Manta rays get sanctuary

Govenor Sebastian Anefal made the announcement at a recent oceanic conference saying that an area of 21,350 sq km (8,243 sq m) around his state have been designated as a protected area for manta rays and their habitat by the Yap legislature.

Anyone harming or killing manta rays or destroying their habitat, comprising 16 main islands and atolls and 145 islets, would face a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

"Man is not chief. The land and waters are chief," governor Anefal told the conference. "We need to protect our waters to protect our way of life and ensure that resources are plentiful for our next generations. Setting aside all the waters of Yap State to protect the manta ray and its habitat is the first step in this effort."

"This is a bold move to conserve thousands of miles (kilometers) of ocean for an iconic species that is vital to the ocean ecosystem,"said Tim Keeney, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration co-chairman of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force.

"Micronesian nations are leading the way in ensuring the long-term survival of their marine resources."