidents.

President Thomas Esang Remengesau has termed the ruling day as a historic day for Palau. He affirmed that the decision taken today proves that a small island nation can have a significant impact on the ocean.

He said, “Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean.

Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations�.

Palau establishes one of world’s largest marine protected areas http://northerncalifornian.com/content/54089-palau-establishes-one-world%E2%80%99slargest-marine-protected-areas

By Natalia Hall Oct. 29, 2015 A great step has been taken by Pacific island nation of Palau as it has created a massive-sized sanctuary. The 193,000 square miles sanctuary does not allow fishing with an aim to save the ocean for future generations.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary covers an underwater area having 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral. Palau President Tommy Remengesau shared that the sanctuary has 80% of the nation's maritime territory. The extent of the area covered would allow the ocean to recover from decades of commercial fishing, which has led many species to be at the verge of extinction.

Remengesau signed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary into law taking a strong step to protect the country's ocean resources. As 80% of the area is turned into a no-take marine reserve, the remaining 20% will be a managed domestic fishing zone for local fishers.

Palau's marine ecosystem is quite rich. Owing to factors like over-fishing, pollution, warming and acidification, the oceans are facing risk. Experts think that it is important to come up with no-take marine reserves in order to allow the oceans to recover and let the fish stock to rebound.

Earthjustice international program attorney, Erika Rosenthal, was of the view, "The sanctuary is a major contribution to healthy oceans and reef systems that are more resilient to climate change, both for the people of Palau and for the world".

Pacific Island Nation of Palau develops gigantic ocean sanctuary http://northerncalifornian.com/content/54126-pacific-island-nation-palau-develops-giganticocean-sanctuary

By Natalia Hall Oct. 30, 2015

Pacific island nation of Palau has developed one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the world, estimated to be nearly the size of Spain. It staggers about 193,000 square miles in size and has around 1,300 species of fish and also has 700 types of coral. Fishing has been banned by officials in almost all of Palau’s waters to maintain the ocean habitat.

Tommy Remengesau, Palau President told AFP, “A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean. Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean.

Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival”.

According to Discovery News reports, the sanctuary will be slowly carried out in gradual stages over the five years course. This will only leave a small part of Palau’s waters unlock to local fishing.

It is not for the first time that Pacific island nation has made such a move to conserve the ocean.

Earlier, in 2009, Palau made the first ever shark sanctuary in the world, which is now followed by around 33% of countries across the world. The nation is anticipating for similar results from this new sanctuary.

After Palau, many conservation efforts are ongoing in the Pacific to make an association of marine parks in order to protect the ocean’s rich ecosystems.

Marine reserves are a bright spot in a dark year http://grist.org/article/marine-reserves-are-a-bright-spot-in-a-dark-year/

By Katie Herzog Oct. 23, 2015

It’s been a hard year on planet Earth. We saw earthquakes, typhoons, out-of-control wildfires, record-breaking snow, record-breaking heat, and waaaay too much Donald Trump. There has, however, been one shining star in this otherwise garbage pile of a year: oceans!

OK, OK … so it’s not all good. Krill are dying, seals are dying, coral are dying, microbes are dying, and sea ice is melting. However! The island nation of Palau recently announced that it will be designating a 193,000-square-mile area as a marine reserve. This reserve — the sixth largest on the planet — will ban fishing, drilling, dumping, and mining in the area and help protect over 1,000 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

Palau’s announcement means that in 2015, nations planned to protect more ocean area than ever before: Over a million square miles of ocean were protected this year according to Pew Charitable Trusts — an area larger than Texas and Alaska combined. Other areas designated marine reserves this year include the UK’s Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary in New Zealand, and Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park in Chile.

The Washington Post reports: At the same time conservationists have been pushing for new ocean reserves, marine scientists have documented that fully protecting large areas can have spillover effects by boosting fish

populations. Some fish travel outside these areas and can be caught, making these restrictions more politically-palatable to local residents.

National Geographic explorer in residence Enric Sala, author of the new book “Pristine Seas: Journeys to the Ocean’s Last Wild Places,” calls these regions “fish banks,” in which fishing operators can draw down the interest without depleting the capital.

According to a 2009 study published by a group of researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Oregon State University and the National Marine Fisheries Service, no-take reserves on average produce four times as much fish and these fish are 25 percent larger. Larger fish produce many more offspring, which in turn migrate to neighboring areas where fishing can take place.

So more protected fish means more fishing stock — that is what you call a win/win. Thank you to Palau and other ocean-saving nations for being a beacon of hope in an otherwise train wreck of a year. Maybe we could all learn a little something from this little island nation.

More of the World's Oceans Were Protected in 2015 than Ever Before http://www.theinertia.com/environment/more-of-the-worlds-oceans-were-protected-in-2015than-ever-before/

By Dashel Pierson Oct. 23, 2015

The world can be a depressing place. Every time you turn on the radio or browse the Interwebs, it’s a barrage of cynicism. War. Famine. Global Warming. The Kardashians.

Basically, humanity is screwed and we’re all gonna die painful deaths. But every so often, a glimmer of positivity creeps through the doom and gloom, like dog montages from America’s Funniest Home Videos, or the record-breaking efforts of 2015 to protect our oceans.

Turns out, the largest amount of marine protection reserves were created in 2015 than ever before. Over 1 million square miles of ocean have been globally recognized as protected areas, reports The Pew Charitable Trusts. That’s an area larger than Texas and Alaska combined. It’s bigger than the protected square mileage of the total U.S. National Parks and wildlife reserves.

And it’s about half the size of Russia.

The newly named ocean reserves for 2015 include: Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park (Chile; 115,000 sq mi), Palau National Marine Sanctuary (193,000 sq mi), Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (New Zealand; 239,000 sq mi), and Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve (UK overseas territory; 322,000 sq mi).

And so what exactly does it mean when these vast swaths of seawater become “protected?” A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is basically an umbrella term that varies for each specific location.

For instance the Nazca-Desventuradas Park protects rare species that only occur there, like the

frogfish and decorator crabs. And in Palau, the newest member of the marine protection family, fishing is being highly limited.

But in spite of these huge efforts to protect our waters and the marine life, the ocean is still suffering. Studies have been popping up lately which show a devastating reality for the sea.

We’re down to half the amount of fish since 1970. Coral reef is dying from global warming.

Even sunscreen is killing the coral. And it turns out only two percent of the world’s oceans are protected, reports National Geographic.

So before we go patting ourselves on the back, blowing ourselves for our record-breaking environmental progress, we should take a step back. Maybe we are still screwed…just watch videos of dogs or people falling down to forget about it as we await the environmental apocalypse.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://columbustelegram.com/news/world/asia/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seasa/image_1d794fb1-f7e5-5a0e-8a7d-d207feacd467.html

By Itsuo Inouye Oct. 22, 2015

FILE - In this June 13, 2009 file photo, children play at a resort beach in Ngerkebesang, Palau.

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015 to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau. (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye, File)

Pacific Nation of Palau Making Most of Its Seas a Sanctuary http://www.demanjo.com/news/world/5564164/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seasa-sanctuary.html

By Demanjo NewsDesk Oct. 22, 2105

TOKYO - — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections. Conservationists said the sanctuary - at 500,000 sq km - would be the world’s sixthlargest fully protected area – meaning no fishing, or other uses such as drilling for oil – if it is signed into law by Palau’s president as expected on Monday.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential. "We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement. The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol

boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas. Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://townhall.com/news/politics-elections/2015/10/22/pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-ofits-seas-a-sanctuary-n2069524

By AP News Oct 22, 2015 TOKYO (AP) — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau Creates Marine Sanctuary Of Nearly 200,000 Square Miles Palau passed legislation to create the world's sixth largest marine life sanctuary.

http://www.hngn.com/articles/143096/20151023/palau-creates-marine-sanctuary-nearly-200000-square-miles.htm

By Thomas King Oct 23, 2015

Palau, a Pacific island nation, passed legislation on Thursday that would make 193,000 square miles of its coastal waters a marine sanctuary, completely free from fishing or drilling of any kind, according to the Guardian.

