Overview:
A key provision of the bill prohibits non-Palauan citizens from fishing from land anywhere on Koror Island, Malakal, Ngerkebesang and surrounding islets. They may only fish from a registered boat or watercraft.
By: Summer Kennard
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 3, 2026) Koror State has passed an updated fishing license bill aimed at modernizing fishing regulations, improving permit management and strengthening protections for marine resources.
The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2026, and introduces monthly licensing requirements along with revised fees, particularly for non-Palauan fishers. Governor Eyos Rudimch said the changes were long overdue, noting that Koror’s previous fishing policy had not been updated since 1995.
“This bill has not been updated since 1995,” Rudimch said. “Tourists were able to get a fishing permit valid for 30 days for only $20. Now it is $50. We want to modernize our fishing policies and permit management in Koror.”
Rudimch emphasized that the legislation is focused not only on fees, but also on sustainability and improved oversight of fishing activities.
“The goal is to strengthen protections and improve how we track fishing activities,” he said. “Scientific studies and research have shown that fish are often being harvested before they reach full size, which affects long-term sustainability. This bill helps ensure our marine resources are managed responsibly for future generations.”
Under the new law, all fishing licenses in Koror State waters will be issued on a monthly basis. Anyone fishing in Koror must apply for a license and provide information on the type of fishing they plan to do, how often they will fish, and whether their catch will be sold or consumed.
The bill establishes updated license fees. Palauan citizens will pay $25 per month for commercial fishing, $10 per month for harvesting seaweed, clams or crustaceans, and $100 per month for reef fishing using nets. Tourists and temporary visitors will pay $50 per day. Non-Palauan residents of Palau will pay $50 per month, excluding net fishing.
A key provision of the bill prohibits non-Palauan citizens from fishing from land anywhere on Koror Island, Malakal, Ngerkebesang and surrounding islets. They may only fish from a registered boat or watercraft.
Palauan citizens, children under 13, and spouses of Palauan citizens are exempt from fishing fees, though Koror State Rangers may request documentation to verify eligibility.
All fees collected under the new law will be deposited into the Koror State Treasury and used for conservation-related purposes.
Rudimch said enforcement will rely on existing state resources and partnerships.
“Enforcement will be done in coordination with our public partners,” he said. “Rangers will continue monitoring fishing activities at sea, including checking vessels and required documentation. This bill provides clearer guidelines and stronger authority on fishing license fees to ensure compliance.”
Local fishermen interviewed in Koror expressed cautious support for the measure, particularly its conservation goals.
Rondy, a fisherman from Ngerchemai who practices cast and spear fishing, said he does not expect the new rules to significantly affect his daily routine.
“No, the fees seem reasonable,” he said. “I think it will benefit us more than affect us.”
He added that stronger enforcement could help protect marine resources in the long term.
“They are enforcing sustainability and management. Our fish and ocean are a big resource for us Palauans, so we need to take care of it,” he said.
Wilson, a fisherman from Ngermid who uses spear, line and cast fishing methods, also said he does not anticipate major changes to his day-to-day fishing. However, he expressed hope that the new regulations will address declining fish populations around Koror and the Rock Islands.
“I hope it does, because I know the fish population around Koror has decreased,” Wilson said. “It has become hard to fill up one small cooler of fish, especially around the Rock Islands.”