Overview:
Palau reaffirmed its commitment to coral reef conservation and international collaboration through its participation in the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting in Puerto Rico. The gathering brought together reef managers, scientists and policymakers from across U.S. jurisdictions and the Freely Associated States to address coral bleaching threats, strengthen reef resilience strategies, and advance coordinated conservation efforts. Palau also highlighted its leadership role in regional reef restoration, research partnerships and science-based marine management.
The Republic of Palau participated in the 51st U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) Meeting, held from April 28 to May 5, 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Palau’s delegation included Geraldine Rengiil, Palau’s Point of Contact to the USCRTF; Adeeshia Tellei of the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC); and Dr. Robert Richmond, Advisor to the USCRTF All Islands Committee (AIC) and PICRC Board Member. The meeting convened U.S. federal, state, territorial and affiliated partners, including the Freely Associated States, to strengthen collaboration and advance coordinated coral reef conservation efforts.
Throughout the week, the AIC and various technical working groups met to address priority areas in coral reef management, including enforcement, watershed management, fisheries, communications, and reef restoration. The Enforcement Working Group discussed opportunities for enhanced collaboration, including potential learning exchanges between Puerto Rico officers and other jurisdictions to strengthen compliance and enforcement capacity. Meanwhile, the Communications Working Group highlighted the completion of a new USCRTF website and logo aimed at improving outreach, visibility, and public engagement.
Participants also learned about successful watershed management efforts in Puerto Rico, particularly within the Guanica watershed, where collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, researchers, and local communities has strengthened monitoring and protection of critical reef-linked ecosystems. These discussions reinforced the importance of ridge-to-reef approaches in addressing land-based sources of pollution and improving long-term reef resilience.
In addition, participants took part in a restoration learning exchange at the Institute for Socio-Ecological Research (ISER Caribe), where they observed innovative aquaculture and restoration initiatives involving corals, mangroves, crabs, and sea urchins. These efforts demonstrated the growing role of multi-species restoration and community-based approaches in supporting ecosystem resilience, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.
Additional discussions were held with NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program regarding the establishment of two Reef Research Coordination Institutes under the reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act. Established through cooperative agreements, the Atlantic Reef Research Coordination Institute is housed at Nova Southeastern University, while the Pacific Reef Research Coordination Institute is housed within the University of Hawaiʻi System, in collaboration with the University of Guam and PICRC. These institutes will coordinate federally directed research, address regional conservation and capacity gaps, support implementation of the National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy, strengthen collaboration among coral reef managers and research institutions, and build non-federal capacity across U.S. coral reef jurisdictions and the Freely Associated States.
The week concluded with the USCRTF Business Meeting, which highlighted the status of Puerto Rico’s coral reefs and the increasing threats posed by marine heatwaves and coral bleaching. A key briefing from the NOAA Coral Reef Watch indicated a high-risk El Niño-related trend, with severe coral bleaching anticipated from July through the end of 2026. In response, participants emphasized the importance of strengthening monitoring systems, preparedness, and coordinated response strategies across jurisdictions. NOAA also introduced its updated Coral Reef Resilience Strategy, reinforcing a science-based and proactive approach to reef management.
The business meeting also featured updates from the AIC, presentations from the National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program, and “Bright Spots” showcasing successful conservation initiatives across participating jurisdictions, including Palau’s continued leadership in marine conservation and reef restoration efforts.
In addition, the USCRTF successfully adopted its first-ever Standard Operating Procedures for coral bleaching monitoring, marking an important milestone in strengthening coordinated reef response efforts across jurisdictions. The adoption of these protocols is especially timely given current forecasts and growing concerns surrounding potential mass coral bleaching events in the coming months.
Looking ahead, the 52nd USCRTF meeting is scheduled for September 2026. Palau, which previously hosted two USCRTF meetings, is among the jurisdictions being considered for the Spring 2027 gathering.
Established in 1996, the AIC serves as a consortium of U.S. state, territorial, and commonwealth governments, along with affiliate members from the Freely Associated States, working collaboratively to strengthen coral reef conservation and management. Through coordinated action and partnership with the USCRTF, the AIC supports science-based solutions and policy alignment to protect coral reef ecosystems.
Palau remains committed to working with regional and international partners to advance integrated, science-driven solutions and community engagement efforts that ensure the long-term sustainability of coral reefs and the communities that depend on them.