Overview:
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) recently coordinated a two-week Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Training in partnership with visiting experts from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and multiple local and international agencies. The collaboration equipped approximately 20 participants from public and private sectors with practical skills and equipment—including vinegar guns and Manta tow surveys—to monitor reefs, remove COTS, and protect Palau’s vital marine ecosystems.
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) recently coordinated a two-week Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control Training to strengthen Palau’s capacity to monitor and respond to COTS threats and protect its coral reefs. The training was led by visiting experts from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in Australia, including PICRC’s Board Member Dr. David Williamson, and was supported by the Koror State Government, The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and the Environment (MAFE), the Australian Embassy and Australian Government, the University of Queensland, and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. The collaboration focused on strengthening COTS response capacity, protecting priority reefs, and building practical skills among Palau’s science, management, and tourism sectors.
There were approximately 20 participants from PICRC, the Palau Pacific Resort, Paddling Palau, Airai Rangers, Koror State Government Division of Conservation and Law Enforcement (KSG-DCLE), and the Bureau of Fisheries under MAFE.
As the local coordinator, PICRC supported the training through Chief Researcher Ikelau Otto, who coordinated the project. Additional PICRC staff also participated in the training and fieldwork alongside the participating organizations.
Over the two weeks, participants conducted reef surveys and COTS control activities at Ngederrak Reef and Lighthouse Reefs. The team completed 21 dives and removed 2,205 COTS across 20.95 hectares.
The training began with presentations by the GBRMPA on the broader impacts COTS can have on coral reefs. Participants were introduced to COTS control equipment, including vinegar guns, and received hands-on instruction on how to assemble, use, dismantle, and clean the equipment. The training also covered the Manta tow survey method, which uses a snorkeler to rapidly survey reef areas to identify heavy COTS density or hotspots to focus control efforts.
Dr. Williamson noted that COTS are native to Palau and are part of the natural reef ecosystem, but high densities can threaten coral reefs. He also highlighted the importance of early monitoring and intervention during outbreaks.
The training concluded with a closing ceremony on September 18 at PICRC. On behalf of PICRC’s CEO, Chief Researcher Ikelau Otto shared her remarks, recognizing the partners, trainers, and participants for their contributions and emphasized the importance of strengthening local skills and preparedness
His Excellency Toby Sharpe, Australia’s Ambassador to Palau, highlighted the growing challenges facing coral reefs and the importance of continued partnerships in protecting Palau’s marine environment. Koror State Governor Eyos Rudimch expressed appreciation for the training, participating organizations, and equipment provided. MAFE Minister Steven Victor recognized the Australia-Palau collaboration and the involvement of public and private sector organizations in addressing the COTS threat.
During the closing of the training, the COTS control vinegar injecting guns were transferred to PICRC, MAFE and Koror State. These equipment will be used to support continued response efforts.
PICRC also brought the training to the wider community through its Berius el Chais radio program hosted by Mr. Nolan Rebluud and Mr. Asap Bukurrou. On September 15, Dr. Williamson joined the program to discuss COTS, reef protection, and the Australia-Palau partnership.
Through PICRC’s coordination and continued collaboration with local and international partners, particularly Australia, the training strengthened Palau’s local capacity and provided practical knowledge and equipment to support ongoing COTS monitoring and control. The partnership provides a foundation for continued collaboration to protect Palau’s priority reefs and strengthen the long-term resilience of its coral reef ecosystems.