The Oceanic Resource Foundation: Underwater Photography / Marine Conservation

February 15, 1998

The Overfishing of Palau

Palau is an island republic of which diving legends are made. Crystal blue waters teeming with a myriad of exotic tropical species draw scuba divers from around the world. Now Palau is selling of these irreplaceable natural resources to Asian fish markets through the issuance of fishing licenses for an annual fee of $1,500-$3,000 depending upon the tonnage of the boat. For this minimal fee, Asian fishermen are in turn stripping a resource which supports a multi-million dollar diving and tourist industry. A single bluefin tuna of 700 pounds can bring more than $68,000 on the Tokyo fish market and Palau receives little for this exploitation of it's fisheries.

Longline fishermen are licensed by Palau to catch only tuna and tuna-like fish, but are also allowed to take species caught incidentally to tuna. This does not include sharks, but it has been observed that many longliners are using steel cable leaders rather than monofilament which sharks can sever. Dried shark fins sell for $350-$400 per kilo in most Asian markets and this does not motivate many fishermen to release the sharks. The use of the cable leader also seems to indicate specific intent to illegally catch sharks. Fishing vessels flaunt their catch while tied up in Malakal Harbor by drying their illegal harvest of shark fins in the ship's rigging. The intense fishing pressure is noticeably depleting all of Palau's normally abundant pelagic species.

Besides the overfishing of Palau's waters, fishing vessels further impact the fragile marine environment by dumping offal and raw sewage in Malakal Harbor. Coral growth is beginning to die and people no longer fish or swim in the harbor. ORF is requesting individuals to register their concern about the depletion of Palau's fragile waters. Please direct a written protest to the President of Palau or contact Ron Leidich.

Ron Leidich c/o Sam's Dive Tours
P.O. Box 428, Koror, Republic of Palau 96940
FAX 011-680-488-5003

Dive Travel, July/August 1997