The small nation created the first shark sanctuary in the past and is now continuing its conservation efforts with a brand new law that will legally protect about 80 percent of its nearby waters.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," said the nation's president, Tommy Remengesau Jr. The remaining percentage will be open to fishing from both commercial and residential operations, but foreign fishing operations might be pushed away in the coming years, according to the Huffington Post.

This initiative to protect more ocean waters from overfishing is taking hold in nations all over the globe, with New Zealand and the U.K. being just a few of a slew of nations dedicated to the cause.

Britain plans to create the "Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve" and New Zealand has plans to make a marine sanctuary in a location known as the Kermadecs, according to the Seattle Times.

It is estimated that with all of the recent commitments to conservation, nearly one million square miles will be protected.

Copyright @ Headlines & Global News.

Palau to Sign National Marine Sanctuary Into Law http://www.wdrb.com/story/30323467/palau-to-sign-national-marine-sanctuary-into-law Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider.

WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact pressreleases@worldnow.com.

SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts; Office of the President, Republic of Palau Pacific island nation now leads the world in highest percentage of its exclusive economic zone set aside for full protection KOROR, Palau, Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Palau Congress today approved the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which will establish one of the world's largest protected areas of ocean in the Pacific island nation's waters. President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said he would sign the measure into law as early as Monday as Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

"Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean," President Remengesau said.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," he continued. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations."

"The Palau National Marine Sanctuary will help build a secure future for the Palauan people by honoring the conservation traditions of our past," said Senator Hokkons Baules, lead sponsor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act. Often cited as an "underwater wonder of the world," the ocean that surrounds Palau boasts remarkably healthy marine ecosystems that are home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

The legislation creating the sanctuary designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place. At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary becomes the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will become a domestic fishing zone reserved for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. This transformation of Palau's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will take place over a five-year period, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually. The nation's coastal waters, an area of 12 nautical miles around each of the 250 islands, will continue to be managed by Palau's 16 states.

"In its 20-year history as an independent nation, Palau has developed a remarkable conservation legacy, including creation of the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009," said Joshua S. Reichert, who leads environment initiatives at The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew provided technical support for establishment of both the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. "Palau's decision is an acknowledgment of the intensely close relationship between the Palauan people and the ocean that surrounds them, a relationship often expressed as 'Palau is ocean and ocean is Palau.' " The marine sanctuary law also strengthens efforts to prevent illegal fishing by significantly tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters. It requires expeditious passage of nonlicensed fishing boats through the EEZ, appropriate vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on all ships, stowage of fishing gear, and stronger reporting requirements. Establishing the sanctuary also will make it easier to identify and stop poaching because the restrictions on commercial activity simplify detection.

Palau, in collaboration with Pew and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is working with maritime enforcement experts from around the world to finalize a strong enforcement plan for the new sanctuary.

"Every visitor to Palau is struck by its remarkable marine ecosystems," said Seth Horstmeyer, a director of Pew's Global Ocean Legacy (GOL) project, which is working to create the world's first generation of great parks in the sea. "Creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth."

President Remengesau invited Pew to Palau in 2013 to help establish a large marine reserve. For the past two years, GOL staff members have worked closely with the President's Office, the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau, local communities, and fishermen to provide technical assistance, public education, and a consultation process that involved broad participation by the island's population regarding the sanctuary proposal.

Support for the marine sanctuary is strong throughout Palau and comes from the Rubekul Belau or Council of Chiefs, the State Speakers Association, all 16 state legislatures, the Governors Association, the Belau Tourism Association, the Palau Chamber of Commerce, the Palau Community Action Agency, and more than 7,000 Palauans who have endorsed it via petition.

In 2015, Global Ocean Legacy has supported efforts that have led to government commitments to protect over 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean. In March, the British government announced its intention to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island. And on Oct. 5, at an international ocean conference in Chile, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet pledged to work with the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to adopt its proposal to create a fully protected marine park.

About Global Ocean Legacy Global Ocean Legacy is a partnership established in 2006 to promote the creation of marine reserves in the world's oceans. Current partners include The Pew Charitable Trusts, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Lyda Hill Foundation, the Oak Foundation, the Robertson Foundation, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, and the Waitt Foundation. Learn more at www.globaloceanlegacy.org.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems.

Contacts: Palau: Olkeriil "O" Kazuo; +680-488-3106+680-488-3106, ololk27@gmail.com Pew: Andrea Risotto, +1 202-540-6510+1 202-540-6510, arisotto@pewtrusts.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279422-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279388 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279387-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279405

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/newsreleases/palau-to-sign-national-marine-sanctuary-into-law-300164614.html Š2015 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

Palau to Sign National Marine Sanctuary Into Law http://www.kcentv.com/story/30323467/palau-to-sign-national-marine-sanctuary-into-law Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider.

WorldNow and this Station make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you have any questions or comments about this page please contact pressreleases@worldnow.com.

SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts; Office of the President, Republic of Palau Pacific island nation now leads the world in highest percentage of its exclusive economic zone set aside for full protection KOROR, Palau, Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Palau Congress today approved the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which will establish one of the world's largest protected areas of ocean in the Pacific island nation's waters. President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said he would sign the measure into law as early as Monday as Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

"Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean," President Remengesau said.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," he continued. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations."

"The Palau National Marine Sanctuary will help build a secure future for the Palauan people by honoring the conservation traditions of our past," said Senator Hokkons Baules, lead sponsor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act. Often cited as an "underwater wonder of the world," the ocean that surrounds Palau boasts remarkably healthy marine ecosystems that are home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

The legislation creating the sanctuary designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place. At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary becomes the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will become a domestic fishing zone reserved for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. This transformation of Palau's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will take place over a five-year period, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually. The nation's coastal waters, an area of 12 nautical miles around each of the 250 islands, will continue to be managed by Palau's 16 states.

"In its 20-year history as an independent nation, Palau has developed a remarkable conservation legacy, including creation of the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009," said Joshua S. Reichert, who leads environment initiatives at The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew provided technical support for establishment of both the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. "Palau's decision is an acknowledgment of the intensely close relationship between the Palauan people and the ocean that surrounds them, a relationship often expressed as 'Palau is ocean and ocean is Palau.' " The marine sanctuary law also strengthens efforts to prevent illegal fishing by significantly tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters. It requires expeditious passage of nonlicensed fishing boats through the EEZ, appropriate vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on all ships, stowage of fishing gear, and stronger reporting requirements. Establishing the sanctuary also will make it easier to identify and stop poaching because the restrictions on commercial activity simplify detection.

Palau, in collaboration with Pew and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is working with maritime enforcement experts from around the world to finalize a strong enforcement plan for the new sanctuary.

"Every visitor to Palau is struck by its remarkable marine ecosystems," said Seth Horstmeyer, a director of Pew's Global Ocean Legacy (GOL) project, which is working to create the world's

first generation of great parks in the sea. "Creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth."

President Remengesau invited Pew to Palau in 2013 to help establish a large marine reserve. For the past two years, GOL staff members have worked closely with the President's Office, the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau, local communities, and fishermen to provide technical assistance, public education, and a consultation process that involved broad participation by the island's population regarding the sanctuary proposal.

Support for the marine sanctuary is strong throughout Palau and comes from the Rubekul Belau or Council of Chiefs, the State Speakers Association, all 16 state legislatures, the Governors Association, the Belau Tourism Association, the Palau Chamber of Commerce, the Palau Community Action Agency, and more than 7,000 Palauans who have endorsed it via petition.

