The Council of Chiefs has applauded the Micronesian leaders of Palau, Naru, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia ( FSM ), and the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) for its decision to have Palau host the Pacific Ocean Commission’s Office.
“This would be reflective of Palau’s many ocean initiatives and policies established by enacted laws and traditional decrees – to protect and sustain the ocean’s value to life,” the council of chiefs member said in a letter to President Surangel Whipps Jr..
The traditional chiefs also conveyed their support to the president’s staunch support to protect the ocean, including its position against Deep Sea Mining.
The chiefs also called on the president to apply Marine Spatial Planning ( MPS) to the Waters of Palau when appropriate.
Palau is known for its signature Palau National Marine Sanctuary ( PNMS) where 80 percent of Palau’s national waters, and extractive activities such as fishing and mining are prohibited.
They said that the PNMS already has its positive effects on the ocean and it should continue to be sustained. Island Times
“On the territorial high seas and PNMS, we’re starting to see the values of regeneration and spillover of the fish population both pelagic and migratory to near shores.