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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
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| Palau is burning boats to deter illegal poaching of marine life | Palau is burning boats to deter illegal poaching of marine life |
| (7 months later) | |
| The pacific nation of Palau has burnt four Vietnamese boats illegally fishing in the waters of the island nation in a stern message against activities of this kind. | The pacific nation of Palau has burnt four Vietnamese boats illegally fishing in the waters of the island nation in a stern message against activities of this kind. |
| Palau's president, Tommy Remengesau Jr., said: "We wanted to send a very strong message. We will not tolerate any more these pirates who come and steal our resources." | Palau's president, Tommy Remengesau Jr., said: "We wanted to send a very strong message. We will not tolerate any more these pirates who come and steal our resources." |
| President Remengesau Jr also said he hopes to turn most of Palau’s territorial waters into a national marine sanctuary, banning commercial fishing and exports apart from limited areas to be used by domestic fishermen and tourists. | President Remengesau Jr also said he hopes to turn most of Palau’s territorial waters into a national marine sanctuary, banning commercial fishing and exports apart from limited areas to be used by domestic fishermen and tourists. |
| In 2009 the country created the world’s first shark sanctuary, but until recently only had one patrol boat to help keep over 130 species of shark and rays from extinction. | |
| The four boats which were destroyed were among 15 which Palau authorities have caught fishing the species - as well as sea cucumbers, lobsters and reef fish - illegally in their waters since last year. | The four boats which were destroyed were among 15 which Palau authorities have caught fishing the species - as well as sea cucumbers, lobsters and reef fish - illegally in their waters since last year. |
| Mr Remengesau Jr. said that the stream of poachers demonstrated that the previous policy of simply stripping the rogue boats of their nets and confiscating their catches was not enough. | Mr Remengesau Jr. said that the stream of poachers demonstrated that the previous policy of simply stripping the rogue boats of their nets and confiscating their catches was not enough. |
| "I think it's necessary to burn the boats," he said. | "I think it's necessary to burn the boats," he said. |
| Despite progress in tracing sources of fish sold to consumers, about a fifth of the global market for marine products caught and sold, or about $23.5 billion, is caught illegally. | Despite progress in tracing sources of fish sold to consumers, about a fifth of the global market for marine products caught and sold, or about $23.5 billion, is caught illegally. |
| Additional reporting AP | Additional reporting AP |