PICRC establishes ties with Toba Aquarium, Japan’s premiere aquarium

On Saturday February 18th, 2017, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and Toba Aquarium signed an official Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation between the two aquariums. The Friendship Signing Ceremony was held at PICRC ground.

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PICRC’s CEO, Dr. Yimnang Golbuu and Mr. Yshihito Wakai, Vice Director of Toba Aquarium, participated in the signing ceremony. Mr. Eiichi Ishigaki, the Vice Governor of Mie Prefecture, Mr. Masanobu Hioki, Vice-speaker of Mie Prefectural Assembly, and numerous dignitaries from Mie Prefecture were present to witness the signing ceremony. Vice Chairman of the PICRC’s Board of Directors, Mr. Hiroyuki Tanaka, Director of Research and Aquarium, Ms. Geraldine Rengiil and Director of Administration, Ms. Mingrang Kloulechad, Chief Aquarist Mr. Asap Bukurrou and other PICRC staff were also present at the signing ceremony.

Toba Aquarium and Palau International Coral Reef Center are both engaged in the activities to enhance knowledge on marine organisms and the ecological systems that surround them so we can better manage and conserve them. The memorandum states that both aquariums will assist each other in enhancing activities related to husbandry, exhibition, research, education and preservation of coral reef organisms.

The Toba Aquarium, which is located in Mie Prefecture, was founded in 1955. Since then, it has grown to become Japan’s top aquarium, attracting about 800,000 visitors every year. With thousands of species, from Dugongs to poison frogs, the Toba Aquarium holds the most species in Japan.

“We are delighted that on the 20^th Anniversary of Palau-Mie Sister-State Affiliation, PICRC and Toba Aquarium are able to establish their relationship with this Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation. I know we will greatly benefit from this relationship as we learn from the vast knowledge and expertise of Toba Aquarium, which they have accumulated over 60 years,” stated PICRC CEO, Dr. Golbuu. “We thank Toba Aquarium and Mie Prefecture for their support and for their friendship.” [/restrict]