After five years of doctoral studies, PICRC researcher, Lincoln Rehm, returns to Palau to conclude long-term experimentation. Currently studying at Yale University, and on the verge of concluding his PhD studies, Lincoln will be in Palau for two weeks to collect data for his PhD thesis.

Lincoln Rehm’s research has two main components: 1) Studying the role that the nutrients in the water have in determining the color of mantle tissue in giant clams 2) Study the arrangement of iridocyte and algal cells in the mantle of giant clams. Previous research has shown that these iridocyte cells funnel light into the algae in the giant clam and help increase photosynthetic efficiency of the algae. “The larger goal is to understand how light interacts with the clam on a photon level,” stated Lincoln, “After conducting clam surveys throughout the archipelago of Palau, we discovered that there are three main colors of mantle tissue in the seven species found in the area: blue, green, and yellow. A combination of these three colors is what gives clams secondary colors, such as purple.” read more

On January 27, 2020, Phoebe Alvarez joined the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) as the Center’s new intern. A recent high school graduate from Florida, U.S.A., Phoebe’s achievements and passion for marine conservation have led her into her new position where she will be working until March 6, 2020.

Phoebe graduated with Merit from Fort Lauderdale High School and received her Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) Diploma in December 2019. From debate, to sales associate, to volunteering, Phoebe has a wide variety of experiences and interest that have given her an interest in pursuing careers in Marine Biology, International Studies and International Law. “I expect to gain insight into how a research organization operates and conducts research while learning about Palauan marine ecosystems,” stated Phoebe. read more

On January 20, 2020, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) welcomed a new Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer, Mr. Miki Sugimoto. Mr. Sugimoto hails from Toba City in the Mie Prefecture of Japan. He had previously worked at the Toba Aquarium, the Palau Aquarium’s sister aquarium, as a general manager of planning and public relations, where he created displays, video content, advertising, and press releases for the sea life housed at Toba. In his free time, Mr. Sugimoto enjoys running and fishing. read more

On January 13, 2020, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) welcomed Palau High School (PHS) students Ta-eena Mesa, Fenaly Yaoch, Bryce Bonicacio and Ke’Ana Nakamura, who will be completing their Career Practicum at the Center.

The Career Practicum is a Work-Based Activity program offered to all seniors at PHS. By partnering with numerous organizations across Palau, the program intends to expose students to the working environment while orienting their career of choice. “This program gives an opportunity for students to gain work experience to develop and broaden personal skills and knowledge through hands-on learning,” stated PHS Principal Mr. Smyth Rdang. read more

On January 16, 2020, The Remengesau Foundation Vice President Debbie M. Remengesau and her youngest daughter, Mayumi Remengesau, presented a donation of $20,000 to Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) on the occasion of the Center’s 19^th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner.   This is the biggest donation to date made by the Remengesau² Foundation.

The Remengesau Foundation was created with the purpose of supporting charitable, educational and scientific projects. At the same time, The Foundation engages with multiple domestic and international activities whose aim is to protect the natural environment and preserve indigenous cultures.  The Remengesau² Foundation was officially launched on February 28, 2019 by the late Maderngebuked Thomas O. Remengesau, Sr., President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. and the Remengesau Family. read more