In 2015, Global Ocean Legacy has supported efforts that have led to government commitments to protect over 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean. In March, the British government announced its intention to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island. And on Oct. 5, at an international ocean conference in Chile, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet pledged to work with the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to adopt its proposal to create a fully protected marine park.

About Global Ocean Legacy Global Ocean Legacy is a partnership established in 2006 to promote the creation of marine reserves in the world's oceans. Current partners include The Pew Charitable Trusts, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Lyda Hill Foundation, the Oak Foundation, the Robertson Foundation, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, and the Waitt Foundation. Learn more at www.globaloceanlegacy.org.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems.

Contacts: Palau: Olkeriil "O" Kazuo; +680-488-3106+680-488-3106, ololk27@gmail.com Pew: Andrea Risotto, +1 202-540-6510+1 202-540-6510, arisotto@pewtrusts.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279422-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279388 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279387-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279405

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/newsreleases/palau-to-sign-national-marine-sanctuary-into-law-300164614.html Š2015 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau made almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary. http://mmc-news.com/news-pacific-nation-of-palau-making-most-of-its-seas-a-sanctuary282959.dbv

By Elaine Kurtenbach Associated Press Oct. 22, 2015 TOKYO — Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau’s president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation’s maritime territory as a protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 193,000 square miles, or slightly larger than the state of California, the sanctuary will be the world’s sixth-largest fully protected marine area.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters.

About 20 percent of Palau’s waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out. ‘‘We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,’’ President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said.

Stunning island nation of Palau will make most of its seas a huge sanctuary http://newsyac.com/2015/10/22/stunning-island-nation-of-palau-will-make-most-of-its-seas-ahuge-sanctuary/

By Mashable Oct. 22, 2015

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau’s president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80% of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters.

About 20% of Palau’s waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

“We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations,” he said in a statement.

The country created the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 970 kilometers (600 miles) east of the Philippines, is one of the world’s smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world’s ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country’s North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau: Tiny Pacific island declares world's sixth largest marine reserve Over 1 million square miles of sea have been protected over the course of 2015 so far http://www.independent.co.uk/environment/palau-tiny-pacific-island-declares-worlds-sixthlargest-marine-reserve-a6709071.html

By Chris Mooney and Juliet Eilperin Oct. 26, 2015

The Pacific island nation of Palau’s announced on Thursday that it is designating a 193,000square-mile fully protected marine reserve that would be the sixth largest such area in the world and would help protect over a thousand species of fish and some 700 species of coral.

The news is even more momentous given that plans to set aside over 1 million square miles of highly protected ocean have now been announced in 2015 alone, more than during any prior year, according to figures provided by the Pew Charitable Trusts. That is an area bigger than Alaska and Texas combined.

“When you think about it from the perspective of the planet, the last 12 or 13 months, there’s been more of the planet protected than at any time in our history,” said Matt Rand, Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy project director.

Palau’s new reserve joins the single largest marine reserve ever dedicated — the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, at 332,000 square miles and dedicated by Britain earlier this year — as well as New Zealand’s Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary (239,000 square miles), and Chile’s NazcaDesventuradas Marine Park (115,000 square miles) and proposed Easter Island reserve (244,000 square miles).

All were announced in 2015. The Easter Island reserve remains in a “proposed” status because, although proposed by Easter Island’s indigenous Rapa Nui people and recently announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet, it has not yet been finalized.

If you dip back further into 2014 and the months following the historic first Our Oceans conference in June of 2014, then Pew calculates that more than 1.5 million square miles of ocean have been fully protected, which is 62 percent of the total fully protected areas that exist.

Following the event, in September 2014, President Obama expanded the already existing Pacific Remote Islands National Marine Monument, greatly increasing the fully protected areas around Wake Atoll, Johnston Atoll, and Jarvis Island from some 87,000 square miles to over 490,000.

Taken as a whole, the United States has designated more fully protected ocean area than any other country, according to Pew. A fully protected marine reserve is the “gold standard” for ocean conversation, said Rand, and means that the areas are off limits to fishing, drilling, dumping and other uses.

In many ways, the flurry of new announcements marks the culmination of more than a decade of work by a handful of conservation groups, including Pew, National Geographic Society, the

Marine Conservation Institute, Conservation International and Oceana — to put the most biologically-significant marine areas off limits to exploitation.

At the same time conservationists have been pushing for new ocean reserves, marine scientists have documented that fully protecting large areas can have spillover effects by boosting fish populations. Some fish travel outside these areas and can be caught, making these restrictions more politically-palatable to local residents.

National Geographic explorer in residence Enric Sala, author of the new book “Pristine Seas: Journeys to the Ocean’s Last Wild Places,” calls these regions “fish banks,” in which fishing operators can draw down the interest without depleting the capital.

According to a 2009 study published by a group of researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara, Oregon State University and the National Marine Fisheries Service, no-take reserves on average produce four times as much fish and these fish are 25 percent larger. Larger fish produce many more offspring, which in turn migrate to neighboring areas where fishing can take place.

“There is clearly momentum. There is implicit peer pressure” among world leaders, Sala said in an interview Thursday. Now that there’s an annual global ocean conference, he added, “People don’t want to be the ones who didn’t announce anything.”

Some nations, such as Palau, see these reserves as a way to boost tourism. The protections ensure visitors can see some of the prized species remote islands are known for, and provide a branding opportunity in the same way UNESCO’s World Heritage sites have done for many countries.

Elliott Norse, founder and chief scientist of the Marine Conservation Institute, started championing the idea of a global competition among world leaders to designate marine reserves in 2004. In an interview, he said heads of states are now willing to act on researchers’ advice because “What the smartest most creative people had been saying, that protecting places in the ocean really works, is now demonstrable with such a high degree of certainty.”

The first world leader to respond to this lobbying effort was an unlikely target: George W. Bush, who designated the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands as a national monument in 2006. In 2008, shortly before leaving office, Bush put a large swath of the Pacific off limits to development when he declared three national marine monuments there.

Despite the recent flurry of designations, only 1.9 percent of the ocean is currently under the strictest protections. Many scientists and conservation groups advocate putting 30 percent of the ocean under full protection.

Advocates are pressing the leaders of several nations to put more of the sea off limits. Other potential reserves include Clipperton Island, an uninhabited island in the eastern Pacific Ocean under France’s control, and part of the area surrounding Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands. In the U.S., ocean activists have pushed the Obama administration to consider protecting a couple of zones in New England, including Cashes Ledge, and in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska.

The new announcement by Palau has several unique aspects to it: The country is protecting fully 80 percent of its waters, a remarkably high percentage. The remaining 20 percent will be a zone reserved only for local fishing and some other relatively small scale or non-industrial fishing.

Palau has also launched a number of other conservation initiatives including the world’s first shark sanctuary in 2009. For the island nation, protecting its natural resources makes a great deal of sense — tourism to the islands is one of the primary sources of economic revenue, especially for diving. And it has now added a protected area bigger than California.

Palua, located in the Western Pacific ocean off the Philippines, was formerly a “trust territory” of the United States — it became independent in 1994.

“The scale of protection on the oceans far exceeds what takes place on the land,” said Pew’s Rand. “These marine reserves are massive in size, and really, just a few of the marine reserves together is larger than our whole national parks system.”

Even with these recent designations, the task of protecting these areas remains unfinished. Some critics have questioned how countries will protect these large areas, given the fact that many nations lack the capacity to mount regular patrols. While most are remote, large fishing vessels with an economic incentive to extract their resources can still travel there, though some groups are working to monitor the vessels’ movements through satellite imagery.

Washington Post

Palau establishes one of the world’s largest protected areas of ocean http://www.techienews.co.uk/9742014/palau-establishes-one-of-the-worlds-largest-protectedareas-of-ocean/

By Ravi Mandalia Oct. 26, 2015

Palau has created history by creating one of the world’s largest protected areas of ocean in the Pacific island nation’s waters. The Palau Congress approved the the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which was signed into law earlier today.

