<span style="color: #222222;">Palau's pioneering ban on "reef-toxic" sunscreens takes effect today. The tiny Pacific island nation introduced strict environmental measures.<br />'' <br />''Palau is renowned for its marine life and is regarded as one of the world's best diving destinations. But, the government is concerned this poses an environmental cost.<br />''<br />''President Tommy Remengesau said there was scientific evidence that chemicals found in most sunscreens were toxic to corals.<br />''       <br />''From New Year's day, any reef-toxic sunscreen imported or sold in Palau will be confiscated and the owner will be fined. Along with the ban, Palau's much-touted marine sanctuary came into effect on January 1.<br />''<br />''This closes 80 per cent of its exclusive economic zone to fishing and other marine activities including mining and shark finning.<br />''<br />''It follows Palau's establishment of the world's first shark sanctuary in 2009.</span><br />