News
Why We Love Palau
Written by Marissa McBride
The Republic of Palau is an up and coming destination for divers, tourists and adventurers. With turquoise waters and incredible dive sites, Palau is an island country located in the western Pacific Ocean. This tropical destination has caught our attention as a marine conservation superstar – here’s why!
1. For many years, the Republic of Palau has been dedicated to the conservation of seven different species of sea turtles, nearly all of which are endangered.
2. In 2009 Palau created the world’s first shark sanctuary.
3. Known as the “Champion for the Environment,” President Thomas Remengesau Jr. created Palau’s first no-take area in 2015, which covers approximately 193,000 square miles and encompasses 80% of Palau’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Following a transition period of five years, the marine sanctuary is expected to be in place by 2020.
4. In 2016, they were the second country in the world to ratify the Paris Climate Agreement.
5. Also in 2016, Palau produced a five-year plan for the EEZ no-take area, which called for “robust monitoring and control measures,” which protects marine life from harmful oil spills and illegal fishing.
The Republic of Palau recognizes the importance of marine biodiversity and marine protected areas. Marine Conservation Institute applauds Palau for the immense efforts towards protecting the ocean’s most important places.
If you’d like to learn more about Palau or any other marine protected area, check out MPAtlas.org, our interactive database for MPAs!
To find out more about Marine Conservation Institute visit www.marine-conservation.org.
Blogs
Four opportunities to go pro in 2024 with Dive Friends Bonaire
Dive Friends teaches the Instructor Development Course (IDC) several times a year to students who are eager to share their passion for diving with the world.
Dive Friends is known for the personal approach throughout the course. Their in-house course director will lead the students through every essential step, mentoring them to achieve their fullest potential as a dive instructor.
Applications for the following IDC start dates are now open:
- 12 April
- 5 July,
- 20 September
- 29 November
Partnership with Casita Palma
If the student opts for the IDC-Deluxe or IDC-Supreme package, their accommodation will be arranged for them at Casita Palma. This small and quiet resort is within walking distance from Dive Friends Bonaire’s main dive shop location and has everything you need to relax after an intense day of IDC training. Breakfast is included, so the student will always be fuelled and ready for their day.
Contact Dive Friends Bonaire’s Course Director Eddy for more information: coursedirector@divefriendsbonaire.com.
Blogs
SOMABAY: Scubaverse Trip Review (Watch Video)
In a video created exclusively for Scubaverse.com, Jeff Goodman visits SOMABAY in the Egyptian Red Sea to experience the diving on offer there.
Book your next Red Sea dive adventure with SOMABAY! For more information, visit www.somabay.com.
Stay at the Breakers Diving & Surfing Lodge when you visit! For more information, visit www.thebreakers-somabay.com.
Find out more about ORCA Dive Clubs at SOMABAY at www.orca-diveclubs.com/en/soma-bay-en.
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