The ocean that surrounds Palau is often cited as an “underwater wonder of the world” and boasts remarkably healthy marine ecosystems that are home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral. The legislation creating the sanctuary designates 80 per cent of the nation’s maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary becomes the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

About 20 per cent of Palau’s waters will become a domestic fishing zone reserved for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports.

This transformation of Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will take place over a five-year period, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually. The nation’s coastal waters, an area of 12 nautical miles around each of the 250 islands, will continue to be managed by Palau’s 16 states.

“Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” President Remengesau said. “Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean,” he continued. “Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations.”

“The Palau National Marine Sanctuary will help build a secure future for the Palauan people by honoring the conservation traditions of our past,” said Senator Hokkons Baules, lead sponsor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act.

The marine sanctuary law also strengthens efforts to prevent illegal fishing by significantly tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau’s waters. It requires expeditious passage of nonlicensed fishing boats through the EEZ, appropriate vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on all ships, stowage of fishing gear, and stronger reporting requirements. Establishing the sanctuary also will make it easier to identify and stop poaching because the restrictions on commercial activity simplify detection.

Palau, in collaboration with Pew and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is working with maritime enforcement experts from around the world to finalize a strong enforcement plan for the new sanctuary.

“Every visitor to Palau is struck by its remarkable marine ecosystems,” said Seth Horstmeyer, a director of Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy (GOL) project, which is working to create the world’s first generation of great parks in the sea. “Creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth.”

President Remengesau invited Pew to Palau in 2013 to help establish a large marine reserve. For the past two years, GOL staff members have worked closely with the President’s Office, the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau, local communities, and fishermen to provide technical assistance, public education, and a consultation process that involved broad participation by the island’s population regarding the sanctuary proposal.

Support for the marine sanctuary is strong throughout Palau and comes from the Rubekul Belau or Council of Chiefs, the State Speakers Association, all 16 state legislatures, the Governors Association, the Belau Tourism Association, the Palau Chamber of Commerce, the Palau Community Action Agency, and more than 7,000 Palauans who have endorsed it via petition.

In 2015, Global Ocean Legacy has supported efforts that have led to government commitments to protect over 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean. In March, the British government announced its intent to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country’s North Island. And on Oct. 5, at an international ocean conference in Chile, Chilean President Michelle

Bachelet pledged to work with the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to adopt its proposal to create a fully protected marine park.

Palau Creates One of the World's Largest Marine Sanctuaries https://ecowatch.com/2015/10/28/palau-marine-sanctuary/ Oct. 28, 2015 Earthjustice applauds the creation of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, signed into law today

by President Tommy Remengesau, establishing one of the world’s largest marine protected areas.

“This bold action to protect the full sweep of the country’s valuable ocean resources affirms that Palau is a world leader in marine conservation,” said Drew Caputo, Earthjustice vice president of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife and Oceans. “No other country has done more.”

The law designates 80 percent of the nation’s exclusive economic zone—an area bigger than the state of California—as a no-take marine reserve, and the remaining 20 percent as a managed domestic fishing zone for local fishers to supply the national market and ensure food security for Palau now and into the future.

Palau’s marine ecosystems are some of the most diverse on Earth, home to more than 700 species of coral and 1,300 species of fish. Globally, oceans are threatened by over-fishing, pollution, warming and acidification. Large, no-take marine reserves are crucial to efforts to

build marine resilience to climate change by allowing fish stocks to rebound and reducing bycatch of species that are critical to ocean health.

Earthjustice was privileged to provide legal support to the government of Palau, advising on the legal requirements under ocean treaties and fisheries access agreements to which Palau is a party, and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act. “The sanctuary is a major contribution to healthy oceans and reef systems that are more resilient to climate change, both for the people of Palau and for the world,” said Earthjustice international program attorney, Erika Rosenthal. “Ocean biomass conservation—through fisheries conservation and management and marine protected areas—is critical to maintaining the ocean’s function as an effective carbon sink.”

The precedent-setting Palau marine protected area shows that small island states, often called large ocean nations, can be global conservation leaders, and make major contribution to the international targets for marine protected areas established under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Support for the sanctuary was strong across the island from governors to traditional leaders to thousands of Palauans who demonstrated and signed petitions. Palau has long been a leader in ocean conservation. The nation established the first shark sanctuary in the region in 2001 and was a leader in the Micronesia Challenge, designating a near-shore network of protected areas starting in 2003.

Palau closes off fishing in nearly all of its coastal waters The Pacific island nation's newly established marine sanctuary will be the 6th largest protected area of ocean in the world. http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2015/1029/Palau-closes-off-fishing-in-nearly-allof-its-coastal-waters

By Michael Holtz Oct. 29, 2015

The tiny Pacific nation of Palau plans to make almost all of its coastal waters a marine sanctuary amid growing concern over the lack of ocean conservation efforts worldwide.

Last Thursday, lawmakers passed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act that designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve. Palau's president signed the legislation on Wednesday.

“A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” President Tommy Remengesau said ahead of a ceremony on Wednesday to officially sign off on the reserve, according to Agence France-Presse.

“Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," he added.

"Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival.

The law prohibits all extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, from taking place inside the sanctuary. At 193,000 square miles, the sanctuary is slightly larger than California, making it the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The law also aims to curb illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through the area.

Palau’s government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally earlier this year to emphasize its commitment to protecting its seas.

The remaining 20 percent of Palau's waters will be kept as domestic fishing zones for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports.

Ocean conservation has received heightened attention this year as researchers have raised concern over the risks associated with climate change, overfishing, and other threats.

A recent study conducted by two researchers at the University of British Columbia found that only four percent of the world’s oceans are protected. The study concludes that major steps are needed to cover even the most basic global targets to protect marine wildlife, The Christian Science Monitor reported.

The Sea Around Us, an international research group, set a goal of 10 percent by 2020, despite it having taken decades for countries to reach the current level of four percent.

But momentum has slowly started to build. New commitments made this year from countries including Britain, New Zealand, and Chile would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean.

This report includes material from The Associated Press.

Pacific's Palau creates huge ocean sanctuary the size of Spain http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/asia/746708/pacific-palau-creates-huge-ocean-sanctuary-thesize-of-spaiN

By AFP Oct. 28, 2015 KOROR, PALAU - The tiny Pacific island nation of Palau created a vast marine sanctuary the size of Spain on Wednesday, banning fishing across the bulk of its waters to preserve the ocean for future generations.

At 500,000 square kilometres (193,000 square miles), the new sanctuary is one of the largest in the world and covers an underwater wonderland containing 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral.

Palau President Tommy Remengesau said the sanctuary, comprising 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory, would allow the ocean to heal after decades of industrialised fishing which has driven some species to the brink of extinction.

"A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean," he said ahead of a ceremony Wednesday to officially sign off on the reserve.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognise as essential to our survival."

The archipelago, part of the larger island group of Micronesia in the west Pacific, has a population of just 18,000.

The sanctuary will be phased in over five years, eventually leaving only a relatively small area of Palau's waters open to fishing by locals but not the foreign trawlers which dominate the Pacific industry.

The no-fishing plan prioritises tourism -- which contributes about US$160 million or 50 percent of gross domestic product annually -- over the tuna industry, which contributes around US$5.5 million a year.

Palau created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 and about one-third of countries have now followed suit, changing attitudes to the predator and helping curb demand for shark fin soup.

Conservation efforts are underway in the Pacific to create a network of marine parks across the region to ensure one of the world's last pristine ocean ecosystems is managed sustainably.

In 2012 the Cook Islands unveiled a 1,065 million square kilometre marine park while Kiribati and Tokelau have also declared huge protected zones.

New Zealand announced plans last month to create a marine sanctuary the size of France by 2016.

