On May 21, 2019, Palau International Coral Reef Center welcomed Ms. Christina Muller-Karanassos onto the Research Team. Her parents are originally from Greece and Brazil, but she grew up in Oman. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from the University of Birmingham in the UK and her Master of Research in Marine Biology from Plymouth University, also in the UK. Her master’s thesis focused primarily on the effects of anti-fouling paint particles on benthic organisms, and it was published in Environmental Pollution earlier this year; another paper is also currently being written. read more

Ms. Elsei Tellei joins PICRC Communications and Outreach Team

On August 09, 2019, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) welcomed, Ms. Elsei Tellei into the Communications and Outreach Office.

Ms. Tellei is a citizen of the Republic of Palau and comes from the states of Melekeok, Airai, and Ngchesar. After graduating from Mindszenty High School, Ms. Tellei pursued an Associate of Arts in liberal Arts from Palau Community College and obtained her B.A. in Political Science from the University of Hawaii, Manoa. At the same time, she had the opportunity to complete a Certificate in the Marine Option Program offered to non-major students that are passionate about marine science and environmental studies. read more

On August 1^st 2019, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) welcomed, Ms. Lbong Walter into the Administration Department.

As a graduate of Palau High School, Ms. Walter completed a Certificate in Administration from Palau Community College and had been working at the old Palau National Marine Sanctuary for the past two years as the Finance Officer. Ms. Walter will now be acting as the Accountant Clerk at the PICRC where she will fulfill various administrative tasks. “I’m excited to join PICRC and learn about marine preservation while at the same time growing in my field” stated Ms. Walter. read more

On August 09, 2019, Member of the German Parliament, Ulrich Lechte, visited the Palau International Coral Reef Center. Accompanied by the Honorary Consul in Palau, Thomas Schubert, MP Lechte was given a tour of the aquarium by Aquarium Director, Ilebrang Olkeriil, and was later taken to the Rock Islands, UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a trip guided by researcher Lincy Marino. Throughout his visit to the Center, MP Lechte was able to learn about coral reef ecosystems, admire Palau’s natural beauty and learn the threats and challenges that the region is facing. read more

Eleven students and twelve adults from the 2019 International Children’s Exchange Program between Zao Town, Japan, and the Republic of Palau, visited the Palau Aquarium on August 09, 2019. Throughout their five-day trip to Palau, the students were able to exchange cultural and sport activities with students from Meyuns Elementary School, who visited Zao Town, Japan this past January. With a busy agenda that included a visit with ROP President Tommy E. Remenegsau Jr., the PICRC is grateful that the Minister of Education, Sinton Soalablai, considered the Center as one of the key places for the delegation to visit while in Palau. While at the aquarium, students were given a guided tour by Hiromi Ito, graphic designer from the Aquarium Department, and had the opportunity to learn about the different tanks displayed while at the same time learning about the efforts the PICRC takes to preserve such marine ecosystems. read more