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FIRST FRIDAY FILMS
Film explores troubling truths about impacts of illegal fishing on sharks
»A different kind of scary film about Micronesia’s top marine predators
First Friday Films presents the new film Shark on the Ledge on Friday, May 2, at 6:30pm at American Memorial Park. (Contributed photo)
First Friday Films presents the new film Shark on the Ledge on Friday, May 2, at 6:30pm at American Memorial Park, displaying some difficult truths about the impact of illegal fishing on shark populations in Palau.
Palau was the first nation in the world to grant full protection status to shark populations with the signing of a landmark agreement signed by President Johnson Toribiong in 2009. On direct request by the President, the Micronesian Shark Foundation was granted full access to conduct research to analyze the effect of human influence on shark populations in Palau.
Shark on the Ledge documents the two-week voyage of four scientists who tried to deploy satellite tags on sharks on Helen’s Reef, a sandy atoll rising only a few feet above sea level in the southernmost isolated corner of Palau. Their experience in the believed-pristine waters of Helen’s Reef was shocking in comparison with the heavily trafficked and populated areas of Koror where they visited next. The film displays the devastating destruction of illegal fishing and long-lining as well as the need to protect broad-scale marine biodiversity, starting with sharks as top predators.
First Friday Films is a partnership between American Memorial Park, the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality and the Humanities Council with support from other organizations and individuals. This film is sponsored by the Micronesian Shark Foundation and was made possible by donations from the Bohemian Foundation and the assistance of First Friday Films supporters.
As always, our film events are free and open to the public. This event will run approximately 90 minutes.
For more information about First Friday Films, email fffsaipan@gmail.com or check out www.firstfridayfilmssaipan.blogspot.com. (PR)