Palau Creates a Huge Marine Sanctuary http://www.apextribune.com/palau-creates-a-huge-marine-sanctuary/212417/

By Kevin Kopas Oct. 20, 2015

Palau creates a huge marine sanctuary by transforming most of its coastal waters into a fully protected marine reserve. The small Pacific nation passed a law called the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which classifies about 80 percent of the country’s waters as protected territories.   

Palau has declared 80 percent of its coastal waters marine sanctuaries.

The island nation has decided to take these measures in order to protect its marine population and stop illegal fishing in its waters.

Only 4 percent of the world’s oceans are protected up until now and research indicates more must be done to preserve them.

This, of course, means that Palau has banned fishing on almost all of its coastal waters. The residents have supported President Tommy Remengesau’s decision to protect the waters, as they recognize it as vital for their long term survival.

As an island community, Palau has felt the ill effects of the threats concerning the ocean. This has made the people of the small nation support the decision as they understand how vital it is to conserve the marine populations living in their coastal waters.

The law, which was passed last Thursday, prohibits any fishing or mining activities from taking place within the boundaries of the sanctuary. It is also meant to stop or at least limit illegal fishing activity going on in the area, by imposing stricter rules for vessels passing through the country’s waters.

To make its commitment to protecting the sanctuary clear, Palau went as far as to set fire to several vessels found to be fishing illegally in their seas earlier this year.

The 20 percent of the country’s coastal waters which have not turned into marine sanctuaries have been kept as fishing zones for local fishermen and small fishing businesses to use. Most of the fish is meant for local consumption as the small businesses that are still allowed to fish in these areas have reduced exports.

Palau’s decision comes as a response to researcher’s recently expressed concerns about the risks associated with overfishing, climate change and other factors that threaten the earth’s oceans.

According to a recent study conducted at the University of British Columbia, only approximately 4 percent of the world’s waters are considered sanctuaries or under protection.

The study concludes that in order to protect marine wildlife at a global level, even by only covering the most basic global targets set in order to achieve this goal, major steps must be followed. Although one of the organizations trying to put these changes into effect, The Sea Around Us, has set a target of protecting at least 10 percent of the world’s oceans by 2020, it is unlikely that this goal will be reached considering it has taken the world’s nations decades to reach the 4 percent that is protected now.

Image source: www.pixabay.com

Palau Creates A Stunning And Huge Marine Life Sanctuary http://www.apextribune.com/palau-creates-a-stunning-and-huge-marine-life-sanctuary/212361/

By Jenna Lewis Oct. 29, 2015

This year’s conservation efforts top all others, and Palau creates a stunning and huge marine life sanctuary to further add to the efforts of multiple nations.    

Palau has dedicated 193,000 square miles of water to a marine life sanctuary That accounts for 80% of their waters, with 20% reserved for fishing The decision will protect the 1,300 species of fish, and 700 species of corals Palau will be prioritizing their tourism industry, which brought $160 million last year The small, island nation of Palau boasts just 18,000 people in population. It’s a series of several islands surrounded by exceptionally crystal clear and turquoise waters ripped straight out of anyone’s ideal image of a beach vacation. Within them, there are thousands of different species that will now become protected.

Palau’s president, Tommy Remengesau, has announced that 80% of its maritime territory will become a marine life sanctuary for the variety of species living in their waters. That amounts to a 193,000 square miles worth of completely safe space. All activities, except tourism, will be banned in the protected regions, including drilling, fishing or dumping.

This will boost the fish population, and help the survival of around 1,300 fish species and 700 species of corals. It will compromise an exceptional effort, and a potentially terrific boost of their tourism. Visitors will have the privilege watching and viewing numerous types of marine life through the pristine waters.

As stated by president Remengesau, even “a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean”, and the diversity may be contained. Furthermore, it will arrive with benefits for their tourism, which is now set at the highest priority. The rest of 20% of their waters will be reserved for fishing, though commercial fishing (mostly tuna) brought only $5.5 million per year.

Tourism, on the other hand, has proved itself much more productive for Palau, bringing in $160 million each year. It could be a win-win situation to divert their efforts and focus on the protected region.

This will not be the first effort from Palau to conserve marine life. The island nation was the first to ever create a shark sanctuary back in 2009, after which many countries followed. Their upcoming 193,000 square miles of protected waters will be the 6th largest one in the world.

Their decision adds to the many contributions paid this year for the health of marine life.

The announcement arrives after the news of the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, which will stand at 332,000 square miles of protected waters. This was followed by New Zealand’s marine life sanctuary that was announced not too long ago to protect biodiversity. And there are many more.

It seems that 2015 has seen to protect much more of our planet’s waters than ever recorded.

Given the problems sparked by over-fishing and climate change, perhaps these efforts will help protect the marine life and maintain its beautiful diversity.

Read more about the New Zealand sanctuary here.

Image source: sportdiver.com

A Tiny Island Nation Just Created A Giant Marine Sanctuary http://wwntradio.com/2015/10/30/a-tiny-island-nation-just-created-a-giant-marinesanctuary.html

By Ralph Mcoy Oct. 30, 2015 The precedent-setting Palau marine protected area shows that small island states, often called large ocean nations, can be global conservation leaders, and make major contribution to the worldwide targets for marine protected areas established under the Convention on Biological Diversity. Palau's president signed the legislation on Wednesday. The Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve was dedicated by Britain in March 2015 and is followed by the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary of New Zealand, Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park of Chile and the proposed Easter Island Reserve. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival", said Remengesau. At 193,000 square miles, the sanctuary is slightly larger than California, making it the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

"A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean".

The Republic of Palau has a population of 18,000 and spans over an archipelago in the west Pacific. It is also seen as a way for the island nation to boost tourism; visitors will be able to see a few pristine species that the island is known for.

Large, no-take marine reserves are crucial to efforts to build marine resilience to climate change by allowing fish stocks to rebound and reducing by-catch of species that are critical to ocean health. For Palau, tourism generates more than $160 million every year which is half of the country's GDP. Earlier, in 2009, Palau made the first ever shark sanctuary in the world, which is now followed by around 33% of countries across the world. That's the highest percentage of an exclusive economic zone devoted to marine conservation by any country in the world.

Palau created another sanctuary six years ago, trying to protect threatened sharks.

Last Thursday, lawmakers passed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act that designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve. This year alone three other countries pledged to protect massive ocean areas.

Pacific Island Nation of Palau develops one of largest marine sanctuaries in world http://nycity.today/content/286782-pacific-island-nation-palau-develops-one-largest-marinesanctuaries-world

By Gloria Bradley Oct. 30, 2015

Pacific island nation of Palau, archipelago of more than 500 islands, has developed a gigantic ocean sanctuary estimated the size of Spain. It is one of the largest marine sanctuaries in the world. The new marine sanctuary is stretching about 193,000 square miles in size and has around 1,300 species of fish and also has 700 types of coral.

Tommy Remengesau, Palau President told AFP, “A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean. Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean.

Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival”.

According to Discovery News reports, the sanctuary will be slowly carried out in gradual stages over the five years course. This will only leave a small part of Palau’s waters unlock to local fishing.

It is not for the first time that Pacific island nation has made such a move to conserve the ocean.

Earlier, in 2009, Palau made the first ever shark sanctuary in the world, which is now followed

by around 33% of countries across the world. The nation is anticipating for similar results from this new sanctuary.

After Palau, many conservation efforts are ongoing in the Pacific to make an association of marine parks in order to protect the ocean’s rich ecosystems.

Palau creates gigantic ocean sanctuary http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/2015/10/29/palau-creates-gigantic-ocean-sanctuary/

By Joseph Scalise Oct. 29, 2015

The small Pacific island nation of Palau has created a gigantic ocean sanctuary that measures nearly the size of Spain.

