1 October 2012: The October 2012 issue of the “Micronesia Challenge Newsletter,” published by the Micronesia Challenge Secretariat, highlights the establishment of shark protected waters in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). It also recognizes Palau as the winner of the 2012 Future Policy Award for its marine policies.

The newsletter notes that Kosrae has become the first FSM state to establish shark protections in its waters, and says the move is an important step in the creation of the world’s first regional shark sanctuary, which is planned to encompass 2 million square miles of ocean. [Publication: Micronesia Challenge Newsletter, October 2012]