Pacific island of Palau becomes first country to ban sunscreens

Palau's pioneering ban on "reef-toxic" sunscreens took effect Wednesday as the tiny Pacific island nation introduced strict environmental measures that also include creating one of the world's largest marine sanctuaries.

"We have to live and respect the environment because the environment is the nest of life, and without it nobody in Palau can survive," President Tommy Remengesau told AFP as the new laws took effect.

Palau, which lies in the western Pacific about halfway between Australia and Japan, is renowned for its marine life and is regarded as one of the world's best diving destinations, but the government is concerned its popularity is coming at a cost. Remengesau said there was scientific evidence that the chemicals found in most sunscreens were toxic to corals, even in minute doses.

With Palau's popular dive sites regularly packed with tourists there were concerns a build-up of these chemicals would irreparably harm the reefs. From Jan. 1, any reef-toxic sunscreen imported or sold in Palau will be confiscated and the owner will be fined $1,000.

"We don't mind being the first nation to ban these chemicals, and we will do our part to spread the word. With better education and awareness, more jurisdictions will have the confidence to take this necessary action. The science is clear, and once that message has spread, we will be the first of many," Remengesau said.

Along with the sunscreen ban, Palau's much-touted marine sanctuary came into effect on Jan. 1, closing 80% of its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to fishing and other marine activities including mining and shark finning. The legislation also requires most foreign fleets working in the limited fishing area to land their catch in Palau and then pay an export tax.

Environment Minister Umiich Sengebau said the law ensures Palau has first rights to purchase fish caught in the area to satisfy the local demand before exports are allowed. Remengesau said the ban was needed to "let the ocean heal" after years of mass commercial fishing in the Pacific that has seen stocks of some species such as bluefin tuna fall to critical levels. It follows Palau's establishment of the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009 to prevent finning, a practice that sees fish have their fins hacked off before they are thrown back into the sea to die.