The new marine sanctuary is one of the largest in the world. It is a staggering 193,000 square miles in size and contains 1,300 species of fish as well as 700 types of coral. Officials have banned fishing across almost all of Palau’s waters in order to preserve the ocean habitat. They also hope it will allow the waters to rebound after decades of industrialized fishing has driven many aquatic species to the brink of extinction.

“A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” Palau President Tommy Remengesau told AFP.”Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival.”

The sanctuary will be slowly phased in over the course of five years, Discovery News reports.

This will eventually leave only a small area of Palau’s waters open to local fishing. Foreign trawlers, which dominate the Pacific industry, will not be allowed to fish in the area.

In addition, the no-fishing plan also places tourism, a business that contributes some $160 million–50 percent of gross domestic product annually–over the tuna industry, which only contributes $5.5 million a year.

This is not the first time the island nation has made moves toward ocean conservation. In 2009, Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary. That practice has now been followed by nearly one-third of countries across the world. The nation hopes this new sanctuary will have a similar result.

Beyond Palau, many conservation efforts are underway in the Pacific to create a network of marine parks to protect the ocean’s rich ecosystems. In 2012, the Cook Islands unveiled plans for a gigantic marine park. Kiribati and Tokelau also have promised to create protected zones of their own.

Palau‘s new marine sanctuary is one of largest in the world https://nycnews.net/content/283779-palau-s-new-marine-sanctuary-one-largest-world

By Lindsay Morgan Oct. 30, 2015

Palau has been receiving appreciation for every corner of the world owing to its creation of a sanctuary. The sanctuary is one of the world's largest marine protected areas, where fishing will not be allowed to save the ocean for the future generations.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary covers an underwater area having 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral. Palau President Tommy Remengesau shared that the sanctuary has 80% of the nation's maritime territory. The extent of the area covered would allow the ocean to recover from decades of commercial fishing, which has led many species to be at the verge of extinction.

Remengesau signed the Palau National Marine Sanctuary into law taking a strong step to protect the country's ocean resources. As 80% of the area is turned into a no-take marine reserve, the remaining 20% will be a managed domestic fishing zone for local fishers.

Palau's marine ecosystem is quite rich. Owing to factors like over-fishing, pollution, warming and acidification, the oceans are facing risk. Experts think that it is important to come up with no-take marine reserves in order to allow the oceans to recover and let the fish stock to rebound.

Earthjustice international program attorney, Erika Rosenthal, was of the view, "The sanctuary is a major contribution to healthy oceans and reef systems that are more resilient to climate change, both for the people of Palau and for the world".

Republic of Palau Creates Spain-Sized Marine Sanctuary in the Pacific http://www.lighthousenewsdaily.com/spain-sized-marine-sanctuary-in-the-pacific/2571/

By Adam Lynch Oct. 29, 2015

After establishing the first shark sanctuary on the planet, the Republic of Palau creates Spainsized marine sanctuary in the Pacific. According to an announcement made Wednesday, fishing would be banned from the tiny island nation’s waters.

The move was designed to preserve the ocean and its biodiversity for the generations to come.

The new national sanctuary is 193,000-squae-mile-wide and hosts about 1,300 different fish species and 700 species of coral, making it one of the largest on the globe.

The country’s president Tommy Remengesau explained that the huge sanctuary which covers 80 percent of the country’s maritime waters is designed to buy some time to the ocean to heal after so many years of overfishing.

“A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean,” Mr. Remengesau added.

On Wednesday, he signed off the final papers to open the natural preserve. Palau president also argued that the move was crucial for the future of his country since overfishing and pollution hit small states the hardest. By creating the sanctuary, Palau residents agree that the move is essential to their survival, Mr. Remengesau also said.

The Republic of Palau has a population of 18,000 and spans over an archipelago in the west Pacific. The sanctuary would be completed in five years’ time when no commercial fishing vessel would be allowed to fish in the republic’s waters. Nevertheless, local fishermen and coastal communities will be able to fish in designated areas, authorities added.

The move is also aimed at encouraging tourism in the islands. For Palau, tourism generates more than $160 million every year which is half of the country’s GDP. Tuna industry, on the other hand, contributes to the country’s economy with just $5.5 million annually.

Palau created another sanctuary six years ago, trying to protect threatened sharks. Ever since, more than 30 percent of world’s countries opened similar shark sanctuaries. Sharks are threatened worldwide because of reckless hunting caused by high demand for shark fin soup.

In the Pacific other island nations are now trying to preserve natural ecosystems. The countries struggle to create a vast network of marine sanctuaries to safeguard the world’s last pristine marine environments. Authorities in these countries also plan to find new ways to manage the areas sustainably.

Three years ago, the archipelago nation of Cook Islands created a 411 million square mile marine sanctuary. And Tokelau and Kiribati also followed suit. In September, New Zealand pledged to open a France-sized ocean sanctuary by next year.

Image Source: Pixabay

Pacific Island Nation Of Palau Creates Marine Sanctuary, One Of Largest In The World http://www.techtimes.com/articles/100812/20151029/pacific-island-nation-of-palau-createsmarine-sanctuary-one-of-largest-in-the-world.htm

By Jim Algar Oct. 29, 2015

The small island nation of Palau has created a marine sanctuary in its waters with 193,000 square miles of the most extensive reserves in the world.

It has banned fishing in a sanctuary the size of Spain to protect the estimated 1,300 species of fish and 700 types of coral that live there.

The marine reserve, covering 80 percent of Palau's maritime territory, will allow the ocean waters to recover and heal from decades of industrial-scale fishing operations that have driven many species to the edge of extinction, Palau President Tommy Remengesau said in an announcement ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival,"said Remengesau.

"A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean."

Only around 18,000 people live across the 250 islands that make up the Republic of Palau, part of the larger Micronesia island group in the western Pacific.

After the full sanctuary is phased in the next five years, the remaining 20 percent of the country's waters will be reserved for fishing by local individual and small-scale commercial fisheries.

The large fleets of foreign trawlers that dominate fishing throughout most of the Pacific will be banned.

The move follows a similar action in 2009 when Palau created the world's first sanctuary, a move that has seen many countries follow suit.

Creating marine sanctuaries is a growing trend among Pacific island countries; in 2012 the Cook Islands instituted a 411 million-square-mile marine park, while Tokelau and Kiribati have also set up large protected zones.

Palau's maritime territorial waters share boundaries with the Philippines, Indonesia and the Federated States of Micronesia.

With a ban on most commercial fishing, Palau will depend on tourism for generating most of its annual gross domestic product.

Tourism brings in an estimated $160 million annually (the country uses the U.S. dollar as its currency), almost half the country's GDP, while commercial fishing - mostly for tuna - has brought in about $5.5 million each year.

World’s sixth largest marine reserve offers breathtaking views http://www.ibtimes.com.au/worlds-sixth-largest-marine-reserve-offers-breathtaking-views1478958

By Narayani Anand Oct. 29, 2015

The Pacific island nation of Palau has announced the creation of what will be the sixth largest fully protected marine reserve in the world. The 193,000 square mile reserve would help in conservation of 700 species of coral and thousands of fish species. It is also seen as a way for the island nation to boost tourism; visitors will be able to see some pristine species that the island is known for.

The move holds great relevance as around 1 million square miles of ocean have been announced as highly protected in 2015 alone, greater than any year in the past, according to the Pew Charitable Trusts.

“When you think about it from the perspective of the planet, the last 12 or 13 months, there’s been more of the planet protected than at any time in our history,” said Matt Rand, Pew’s Global Ocean Legacy project director, reports The Independent.

Palau Island’s new reserve follows the announcement of the Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve, a stretch of 332,000 square miles and the largest marine reserve ever dedicated. The Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve was dedicated by Britain in March 2015 and is followed by the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary of New Zealand, Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park of Chile and the proposed Easter Island Reserve. The Easter Island reserve, although announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and proposed by the indigenous Rapa Nui people, is yet to be finalised, according to Pew trusts.

