PICRC Bids Farewell to Research Intern Joaquin Garcia

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) recently bid farewell to Joaquin Garcia, a third-year student at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, who spent six weeks at the Center as an intern with the Research Department.

During his internship, Joaquin worked primarily with Dr. Piera Biondi, one of PICRC’s researchers specializing in fisheries science. His main project involved assisting with the identification, size estimation, and abundance assessment of different fish species in underwater videos collected from Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and adjacent reference sites. Comparing these data allows researchers to evaluate the status of fish populations within MPAs and determine whether protection measures are effectively supporting their conservation and recovery.

Joaquin also contributed to PICRC’s ongoing environmental DNA (eDNA) research by helping collect and process samples of genetic material that marine organisms leave behind in the water through urine, mucus, scales, and other biological traces. This approach provides an efficient, non-invasive method for detecting and monitoring marine species and is particularly valuable for studying biodiversity across vast areas such as the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS).

In addition to his main projects, Joaquin had the opportunity to join the research team during fieldwork, including retrieving data loggers used to record water parameters and deploying a data buoy to monitor atmospheric and ocean conditions. He also left a lasting contribution at PICRC through the creation of a flashcard deck designed to facilitate fish identification.

“I was having a hard time at first identifying fish in a timely manner when processing fish videos, so I created a flashcard deck with 112 different species, including photos and helpful identification tips. I left this with PICRC in hopes that future fisheries interns have an easier time memorizing and identifying species,” Joaquin explained.

He also shared that he greatly enjoyed his time at PICRC and in Palau, from gaining valuable hands-on experience in the many aspects of marine research to admiring the beauty of the Rock Islands and meeting people who gave him valuable insights into what his future career path could look like.

“Joaquin proved to be a highly capable intern, always keen to help the research team. He learned everything he was taught very quickly, and I am confident he will become an excellent marine scientist. I wish him all the best in his career and hope that one day he will come back to work with us,” Dr. Biondi shared.

PICRC sincerely thanks Joaquin for his dedication, enthusiasm, and contributions in support of the Center’s mission to advance scientific knowledge of Palau’s fisheries. The Center wishes him continued success in his studies and future career in marine science and conservation.