The Micronesian Shark Foundation has now been tagging grey reef sharks for over two years. The Save Our Seas Foundation supported shark tagging program includes tagging of sharks with acoustic and satellite tags, deploying acoustic loggers around Palau’s reefs, collecting measurements and DNA samples from tagged sharks. In coordination with the Attorney General’s office of the Republic of Palau, further information is obtained through DNA samples from confiscated shark fins. These samples are analyzed in the SOS Shark Centre in Florida.

But how are sharks tagged? Save Our Seas Foundation CEOs Peter Verhoog and Georgina Wiersma had the privilege to board a ‘tagging boat’, together with Dr. Mark Meekan and his research assistants. To be able to tag them, sharks have to be caught with a line and blunt hook and taken aboard the boat. All sharks in Palau have ‘internal tags’. This means, that the tags are inserted in the shark’s body through a small cut after injection of an anaesthetic fluid. When the tag is inserted, the wound is closed again and the shark is released. The whole process lasts around 8 to 9 minutes. Thanks to the funds of the Save Our Seas Foundation, the Micronesian Shark Foundation can now use state-of-the-art new tags, with a battery life of over 10 years!

The Micronesian Shark Foundation has made project presentations to the Honorable Johnson Toribiong, Palau’s current president, the Counsel of Traditional Chiefs, board members from the Palau Visitor’s Authority (PVA), Belau Tourism Association (BTA) board members and general membership, the Explorers Club and Oceanic Society Groups, also emphasizing the importance of sharks for an healthy ecosystem and reefs, and their value for the flourishing Palauan tourist industry. And with results: Palau became the first official Shark Sanctuary of the world!