Overview:
Palau is taking a major leap forward in marine research and ocean monitoring with the deployment of its first two Spotter buoys in the Ngarchelong and Koror lagoons. Provided through a partnership with PacIOOS and local government agencies, these real-time data-gathering tools track everything from wave height to sea surface temperature—empowering researchers, educators, and the community. Explore the live data and learn how this milestone strengthens our coastal resilience.
Palau has deployed its first two Spotter buoys, expanding access to real-time ocean observations and strengthening the country’s capacity for marine research, ocean monitoring, and public awareness of ocean conditions.
The two buoys are deployed in Ngarchelong Northern Lagoon and Koror Western Lagoon. Their deployment provides new opportunities to collect and access valuable data about Palau’s surrounding waters.
The Spotter buoys were provided by the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS) through a collaboration with the Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF), Ngarchelong State Government, and Koror State Government.
The buoys collect ocean data, including significant wave height, wave period and direction, barometric pressure, and sea surface temperature. These observations can help researchers better understand ocean conditions and support efforts to improve public awareness of changing sea and weather conditions.
The data from both buoys are publicly accessible online, allowing researchers, local communities, educators, and other interested users to explore ocean observations. The public can access the data through the following links:
- Ngarchelong Northern Lagoon: http://spotter.sofarocean.com/public/SPOT-32531C
- Koror Western Lagoon: http://spotter.sofarocean.com/public/SPOT-32528C
The deployment of these two buoys marks an important step toward strengthening Palau’s ocean monitoring capabilities and making marine data more accessible. The observations can support scientific research, education, and informed decision-making related to Palau’s marine environment.