(Koror, Palau) Palau’s reputation as a global leader in marine conservation was further solidified with a recent expedition by the Pristine Seas project. The project, a collaborative effort led by the National Geographic Society, documented a wealth of marine life, including species not seen before in Palau, while also identifying areas where conservation efforts are crucial.
“We were really seeing some very healthy marine ecosystems, very rich reef habitats and biodiversity,” said Whitney Goodell, marine ecologist and geospatial analyst with National Geographic Pristine Seas Project. The expedition focused on two key areas: the remote Southwest Islands and the deep-sea habitats near the main islands of Palau. Both regions had limited data available, and the findings were significant.
The Goodell highlighted the unique ecosystems of the Southwest Islands, noting their “high abundance of pelagic fishes, so things like yellowfin tuna, and silky sharks.” This abundance points to a healthy food chain within the marine ecosystem.
However, the expedition also discovered evidence of threats to this delicate balance. Longline fishing gear was found entangled on reefs in the Southwest Islands, raising concerns about the impact on crucial top predators like reef sharks.
The key takeaway was the importance of marine protected areas like Palau’s National Marine Sanctuary. “Large sanctuaries… are important for protecting biodiversity, allowing for healthy ecosystems that support fisheries,” explained Goodell. Effective management that considers habitat protection while allowing fishing in designated areas is a potential solution.
The expedition also uncovered the vast unknown of the deep sea. Hundreds of species of invertebrates and fish were documented, highlighting the need for further exploration. “This is, it is very unknown. So there’s still a lot to be explored in Palau,” concluded Goodell. Palau is taking a proactive approach by collaborating with other research teams to continue exploring the deep sea. The additional data will be crucial for informing future management decisions that balance conservation and sustainable fishing practices.