PICRC Represents Palau at 50th U.S. Coral Reef Task Force Meeting

From May 10th to 16th, the Palau International Coral Reef Center’s (PICRC) Chief Executive Officer Roxanne Siual Blesam and Research Director, Geraldine Rengiil, attended the 50th meeting of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) in Washington, D.C., serving as Palau’s Point of Contact to the U.S. All Islands Coral Reef Committee (AIC). The bi-annual meetings bring together representatives from U.S. coral reef jurisdictions to collaborate on conservation strategies. Palau, through PICRC, hosted the 14th and 42nd USCRTF meetings in 2005 and 2014, respectively, which were considered among the most informative, engaging and productive sessions, highlighting coral reef resilience and cultural connections.

The United States All Islands Coral Reef Committee (AIC) was established in 1996 when the governors of American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Hawaiʻi, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands designated Points of Contact (POCs) to coordinate coral reef conservation and protection strategies. The Freely Associated States (FAS), the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Republic of Palau, were invited to join the USCRTF as non-voting members and participate in the AIC as affiliate members starting in 2000. The FAS were included in the recently passedRestoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2024 that reauthorized the CRTF and appropriated funds for associated management-oriented research and activities. The AIC functions as an inter-governmental body that develops coordinated, science-based approaches to coral reef management, identifies priority needs, and advocates for resources. It also serves as a key advisory group to the USCRTF, ensuring local and regional voices are represented in national coral reef policies.

This year’s meeting addressed key issues such as improving water quality to support healthy coral reef ecosystems in partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; tackling the impacts of Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) in the Caribbean while strengthening prevention and preparedness efforts in the Pacific; scaling up coral reef restoration; and exploring sustainable, long-term funding opportunities for restoration activities.

Discussions also focused on federal and non-federal funding mechanisms for coral reef management across states, territories, and FAS. The weeklong meetings concluded with a Business Meeting led by Nicole R. LeBoeuf, NOAA Assistant Administrator, and Angel A. Demapan, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs at the Department of Interior. Highlights included the U.S. AIC Committee Chair’s report, a film trailer showcasing the Marshall Islands’ new National Marine Sanctuary around Bikar and Bokak Atolls, an update from the USCRTF Steering Committee, and presentations from various working groups. Representatives from all seven U.S. coral jurisdictions, the FAS, and the U.S. Fishery Management Councils contributed thought-provoking insights on the importance of coral reefs to island economies, communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods.

“Attending the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force meeting allows Palau to share our unique experiences and challenges. It is a vital opportunity to build stronger partnerships, advance the conservation of our coral reefs and identify ways to access funding opportunities,” said PICRC’s Director of Research, Geraldine Rengiil.

Palau is proud to be part of these important discussions and looks forward to attending the 51st meeting in Puerto Rico.