Fully protected marine reserves form the highest class of ocean conservation, with the areas becoming off limits to dumping, drilling, fishing and other uses, reports The Independent.

Scientists indicate that such areas can have positive outcomes for local people by boosting fish populations, some of which can be caught as they travel outside these areas.

Protecting its natural resources will have more benefits than one, for Palau Island. Tourism forms a chunk of economic revenue generated by the island nation, known particularly for diving. The move may serve as a branding opportunity for addition to UNESCO’s World Heritage List, according to The Independent.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below

Palau's ocean sanctuary created to heal overfishing effects http://www.ameripublications.com/palaus-ocean-sanctuary-created-to-heal-ocean-fromoverfishing/4564

By Schiavonne Robinson Oct. 28, 2015

Palau, a tiny island on the Pacific, created a large marine sanctuary the size of Spain, which banned fishing among its waters to preserve the ocean for others in the future. The new sanctuary is 193,000 square miles wide and is one of the largest of its kind in the world. It contains 700 types of coral and 1,300 species of fish.

Tommy Remengesau, president of Palau, said the sanctuary would permit the ocean to heal from years of industrialized fishing which has contributed to many fish species being endangered. “A small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean. “Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean. Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival.”

Palau is an archipelago that is part of Micronesia and has a population of 18,000 people. The sanctuary will be phased over the five years, and will leave a small area for fishing by locals, but not foreign travelers. The no-fishing policy makes the tourism industry more important than the tuna industry. The tourism industry brings in $160 million a year while the tuna industry brings in $5.5 million per year.

Six years ago, Palau made the first shark sanctuary in the world. (About 33 percent of countries have done the same thing afterward.) The sanctuaries were created to decrease demand for shark fin soup.

Conservation efforts are being made in the Pacific to create marine parks in the region to protect one of the world’s last pristine ecosystems.

The Cook Islands have revealed a 1,065 million square kilometer marine park in 2012, making it the largest marine park in the world. Tokelau and Kiribati have also built protected areas.

New Zealand plans to make an ocean sanctuary the size of France by next year.

Source.

A Tiny Island Nation Just Created A Giant Marine Sanctuary http://tvnewsroom.org/newslines/science/a-tiny-island-nation-just-created-a-giant-marinesanctuary-6682/ Oct. 30, 2015

The new national sanctuary is 193,000-squae-mile-wide and hosts about 1,300 different fish species and 700 species of coral, making it one of the largest on the globe.

The Pacific island nation of Palau has become home to the sixth largest marine sanctuary in the world. The Easter Island reserve, although announced by Chilean president Michelle Bachelet and proposed by the indigenous Rapa Nui people, is yet to be finalised, according to Pew trusts.

On Wednesday, he signed off the final papers to open the natural preserve.

The country’s president Tommy Remengesau explained that the huge sanctuary which covers 80 percent of the country’s maritime waters is created to buy a few time to the ocean to heal after so many years of overfishing.

Palau will ban most commercial fishing in a giant marine sanctuary the size of Spain. Scientists indicate that such areas can have positive outcomes for local people by boosting fish populations, a few of which can be caught as they travel outside these areas.

The law also aims to curb illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through the area.

Palau created another sanctuary six years ago, trying to protect threatened sharks.

Tourism brings in an estimated $160 million annually (the country uses the US dollar as its currency), nearly half the country’s GDP, while commercial fishing – mostly for tuna – has brought in about $5.5 million each year.

Though the country’s land area is small, its exclusive economic zone, which extends 200 nautical miles from the coast, is enormous.

Conservation efforts are underway in the Pacific to create a network of marine parks across the region to ensure one of the world’s last pristine ocean ecosystems is managed sustainably.

The precedent-setting Palau marine protected area shows that small island states, often called large ocean nations, can be global conservation leaders, and make a major contribution to the worldwide targets for marine protected areas established under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Dazzling photos from a Pacific marine sanctuary larger than California http://nysepost.com/dazzling-photos-from-a-pacific-marine-sanctuary-larger-than-30832 Oct. 29, 2015

"The sanctuary is a major contribution to healthy oceans and reef systems that are more resilient to climate change, both for the people of Palau and for the world", said Earthjustice global program attorney, Erika Rosenthal. Palau's president signed the legislation on Wednesday. The Pitcairn Island Marine Reserve was dedicated by Britain in March 2015 and is followed by the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary of New Zealand, Nazca-Desventuradas Marine Park of Chile and the proposed Easter Island Reserve. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival", Palau President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. The new national sanctuary is 193,000-square-mile-wide and hosts about 1,300 different fish species and 700 species of coral, making it one of the largest on the globe.

Conservationists say the 500,000 sq km sanctuary approved to be developed in Palau would be the world's sixth largest fully protected area, and is twice the size of Mexico. This year alone three other countries pledged to protect massive ocean areas.

The Republic of Palau has a population of 18,000 and spans over an archipelago in the western Pacific. It will take place over a period of five years and during this time a decline will be made in the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels.

The Micronesian reserve, now the largest in the Pacific, will permit no fishing or mining. The countries struggle to create a vast network of marine sanctuaries to safeguard the world's last pristine marine environments.

But Palau isn't the only one stepping up to protect life under the sea. Sharks are threatened worldwide because of reckless hunting caused by high demand for shark fin soup.

Tourism brings in an estimated $160 million annually (the country uses the USA dollar as its currency), nearly half the country's GDP while commercial fishing - mostly for tuna - has brought in about $5.5 million each year.

Palau Creates One of the World's Largest Marine Sanctuaries http://ecowatch.com/2015/10/28/palau-marine-sanctuary/ Oct. 28 2015 Earthjustice applauds the creation of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, signed into law today

by President Tommy Remengesau, establishing one of the world’s largest marine protected areas.

“This bold action to protect the full sweep of the country’s valuable ocean resources affirms that Palau is a world leader in marine conservation,” said Drew Caputo, Earthjustice vice president of Litigation for Lands, Wildlife and Oceans. “No other country has done more.”

The law designates 80 percent of the nation’s exclusive economic zone—an area bigger than the state of California—as a no-take marine reserve, and the remaining 20 percent as a managed domestic fishing zone for local fishers to supply the national market and ensure food security for Palau now and into the future.

Palau’s marine ecosystems are some of the most diverse on Earth, home to more than 700 species of coral and 1,300 species of fish. Globally, oceans are threatened by over-fishing, pollution, warming and acidification. Large, no-take marine reserves are crucial to efforts to

build marine resilience to climate change by allowing fish stocks to rebound and reducing bycatch of species that are critical to ocean health.

Earthjustice was privileged to provide legal support to the government of Palau, advising on the legal requirements under ocean treaties and fisheries access agreements to which Palau is a party, and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act. “The sanctuary is a major contribution to healthy oceans and reef systems that are more resilient to climate change, both for the people of Palau and for the world,” said Earthjustice international program attorney, Erika Rosenthal. “Ocean biomass conservation—through fisheries conservation and management and marine protected areas—is critical to maintaining the ocean’s function as an effective carbon sink.”

The precedent-setting Palau marine protected area shows that small island states, often called large ocean nations, can be global conservation leaders, and make major contribution to the international targets for marine protected areas established under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

Support for the sanctuary was strong across the island from governors to traditional leaders to thousands of Palauans who demonstrated and signed petitions. Palau has long been a leader in ocean conservation. The nation established the first shark sanctuary in the region in 2001 and was a leader in the Micronesia Challenge, designating a near-shore network of protected areas starting in 2003.

