PICRC to Celebrate 25 Years of Ocean Stewardship at Its Upcoming Anniversary Gala Dinner 

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is excited to announce the celebration of its 25th Anniversary Fundraising Gala Dinner, which will take place on January 15, 2026, at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Center.

This milestone event will honor a quarter century of PICRC’s contributions to marine science and conservation under the theme: “25 Years of Ocean Stewardship: Rooted in Community, Grounded in Science, and Empowered by Commitment” (Luich ma Eim el Rrak er a Okerreuil a Debel Belau: Ultuil er a Rebeluu, Omesuub, ma Blak el Rreng).

For 25 years, the Center has worked to build capacity and foster stewardship among both children and adults, empowering Palauan communities to take an active role in conserving the country’s valuable marine life. Through its research projects—such as fish stock surveys, monitoring of Marine Protected Areas, and studies of the rich biodiversity of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary—PICRC generates essential knowledge that supports the sustainable management of Palau’s marine resources.

Its mission is particularly vital in the current context of global climate change, where rising ocean temperatures and extreme weather events pose significant risks to ecosystems—especially coral reefs. For this reason, researching heat-tolerant corals, monitoring bleaching events, and restoring degraded reefs remain top priorities for PICRC. This year, the Center has taken a major step forward in climate-smart restoration by outplanting thousands of selectively bred corals with potential heat tolerance.

In this way, PICRC continues to strengthen its commitment to community collaboration and scientific research, inspiring engagement in marine science while playing a key role in protecting Palau’s marine ecosystems and the way of life of its people.

The Anniversary Gala Dinner is a cornerstone event for the Center, as the funds raised will directly support its mission in research and community outreach. PICRC deeply appreciates your commitment to ocean stewardship—through your contributions, donations and by purchasing tickets to the Gala.

Tickets to the 25th Anniversary Gala are available now for $100 per person and include a formal sit-down dinner, live performances, and an unforgettable evening honoring 25 years of ocean stewardship and community strength. To purchase tickets or make a donation, please contact Ms. Jenna Mersai at (680) 488-6950 ext. 222 or by email at [email protected]. 

PICRC looks forward to sharing this special celebration with the community and extends heartfelt thanks to all supporters who make it possible to keep advancing knowledge and protecting Palau’s unique marine ecosystems for the people of Palau and our future generations.