PICRC’s Communications and Outreach Officer builds connections across the Pacific

Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) Communications and Outreach Officer, Lucy Dickie, recently returned from her journey aboard Exploration Vessel (E/V) Nautilus and to American Samoa.

Lucy’s trip began with E/V Nautilus Expedition NA163, set to explore underwater territories from Hawai’i to American Samoa. Although the expedition faced a 10-day delay, it was highly productive. As a guest educator, Lucy was part of a team who participated in over 40 ship-to-shore interactions, reaching around 725 participants from seven countries, including five from Palau. These sessions offered an excellent opportunity to introduce deep-sea research to students.

Onboard E/V Nautilus, Lucy also actively contributed to the expedition’s outreach efforts by engaging on social media and presenting information about the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) and PICRC to the expedition team.

After her time at sea, Lucy spent a week in American Samoa working with the National Marine Sanctuary of the American Samoa (NMSAS). This visit strengthened the sister sanctuary agreement established in 2020 between the PNMS, administered by PICRC, and the NMSAS, overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Despite being separated by thousands of miles, both sanctuaries face similar challenges, opportunities, and commitments in protecting ocean resources and preserving indigenous cultures.

In American Samoa, Lucy engaged with a range of educational stakeholders, including the Department of Education, teachers, students, non-profit organizations, and other outreach entities. She participated in several discussions that led to the development of promising opportunities, such as educational programs and activities.

Reflecting on her experience, Lucy shared, “This trip was an incredible opportunity to not only contribute to deep-sea research but also to build and strengthen partnerships with our colleagues in American Samoa. I learned so much from the dedicated educators and students there, and I’m excited to bring these ideas and collaborations back to Palau.”

PICRC and NMSAS have already launched joint initiatives like the Ocean Stories Film Challenge, where students can share their ocean stories through film, and a pen pal exchange program to connect like-minded students across the Pacific. More information about these programs can be found on PICRC-PNMS and NOAA-NMSAS social media platforms.