Palau to Sign National Marine Sanctuary Into Law http://www.cbs8.com/story/30323467/palau-to-sign-national-marine-sanctuary-into-law SOURCE The Pew Charitable Trusts; Office of the President, Republic of Palau Pacific island nation now leads the world in highest percentage of its exclusive economic zone set aside for full protection KOROR, Palau, Oct. 22, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Palau Congress today approved the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act, which will establish one of the world's largest protected areas of ocean in the Pacific island nation's waters. President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. said he would sign the measure into law as early as Monday as Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

"Today is a historic day for Palau, proving that a small island nation can have a big impact on the ocean," President Remengesau said.

"Island communities have been among the hardest hit by the threats facing the ocean," he continued. "Creating this sanctuary is a bold move that the people of Palau recognize as essential to our survival. We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations."

"The Palau National Marine Sanctuary will help build a secure future for the Palauan people by honoring the conservation traditions of our past," said Senator Hokkons Baules, lead sponsor of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act. Often cited as an "underwater wonder of the world," the ocean that surrounds Palau boasts remarkably healthy marine ecosystems that are home to more than 1,300 species of fish and 700 species of coral.

The legislation creating the sanctuary designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place. At 500,000 square kilometers (193,000 square miles), or slightly larger than the U.S. state of California, the sanctuary becomes the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will become a domestic fishing zone reserved for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. This transformation of Palau's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will take place over a five-year period, during which the number of licenses sold to foreign commercial vessels will be decreased annually. The nation's coastal waters, an area of 12 nautical miles around each of the 250 islands, will continue to be managed by Palau's 16 states.

"In its 20-year history as an independent nation, Palau has developed a remarkable conservation legacy, including creation of the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009," said Joshua S. Reichert, who leads environment initiatives at The Pew Charitable Trusts. Pew provided technical support for establishment of both the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. "Palau's decision is an acknowledgment of the intensely close relationship between the Palauan people and the ocean that surrounds them, a relationship often expressed as 'Palau is ocean and ocean is Palau.' " The marine sanctuary law also strengthens efforts to prevent illegal fishing by significantly tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters. It requires expeditious passage of nonlicensed fishing boats through the EEZ, appropriate vessel monitoring systems (VMS) on all ships, stowage of fishing gear, and stronger reporting requirements. Establishing the sanctuary also will make it easier to identify and stop poaching because the restrictions on commercial activity simplify detection.

Palau, in collaboration with Pew and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, is working with maritime enforcement experts from around the world to finalize a strong enforcement plan for the new sanctuary.

"Every visitor to Palau is struck by its remarkable marine ecosystems," said Seth Horstmeyer, a director of Pew's Global Ocean Legacy (GOL) project, which is working to create the world's first generation of great parks in the sea. "Creation of this sanctuary conserves one of the most spectacular ocean environments on Earth."

President Remengesau invited Pew to Palau in 2013 to help establish a large marine reserve. For the past two years, GOL staff members have worked closely with the President's Office, the Palau National Congress or Olbiil Era Kelulau, local communities, and fishermen to provide technical assistance, public education, and a consultation process that involved broad participation by the island's population regarding the sanctuary proposal.

Support for the marine sanctuary is strong throughout Palau and comes from the Rubekul Belau or Council of Chiefs, the State Speakers Association, all 16 state legislatures, the Governors Association, the Belau Tourism Association, the Palau Chamber of Commerce, the Palau Community Action Agency, and more than 7,000 Palauans who have endorsed it via petition.

In 2015, Global Ocean Legacy has supported efforts that have led to government commitments to protect over 2.5 million square kilometers of ocean. In March, the British government announced its intention to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island. And on Oct. 5, at an international ocean conference in Chile, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet pledged to work with the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to adopt its proposal to create a fully protected marine park.

About Global Ocean Legacy Global Ocean Legacy is a partnership established in 2006 to promote the creation of marine reserves in the world's oceans. Current partners include The Pew Charitable Trusts, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Lyda Hill Foundation, the Oak Foundation, the Robertson Foundation, The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, and the Waitt Foundation. Learn more at www.globaloceanlegacy.org.

The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems.

Contacts: Palau: Olkeriil "O" Kazuo; +680-488-3106+680-488-3106, ololk27@gmail.com Pew: Andrea Risotto, +1 202-540-6510+1 202-540-6510, arisotto@pewtrusts.org

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279422-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279388 Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279387-INFO Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151021/279405

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/newsreleases/palau-to-sign-national-marine-sanctuary-into-law-300164614.html Š2015 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.

Implementation of PNMS law underway http://www.islandtimes.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2296:implementati on-of-pnms-law-underway&catid=8:latest-news&Itemid=1

By Jose Rodriguez T. Senase Nov. 5, 2015

A week after the historic legislation was signed into law by President Remengesau, the implementation of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary is underway.

According to information from the Office of the President, the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Legislative Committee (PNMSLC), over the past five days, has conducted several meetings to create the appropriate structure and respective tasks lists in implementing the Marine Sanctuary Law. Among the members of the PNMSSLC members are Presidential Chief of Staff Secilil Eldebechel, Deputy Chief of Staff Rebluud Kesolei, Presidential Legal Counsel Larry Goddard, Special Assistant to the President Keobel Sakuma, Palau Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jennifer Koskelin-Gibbons, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) CEO Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, Casmir Remengesau, Minister of Finance Elbuchel Sadang, and Minister of Environment Umiich Sengebau.

The Office of the President said that Pres. Remengesau is calling for a comprehensive "first 100 days" plan.

The plan include putting together the administration to oversee the implementation of the PNMS; the appropriate regulations for the various components of the PNMS' five year transition and regulations thereafter; the development of fund granting schematics to support the various financial components of the PNMS; And the incorporation of fisheries research data to create

baselines of fish productivity within the 80% fully protected area and the 20% domestic fishing zone of the Sanctuary.

Pres. Remengesau signed into law on October 28, 2015, the PNMS Bill. The measure creates the world’s sixth largest marine sanctuary. {/reg}

Pacific nation of Palau making most of its seas a sanctuary http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/10/22/pacific-nation-palau-making-most-its-seas-asanctuary.html

By Elaine Kurtenbach, Associated Press, Oct. 22 2015

Lawmakers in the tiny Pacific island nation of Palau passed a law Thursday to make almost all its coastal waters a marine sanctuary in the latest move to expand ocean protections.

A news release said Palau's president plans to sign the legislation next week. Friday is a national holiday in Palau.

The Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act designates 80 percent of the nation's maritime territory as a fully protected marine reserve in which no extractive activities, such as fishing or mining, can take place.

At 500,000 square kilometers, or slightly larger than the US state of California, the sanctuary will be the sixth-largest fully protected marine area in the world.

The measure also seeks to prevent illegal fishing by tightening rules for vessels passing through Palau's waters.

About 20 percent of Palau's waters will be reserved as a domestic fishing zone for local fishermen and small-scale commercial fisheries with limited exports. There will be a five-year

transition as the number of commercial licenses issued to foreign commercial fishing vessels will be reduced and phased out.

President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. described the measure as essential.

"We want to lead the way in restoring the health of the ocean for future generations," he said in a statement.

The country created the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009, but until recently had only one patrol boat to help protect its great hammerheads, leopard sharks and more than 130 other species of shark and rays from extinction.

Earlier this year, the government set fire to several vessels caught fishing illegally to underscore its commitment to protecting its seas.

Palau, about 600 miles (970 kilometers) miles east of the Philippines, is one of the world's smallest countries, its 20,000 people scattered across a tropical archipelago of 250 islands that is a biodiversity hotspot.

The Pew Charitable Trusts provided technical support for establishing the shark sanctuary and the Palau National Marine Sanctuary.

New commitments made this year would protect more than 2.5 million square kilometers of the world's ocean territory.

Britain plans to establish the Pitcairn Islands Marine Reserve in the South Pacific. On Sept. 28, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key announced plans for a fully protected ocean sanctuary in the Kermadecs, about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) northeast of his country's North Island.

Earlier this month, Chilean President Michelle Bachelet promised to support efforts by the indigenous Rapa Nui community of Easter Island to create a fully protected marine park.