Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) was invited to present the findings from their ecological survey on the Ngermedellim Marine Sanctuary. The Melekeok State Legislature and Government gathered on the evening of January 26 at the Penthouse Conference Room to hear from different members of the environmental sector, including PICRC.
The PICRC presentation, led by Ms. Lincy Lee Marino and Mr. Asap Bukurrou, focused on explaining the process of the ecological survey in the waters of Melekeok, as well as what the findings were. Ms. Marino summarized at the end of the presentation that the populations of fish and corals in the marine conservation area are stable, between the two years surveyed, from 2017 to 2019.
PICRC is conducting surveys in all Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in the Protected Areas Network (PAN) in order to provide data for states to make informed decisions about their natural resources. The surveys happen every 2 years; they completed their baseline survey of all sites in 2015 and finished their follow up surveys in 2017 and 2019.
PICRC will continue to work with state governments to strengthen local stewardship of its ocean resources. After every survey of PAN MPAs, results will be analyzed and a written report of the results is prepared. The report is made available to the state governments, PAN Office and the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism. PICRC researchers will be available to present the results in person if the state requests such presentations.