Delegation represents PICRC at International Coral Reef Symposium

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) was thrilled to send a delegation of 11 staff, including the Chief Executive Officer and Research Director, to represent PICRC at the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS), which was held in Auckland, New Zealand last month.

ICRS, hosted by the International Coral Reef Society, brings together the global coral reef community every four years. In 2026, there were more than 2,100 attendees from 90 countries. The Symposium provides a platform to share the latest research, celebrate innovation, and strengthen international partnerships. Delegates explored the challenges facing coral reefs, including climate change, ocean acidification and local human impacts, while showcasing practical solutions, emerging research and traditional knowledge systems that will help shape the future of reef conservation and management.  

Representing PICRC’s Research Department were Research Director Geraldine Rengiil, Chief Researcher Ikelau Otto, and Researchers Victor Nestor, Greta Satori, and Dr. Piera Biondi. From PICRC’s Outreach Department were Researchers Lauren Piot and Dr. Cinzia Alessi, Program Manager Sophie Jehin, and Junior Researchers Dawnette Olsudong and Mengiau Sasao. CEO, Roxanne Siual Blesam was also in attendance.

The PICRC Researchers presented topics on a range of PICRC’s coral reef research, including the ongoing monitoring of coral reef health and reef fish populations, coral reef sedimentation patterns, the recently published climate-smart framework for coral reef restoration in Palau, heat tolerant coral experiments, and eDNA. Meetings, including one on crown-of-thorn starfish management and a new coral restoration initiative, and networking provided ample discussions on this work and the possibility of future collaborations.  

“ICRS is an opportunity for PICRC to show the global coral reef community that the work we’re doing right here in Palau is innovative, highly relevant, and at a high standard,” stated Ms. Blesam. “I’m very proud of the work that we do at PICRC and being well represented at such a large international event is proof that we’re contributing to global coral reef discussions.”

PICRC will continue to send delegations to international conferences and meetings to continue the discussions on coral reef monitoring, restoration, and conservation.