Nationwide Study Shows Strong Public Support for Palau National Marine Sanctuary

By: L.N. Reklai

KOROR, Palau — A new nationwide study shows that a strong majority of Palauans continue to support the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), viewing it as key to protecting marine resources and ensuring food security for future generations, though gaps in awareness and access to affordable pelagic fish remain challenges.

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) released Technical Report No. 25-12 in September 2025, titled “Understanding the Perceived Human Well-Being Benefits and Values of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS): A Nationwide Study.” The report represents Palau’s first socio-economic assessment focused on how residents perceive the sanctuary’s benefits and policies.

According to the study, 70.1 percent of respondents said they support the PNMS, with 41.3 percent supporting and 28.8 percent strongly supporting the sanctuary. Only a small minority opposed it. Most respondents cited the protection of marine resources, maintenance of seafood supply, and improvement of ocean health as the sanctuary’s top benefits.

The PNMS, which took full effect in 2020, protects 80 percent of Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from commercial fishing and other extractive activities, leaving 20 percent open for domestic use. It was established under the Palau National Marine Sanctuary Act (RPPL 09-49) and later amended in 2019 (RPPL 10-35) to adjust management measures.

Awareness and Knowledge Gaps

Despite overall support, the study found that nearly 44 percent of respondents had limited knowledge about the sanctuary and its boundaries. Most information came from social media and radio.

Researchers noted that knowledge gaps were most visible in the western and southern regions, where reef fishing remains more common. In contrast, households involved in pelagic fishing—mostly in the Southwest Islands—showed higher awareness and stronger belief in the sanctuary’s ecological and national importance.

Economic and Social Findings

The study found that most households earned less than $20,000 annually, with primary income coming from government jobs or benefits rather than fishing. About 38.9 percent of households engaged in reef fishing, 2 percent in pelagic fishing, and 17 percent in both.

Fish prices remain a concern. The average price for pelagic fish was $6.60 per pound, and only one-third of respondents said it was affordable. In contrast, 79 percent said reef fish, priced at about $3.20 per pound, was affordable and more accessible.

Pelagic fish were favored for their health and quality, while reef fish were preferred for taste and availability, especially for traditional events and family gatherings.

Views on Legislative Proposals

The study also assessed public awareness of a proposed law to expand the Domestic Fishing Zone (DFZ), which would reduce the sanctuary’s protected area. More than 56 percent of respondents said they had not heard of the proposal. Among those who had, most did not support the expansion, preferring to maintain current protection levels.

Challenges and Recommendations

While 88.4 percent of respondents said the PNMS had not negatively affected their livelihoods, many highlighted barriers such as the high cost of pelagic fish and limited local access.

To address these issues, the report recommended:

• Installing Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in every state to increase pelagic fish supply;
  
  
• Lowering pelagic fish prices through localized supply systems;
  
  
• Expanding public outreach and education to improve understanding of PNMS goals and policies.

Uneven Support Across Fishing Groups

The study found that frequent fishers were more skeptical of PNMS restrictions, expressing concern about limited access to fishing grounds. However, customary fishing households showed the highest environmental awareness and strongest support for the sanctuary’s cultural and ecological goals.

Conclusion

PICRC researchers concluded that Palauans broadly view the PNMS as a cornerstone of national identity and environmental stewardship, though public understanding and fish accessibility require ongoing attention.

“The findings reaffirm that most Palauans value the PNMS for protecting marine life and sustaining the nation’s future,” the report stated. “However, ensuring equitable benefits and strengthening outreach remain essential for the sanctuary’s long-term success.”