This week, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is hosting a socio-economic workshop led by Dr. Kirsten Oleson and PhD Student Ms. Rachel Dacks from University of Hawaii at Manoa, PhD Student Ms. Staci Lewis from Stanford University and PICRC researcher Ms. Lincy Marino. Participating in the workshop are students from Palau Community College, Koror State Rangers and Conservation Officers, and community members.
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This week-long workshop will cover basics of social science and survey techniques, excel data analysis, survey design, and survey etiquette for human subjects. During the last two days, participants will conduct surveys, applying the skills they have gained over the week. Once completed, participants will be qualified as surveyors for the Palau National Marine Sanctuary’s (PNMS) socio-economic study.
According to Ms. Marino, “This workshop is beneficial to the participants for the purposes of capacity building in their careers and education.”
The PNMS socio-economic study is a two year long project led by Dr. Oleson, Ms. Dacks, Ms. Lewis, and Ms. Marino in collaboration with National Geographic Pristine Seas, and the PNMS Office. The aim of these surveys is to better understand the seafood preference of residents and tourists in Palau. Through these surveys, the PNMS Office hopes to better understand the market demand for reef and pelagic fish.
“We are excited to be conducting research that addresses gaps the PNMS identified as important management needs.” says Dr. Oleson. [/restrict]