Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) 18th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner Gala is right around the corner! The event will be held on January 17th, 2019. PICRC hosts their Anniversary Dinner Gala every year to raise funds for research and conservation efforts in Palau, but the Gala is also intended to be an unforgettable night for PICRC’s dedicated supporters. This year, for the second year in a row, PICRC has partnered with Elilai Restaurant to ensure the night is a memorable one.
On December 5, 2018, Parliamentary Vice Minister for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Norikazu Suzuki visited Palau Aquarium along with Mr. Toshiyuki Yamada, Ambassador of Japan to Palau, and Mr. Satoshi Wakasugi, Director for Pacific and Southeast Asia Division 6, Southeast Asia and Pacific Department, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Amidst their trip to Palau, these dignitaries and other officials spent time at Palau Aquarium with Aquarist, Mr. Minami Nagoya learning about marine life and conservation efforts in Palau.
Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) since its inception has had a close relation with Japan. PICRC has received significant support from Japan government agencies, universities, and partner aquariums. Over the years this support has added a great value to the capacity of Palau Aquarium and PICRC.
“We truly appreciate such visits, it is always an honor to showcase the Palau Aquarium and research work by the Center to partners like Japan that have been integral in making these efforts possible.” expresses Aquarium Director, Ilebrang U. Olkeriil.
With the release of the 2019 Arts and Time Calendar last month, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) has started preparation for the 2020 Calendar. The theme for the 2020 calendar is, “Our ocean wealth extends from coral reefs to the deep blue and beyond”. This theme was chosen to remind everyone about the vast biodiversity found in the waters surrounding Palau.
Most of us are familiar with our nearshore reefs, the benefits they provide, and the riches found in their waters, but the biodiversity and wealth of our oceans, reach far beyond. Biodiversity is vital to oceans resilience and our deep sea is filled with it. From marine mammals, to sharks, and large pelagic fish, such as yellowfin tuna and bluefin marlin, Palau’s waters swarm with life that needs protection. Palau is expected to lose 25% of its pelagic fisheries catch potential by 2050 because of climate change alone. The maintenance of healthy marine ecosystems and the protection of all resources is imperative in defending our oceans wealth.
Palau International Coral Reef Center’s 2019 Arts & Tides Calendar is now available to the public. Complimentary copies of the calendar are being distributed to the students who participated in the art contest, the sponsors of the calendar, and PICRC’s partners. Additional copies of the 2019 Arts & Tides Calendar are available for purchase at the Giant Clam Gift Shop at PICRC for $4.50 each.
The 2019 Arts & Tides Calendar theme is “Water Connects Palau from Ridge to Reef”. While we are surrounded by an ocean of water, freshwater is a finite resource that needs protection. The theme for this calendar has been chosen following one of the most severe droughts recorded in Palau. From our rainforests to our coral reefs, water connects all of Palau. It is one of the Center’s goal to remind the public that freshwater is a fundamental resource for people and ecosystem. In addition to the theme, the calendar will feature the local tides, moon phases, closed and open fish seasons, information on regulated marine species, national holidays and notable dates.
On November 20, 2018, the 5th grade class from the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Elementary School visited Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) to participate in a fish anatomy lab. The lab was supervised by PICRC research staff, Ms. Ines Kintoki, Ms. Anna Parker, Mr. Geory Mereb, Ms. Randa Jonathan, Mr. Victor Nestor, and Ms. Geraldine Rengiil. Overall, 36 students spent their afternoon examining, measuring, and dissecting fish.
The students brought their workbooks to answer questions as they moved from station to station. At the various stations, the students identified the fins of the fish and discussed their individual purposes; measured the fish to determine whether or not it had reached maturity; and dissected the fish to learn about their anatomy. Students also spent time in the aquarium identifying and learning about local reef fish.
