February 1996, huge trap net constructions are erected along the northeast tip of Sulawesi, north of the funnel at the Lembeh Straits, along the Tangkoko Nature Reserve. A joint venture project of a Taiwanese Fishing & Sea food company, and high ranking Indonesian military & ex-military officers (including the ex-head of the secret service).

April 3,1997, an American tourist, Robin Marinos accidentally stumbles upon the nets and films the hauling of the nets. Films the killing of a Whale shark and other related material.For 5 weeks the tourist became activist, constantly campaigning in North Sulawesi to permanently remove the killer nets after investigating the operation and discovering the nets are along a migratory path and the company was operating outside of international and local laws.Using all the possible avenues available, with the help of the many local allies, the activist brings local public national and international attention to the issue and the detrimental consequences of such nets operating unabated.

Beginning May 1997, at the peak of a sabotage campaign, which included several life threatening situations, a timely invitation to an important conference in Singapore yields results. The Indonesian government orders the removal of the nets.

May 9, 1997, a government envoy promises permanent removal of the nets in a secret meeting.The activist receives an award from the Lembeh Preservation Society, a strong ally during the campaign. Also is a special guest speaker at the ADEC Conference, and top exhibitor at the conservation exhibition, thus publicly and internationally exposing and denouncing the use of any such trap nets.

September, 1997, the Indonesian government reneges on its promises, bowing to corruption and ignoring laws thus allowing the trap net operation to reopen, this time with security measures.Soon thereafter a major campaign is re-ignited that includes many previous allies as well as new ones, using the information and footage of the previous campaign to smash the company and its government allies. CNBC's investigation and consequent continuous broadcasting of this information had strong impact.

November 1997, the national government openly denounces such fishing practices and expels the Taiwanese company from Indonesia.A legal investigation was started, but was put on hold due to the monetary crisis.The initiative started by Robin Marinos and the Lembeh Strait Society to convert the North Lembeh Strait area reaching to the North east border of Manado to form a National Marine Sanctuary is being considered. At present it is on hold due to other governmental priorities. The drive to protect this pristine area will continue until the desired results are achieved.

The boat enters the maze of trap nets from the far side (north side), then drives southward scaring roaming fish toward and into the final floor "Tiger" trap net, eventually lifting and hauling the net, slaughtering all its contents. The nets took five weeks to construct and were completed March 1996."

On April 3, 1997, two tourists accidentally witness the slaughter of a WHALE SHARK while on way with local boatman to snorkel in Lembeh Strait. The two eventually free a large Turtle also caught in the nets. All events were videotaped and photographed.