Reef fisheries are an essential part of Palau’s economy, culture and food security. To support these important fisheries, PICRC identifies key research areas with policymakers, stakeholders and management organizations. A few of our current fisheries projects are investigating the spatial and temporal characteristics of grouper aggregation sites, assessing stocks of Bumphead Parrotfish and Napoleon Wrasse, and determining the impacts of harvesting on important resource fish species.
In addition, PICRC researchers perform a nation-wide fish survey every two years to assess stocks of protected and commercially important fish throughout Palau. These survey results inform national fisheries regulations, and regularly produce management recommendations.