The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is grateful to accept a donation of $1,500 from Western Caroline Trading Company (WCTC) for the 2022 Arts & Tides Calendar. PICRC would like to extend its sincerest gratitude to WCTC for their donation, and their continued support of the Center’s mission for science and environmental education, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. L to R (PICRC Policy Development Coordinator, Andrea Uchel receives the check from the WCTC Personnel Manager, Mr. Russ Masayos). read more

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is grateful to accept a donation of $1,000 from Blue Bay Petroleum Incorporated for the 2022 Arts and Tides Calendar. PICRC would to express sincere thanks for the generosity of Blue Bay, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. L to R (The Station-Sales Manager, Mr. Ralph Moses presenting the check to PICRC Policy Development Coordinator, Ms. Andrea Uchel).

Protecting our marine environment requires investment – investment in funding, time, human resources, information and patience.  A recent publication by Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and their collaborators from Australia in the peer-reviewed journal, Marine Ecology Progress Series, both enlightens and reminds us the critical importance of continued investment in our environment.

Palau’s coral reefs are confronted with multiple threats at the same time, both local and global.  Among the biggest local threats are overfishing and sedimentation, while global threats include coral bleaching from increasing water temperatures; ocean acidification from increasing concentration of carbon dioxide in the water; and broken reef systems from increased frequency and intensity of typhoons – all of which are due to the changing global climate and increased deforestation and land-use in Babeldaob Island. read more

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) has recently hired Masasinge “Singe” Tellei Hideos as its newest Communications and Outreach Officer.  Singe started his first day at PICRC on February 22, 2021.

Singe will focus on bringing the work of PICRC to the people of Palau so that it can be utilized for conservation and adaptive management. His duties include working closely with researchers to translate research results and communicate them in an appropriate format for the different relevant stakeholders, including the students of Palau. He will take part in creating innovative and interesting educational displays for students and community members at the Palau Aquarium. Likewise, he will oversee the external and internal communication including website design, press releases, social media, and maintenance of the Center’s library. read more

On March 25, 2021, two sophomore students from Palau High School (PHS) conducted their Job Shadow at Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC). Nemani Shallom Ravia observed the Aquarists’ daily routine, taking care of the marine organisms as well as maintaining the exhibits. Sage Kubarii Uchel, spent her day at the Administration Office to observe and gain more understanding of how the Administration office operates. These two students chose PICRC to spend their one-day (6 hours) career exploration in hoping to support them in their future career interests as a conservation scientist and an Administrative Assistant.  Their Job Shadow includes observing, interviewing, and completing their Job Shadow Guidebook, which was provided by the school for completion, based on their experiences here at the Center. read more