Scattered across the Pacific Ocean, and equal to the size of Mexico, waters around the Marshall Islands have become a shark sanctuary, at the time of designation in 2011, almost doubling the area in which sharks were protected globally. In the Marshall Island's EEZ, it is now illegal to commercially fish sharks, sell any shark products, or use wire leaders (type of longline gear) to fish for sharks. To add measurable strength to these prohibitons, fines can run as steep as US$200,000 for anyone caught in possession of shark products or fishing for sharks. Tourism, including shark-diving, in these pristine waters, is a supporting pillar of the Island’s economy, home to less than 68,000 people. By protecting these species, not only are shark’s populations protected, but marine biodiversity has rebounded due to restricted access to fishing vessels and increased scrutiny of landings.

Recent news:

Marshall Islands gets high marks for shark protection

For more information:

http://www.ecology.com/2012/10/26/worlds-largest-shark-sanctuary/

http://www.pewtrusts.org/en/about/news-room/press-releases/2011/10/02/worldand39s-largest-shark-sanctuary-declared-in-central-pacific