An independent nation since 1994, the Republic of Palau was formerly a United Nations Trust Territory administered by the U.S. following WWII. Known today for its pristine environment and astounding biodiversity, Palau is considered to be among the world's top dive destinations.
With Palau 's economic growth still in its infancy, tourism industry based on world-class scuba diving is a leading source of revenue. Destruction of Palau 's shark population not only contributes to the worldwide war on sharks, it also poses a very real threat to Palau 's economic survival.
