The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) extends its congratulations to researcher Ms. Lincy Lee Marino, who recently obtained her Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Sustainable Management from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay. Ms. Marino was able to complete her studies through the university’s online college while she continued to reside in Palau and work at the Center.

In September 2018, Ms. Marino began her graduate education full-time with the support of PICRC and was financially supported by the Palau National Scholarship Board (PNSB).  In September 2019, Ms. Marino was selected as one of the Bill Raynor Micronesia Challenge Scholarship recipients. read more

Each year for its anniversary celebration, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) showcases local artists. In the past, popular Palauan singers like Kendall Titiml, Elei Titiml and Kelau Remeliik have performed at various events for the Center, especially at the PICRC Anniversary Galas.

PICRC continues this tradition by highlighting the talents of the band, Date Street Records. Date Street Records have decided to contribute their musical talents to PICRC’s 20^th Anniversary Virtual Celebration. read more

As the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) celebrates its 20^th Anniversary, the Center looks forward to continuing its mandate to guide the efforts that support coral reel stewardship through research. In addition, PICRC continues to strive to achieve its vision of empowering the people of Palau with scientific knowledge through education and outreach efforts, which run throughout the year.

2020 brought on a new mandate for PICRC as the Center takes on the task of administering the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS), as such, new projects supporting the PNMS will be underway in 2021. These include a socioeconomic baseline study conducted in the state of Airai – gauging the residents’ understanding of the benefits and impacts of the PNMS to the Airai community. In addition to the socioeconomic study, PICRC is collaborating with partners on pelagic fisheries research – tagging yellowfin tuna and marlins and looking at connectivity of pelagics. PICRC is also working closely with the National Government to implement new Fishing Aggregation Devices to contribute to more sustainable food sources and provide locals with means to fish for pelagic fishes. Additionally, PICRC will continue to support the efforts of marine law enforcement and work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism (MNRET) in the development of a domestic fishery. read more

On December 23, on behalf of Atalanta Sosnoff Capital Corporation, Mr. Kamani Kuala’au donated a generous $2,200 to the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC). This is the second year in a row that Atalanta Sosnoff donates to the Center’s operations, supporting research and educational efforts in particular.

Founded in 1981, Atalanta Sosnoff is a corporation based in New York dedicated to providing investment management services to government, corporate, non-profit, and individual clients throughout Palau, Micronesia, and the United States. “I would like to wish all Palauans good health and happiness in 2021 and especially thank PICRC for its steadfast commitment to our precious environmental resources, for which we are all responsible,” stated Mr. Kuala’au. read more

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) has welcomed another new staff member this year. Jeremiah Ngiratreged joins PICRC as a member of the team overseeing the implementation of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). He works as the PNMS Surveillance and Enforcement Officer, whose job is to manage and coordinate operations within the Maritime Operations Center of the Division of Marine Law Enforcement. He will play an important role in coordinating both regional and local partners to aid with the monitoring and surveillance of the PNMS. read more