KSG and PICRC sign contract implementing Phase 2 of Koror Fisheries Monitoring Project

Last Thursday, November 14, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and Koror State Government (KSG) signed a contract to implement the second phase of the Koror Fisheries Monitoring Project, funded by the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Resilient Reef Project.

In 2021, Koror State developed the Koror Southern Lagoon Coastal Fisheries Management Plan (KSLCFMP), in partnership with local scientists, managers, and fishers, which aims to sustainably manage Koror’s reef fisheries and ensure the community can continue to benefit from these resources. In Phase 1 of the project, PICRC was tasked with carrying out research and monitoring of reef fish stocks in Koror state, to provide feedback and recommendations on the KSLCFMP. From January 2023 to February 2024, PICRC conducted a fishery-independent survey at 90 sites across Koror, fish landing monitoring at the JR5 fish market, surveys at one of the spawning aggregation sites identified in the management plan, a proposed marine protected area (MPA) baseline assessment, and macroinvertebrate stock assessments. In Phase 2 of this project, marked by the signing of this contract, PICRC commits to delivering 13 deliverables by August 2025. These include continuing the work started in Phase 1, such as conducting additional stock assessment surveys for sea cucumbers and sea urchins, as well as analyzing the data collected and writing of technical reports. The results of this project will be shared with KSG to better direct and build on policies proposed in the associated “Koror State Coastal Fisheries Management Act of 2021”, to ensure sustainable fisheries for the people of Koror. This research will also help reinforce traditional knowledge, emphasizing the importance of integrating both contemporary and traditional sources of knowledge.

At the signing event, PICRC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ms. Roxanne Siual Blesam, highlighted the importance of communicating scientific findings in a way that is easily understood by the public, community members, and students. “It is very critical that community outreach activities are conducted under this partnership. When more people are engaged, the better the outcome of the project,” stated CEO Blesam. Considering this, the development of outreach materials and educational resources based on results of the surveys, as well as other outreach activities, is another deliverable of this project to be carried out by PICRC in partnership with KSG. PICRC is also committed to training KSG rangers to conduct their own stock assessment data collection on macroinvertebrates.

The signing of this contract is a crucial phase towards safeguarding reef fisheries resources to ensure their sustainability for future generations and will continue to reinforce the longstanding relationship between KSG and PICRC. “Thank you, Governor Rudimch and the people of Koror, for your bold vision for a resilient Koror State. This is one of the many collaborations between your office and the Center to ensure a healthy, vibrant, and resilient Southern Lagoon,” remarked PICRC CEO, Ms. Roxanne Siual Blesam.