Recent Biology Graduate, Aira Jane Torres, joins PICRC as Palau Aquarium Aquarist

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is thrilled to welcome Aira Jane Torres as the newest member of its team. Bringing a robust academic background in biological science and a lifelong passion for marine science, Aira joins the Center as an Aquarist, where she will play a vital role in maintaining the health and educational impact of the Palau Aquarium. She is a recent Bachelor of Science in Biology graduate from Far Eastern University, with a background in molecular biology and microbiology lab work. She considers Palau her second home, having grown up traveling between here and the Philippines, and she graduated from Palau High School in 2020. As a certified PADI SCUBA dive master and free diver, her goals are to keep the aquarium exhibits in perfect condition so that the people who cannot swim or dive can still experience Palau’s marine life.

“Working as an aquarist, it is one of my duties to make sure that the aquarium is in tip top shape,” Aira shared. “The goal is to let people catch a glimpse of our underwater world and to experience the incredible beauty and diversity of Palau’s marine landscapes.”

Aira has hit the ground running at the Center. She recently participated in the April coral spawning effort, assisting in the upkeep and monitoring of the newly spawned coral recruits as they settle and grow into a colony. Looking forward, she is eager to take part in the upcoming coral outplanting initiatives.

 “To me it would feel like a full circle moment when we get to plant these corals that can help restore Palau’s reefs and support a healthier ocean for generations to come,” she said. “Once planted, these corals will serve as tangible evidence that I have contributed to the betterment of the ocean.”

“We’re grateful to have Aira at PICRC and glad to see that she’s already thriving and learning a lot in her new role at the Palau Aquarium,” stated Daniel Cassidy, Palau Aquarium’s Supervisor. “We look forward to seeing her contribute to the coral outplanting efforts and other research projects.”