International Coral Reef Partners Visit PICRC to Explore Coral Restoration and Marine Conservation in Palau

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) recently welcomed representatives from the Great Barrier Reef Foundation (GBRF), the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), and the Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) for a field visit focused on local coral restoration work, marine management, and research on Palau’s marine ecosystems. The field visit was on August 30^th, on the eve of the 55th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting. 

This visit allowed key partners to share knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and learn firsthand about ongoing coral research and conservation efforts in Palau. The delegation included GBRF Executive Director Theresa Fyffe and Dr. Kalara McGregor, AIMS CEO Prof. Selina Stead, Dr. Manuel Gonzalez Rivero, and Amanda Brigdale, CRRF’s Gerda Ucharm. PICRC was led by its CEO Ms. Roxanne Siual Blesam, Director Caryn Lkong Koshiba, and other members of the PICRC team.

The visit began at PICRC, where the delegation was welcomed by the PICRC team and Board Chair Surech Bells. Guests toured the Palau Aquarium and research tanks. Mr. Asap Bukurrou provided an overview of the facilities and ongoing work.

The group then visited PICRC’s coral nursery, at Ucheliungs reef, which has been constructed and managed in collaboration with the CORALASSIST team from Newcastle University. Palau Aquarium Researcher, Dr. Cinzia Alessi, introduced the delegation to the ongoing activities of the coral nursery program. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss coral restoration and the importance of developing strategies to support reef ecosystems in a changing climate.

A field visit to Ngermid Bay followed, which included a snorkeling session and an introduction to the bay’s significance as a natural laboratory for studying coral responses and adaptation to climate change. Dr. Alessi and Mr. Bukurrou shared insights into the research taking place in the area and highlighted how Palau’s reefs can contribute to a broader understanding of coral resilience.

The delegation also visited Jellyfish Lake, one of Palau’s most iconic marine lakes. Gerda Ucharm of CRRF led the visit and provided an overview of Palau’s distinctive marine lake systems, their ecological importance, and the unique environments they support.

The final stop was the Ngerumekaol Marine Protected Area, where the renowned Ulong Channel is located. Dr. Alessi and Mr. Bukurrou presented information about the site and its conservation significance. The group then entered the water for a snorkeling session to observe the reef ecosystem within the protected area.

Throughout the visit, discussions highlighted the value of collaboration and knowledge exchange between research institutions and conservation organizations working to protect coral reefs and coastal ecosystems.

“Visits like this provide an important opportunity to connect international expertise with the research and conservation work taking place here in Palau,” said PICRC’s CEO, Roxanne Siual Blesam. “Palau offers an exceptional living laboratory for understanding coral reef resilience, and partnerships such as these help strengthen our collective ability to respond to the challenges facing coral reefs around the world.”

PICRC extends its appreciation to the representatives of GBRF, AIMS, and CRRF for joining the field visit and for their continued commitment to coral reef science and restoration. 

As coral reefs face increasing pressures from climate change and other environmental threats, collaboration across institutions and borders remains essential. PICRC looks forward to continuing to build partnerships that advance research, support restoration, and contribute to the long-term protection of Palau’s marine ecosystems.