Marine Mammal Sanctuary Act Proposed In Palau KOROR, Palau (Island Times/PIR, June 27, 2013) — Vice Speaker Alexander Merep and Floor Leader Mario Gulibert jointly introduced a measure to expand Palau’s protection of dugongs to all marine mammal species, making Palau a marine mammal sanctuary. The delegates proposed the Marine Mammal Sanctuary Act to protect marine mammals including dugongs, whales, dolphins, seals, manatee and other members of the orders Sirenia, Cetacea or Carnivora. House Bill No. 9-46-4S makes it illegal for any person to take, possess, export or otherwise have under his or her control any marine mammal or any part thereof unless granted permit by the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism for scientific or education purposes. The bill states that if any marine mammal is accidentally taken, it must be released immediately whether dead or alive. Any person who uses fishing net, trap, wire or other equipment shall monitor equipment so as to prevent accidental deaths of marine mammals. The bill includes penalties for those found violating the act. A person who takes, possess or export any marine mammal shall, upon conviction, be imprisoned for six months to one year, or fined not more than $1,000 or both. For violations thereafter, the convicted person shall be imprisoned for not more than two years or fined not more than $2,000 or both. For reckless injury to a marine mammal, the penalty is imprisonment for six months to two years or fined not more than $5,000 or both. For subsequent violations, the person shall be imprisoned for six months to four years or fined up to $10,000 or both. Intentional injury to or killing of marine mammals shall be penalized with six months to five years imprisonment or fined up $15,000 or both. For subsequent violations, the person shall be imprisoned for six months to 10 years and fined up to $25,000. Each marine mammal killed or injured or part taken, possessed, exported, sold, purchased or offered for sale or purchase shall constitute a separate violation. The bill states that any organization that has legally engaged in the protection and care of marine mammals in Palau’s waters prior to the effective date of the act may continue to possess, purchase, sell, export or otherwise control marine mammals pursuant to regulations issued by the NRET Minister. The bill passed first reading and was referred to the Committee on Maritime, Environment and Protected Areas for review.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Jul 2013 08:45:25 +0000
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