PICRC Contributes to the 3rd Taiwan International Symposium on Coral Reefs

Coral scientists from across the Indo-Pacific recently gathered in Taiwan to exchange the latest advances in coral reef research and strengthen international collaboration to address the challenges facing these vital ecosystems. Among them were representatives from the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), who contributed to the discussions by sharing the Center’s ongoing work on coral restoration and participating in the symposium’s opening ceremony.

The 3rd Taiwan International Symposium on Coral Reefs (TISCR), an academic conference dedicated to advancing coral reef science, conservation, and sustainable management in the Indo-Pacific region, took place on June 6–7 at National Sun Yat-sen University in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Organized by the Taiwan Coral Reef Society in collaboration with National Sun Yat-sen University, the event brought together researchers, conservation practitioners, and marine policy experts to share recent findings in coral reef research and practical approaches to marine conservation.

PICRC Chief Executive Officer Roxanne Siual Blesam and Aquarium Supervisor Daniel Cassidy represented the Center at the symposium. Ms. Blesam was invited to deliver the symposium’s opening remarks alongside the Dean of National Sun Yat-sen University, the Vice President of the National Academy of Marine Research, Taiwan, and the President of the Taiwan Coral Reef Society. In her remarks, Ms. Blesam highlighted the vital role coral reefs play for the people of Palau, as well as the importance of taking proactive action and strengthening collaboration among institutions and countries.

“While Palau’s reefs remain relatively healthy compared to many parts of the world, we recognize that this is not a reason for complacency. Rather, it is an opportunity for action. As we begin this symposium, I encourage all of us to think not only about the challenges facing coral reefs, but also about the opportunities before us. The future of coral reefs will depend on our willingness to work together and act with urgency,” Ms. Blessam said.

Mr. Cassidy presented PICRC’s work in coral restoration and heat-tolerant coral research, outlining the Center’s efforts to build the expertise needed to advance both areas in Palau. Through collaborations with international experts, including Mars Sustainable Solutions, the Coralassist Lab at Newcastle University, SECORE International, and others, PICRC has steadily strengthened its technical expertise in coral restoration. Over the past two years, the Center has installed more than 400 Reef Stars—artificial reef structures to which coral fragments are attached—and nearly 62,000 coral juveniles produced at PICRC, including 12,000 with potential heat tolerance, at degraded reef sites in Koror, Ngaraard, and Ngarchelong States. The Center also engages local communities in its restoration efforts, recognizing their important role in supporting long-term reef conservation.

“This symposium provided an opportunity to showcase the steps PICRC has taken over the past three years to become a leader in climate-smart coral restoration in the Micronesian region. This builds on Palau’s longstanding history of ocean stewardship and proactive resource management,” Mr. Cassidy said.

The symposium covered a range of other topics in coral reef science and conservation, including coral genomics and evolution, emerging technologies for reef monitoring, and community outreach initiatives.

PICRC extends its sincere appreciation to the Taiwan Coral Reef Society, National Sun Yat-sen University, and the symposium’s co-organizers for creating this valuable platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration to address this collective challenge.