Just who is the predator?

Discerning sharks should consider the waters of Palau as a vacation destination. And once they are there, they should think hard about staying.

Palau, an island nation of some 20,000 people, is the world's first country to ban shark fishing in its waters.

The shark reserve area is about the size of Texas and is home to many species of sharks.

Palau President Johnson Toribiong conceded that it will be difficult for tiny Palau, with only one patrol boat, to enforce the ban, but he hopes other countries will follow Palau's lead.

In the past few decades, more and more people have become the predators of the menacing marine predators. Shark fishing has increased to meet a growing demand for shark fin soup, which is particularly popular among the wealthy of China.

Great hammerheads, leopard sharks, oceanic whitetip sharks and more than 130 other species are in danger of extinction. Because of their long life spans and low fertility rates, sharks are vulnerable to overfishing.

Divers go to Palau to see dramatic coral and rich marine life. And sharks. Lots and lots of sharks if President Toribiong's plans work out.