Overview:
Palau International Coral Reef Center representatives joined coral scientists and conservation experts from across the Indo-Pacific at a Taiwan symposium focused on the future of coral reefs. PICRC shared its work in climate-smart coral restoration and heat-tolerant corals while highlighting Palau’s commitment to ocean stewardship and international collaboration.
KOROR, Palau — Coral reef scientists and conservation experts from across the Indo-Pacific gathered in Taiwan in June to share advances in reef research and strengthen collaboration to address growing threats to coral ecosystems.
Representatives of the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) joined the 3rd Taiwan International Symposium on Coral Reefs, held June 6-7 at National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung.
The symposium, organized by the Taiwan Coral Reef Society in partnership with National Sun Yat-sen University, brought together researchers, conservation practitioners and marine policy experts to discuss coral reef science, conservation and sustainable management.
PICRC Chief Executive Officer Roxanne Siual Blesam and Aquarium Supervisor Daniel Cassidy represented the center.
Blesam was invited to deliver opening remarks alongside the dean of National Sun Yat-sen University, the vice president of Taiwan’s National Academy of Marine Research and the president of the Taiwan Coral Reef Society.
In her remarks, Blesam highlighted the importance of coral reefs to the people of Palau and called for proactive conservation efforts and stronger international collaboration.
“While Palau’s reefs remain relatively healthy compared to many parts of the world, we recognize that this is not a reason for complacency. Rather, it is an opportunity for action,” Blesam said. “The future of coral reefs will depend on our willingness to work together and act with urgency.”
Cassidy presented PICRC’s work on coral restoration and heat-tolerant coral research, highlighting efforts to strengthen Palau’s technical capacity in both areas.
Through partnerships with international experts and organizations, including Mars Sustainable Solutions, the Coralassist Lab at Newcastle University and SECORE International, PICRC has expanded its expertise in coral restoration.
Over the past two years, PICRC has installed more than 400 Reef Stars, artificial reef structures used to support coral fragments, at degraded reef sites in Koror, Ngaraard and Ngarchelong states.
The center has also produced nearly 62,000 coral juveniles for restoration efforts, including about 12,000 identified as having potential heat tolerance.
PICRC also works with local communities as part of its restoration programs, recognizing their role in supporting long-term reef conservation.
“This symposium provided an opportunity to showcase the steps PICRC has taken over the past three years to become a leader in climate-smart coral restoration in the Micronesian region,” Cassidy said. “This builds on Palau’s longstanding history of ocean stewardship and proactive resource management.”
The symposium also featured discussions on coral genomics and evolution, emerging technologies for reef monitoring and community outreach initiatives.
PICRC said the gathering provided an important platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening international partnerships and advancing collective efforts to protect coral reefs across the Indo-Pacific.
The center expressed appreciation to the Taiwan Coral Reef Society, National Sun Yat-sen University and the symposium’s co-organizers for supporting the exchange of research and conservation knowledge.