Last November, Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) Researchers embarked on a new project to explore Palau’s deep-sea environment! Over the course of five days, the teamdeployed two deep-sea camera systems to document the strange and exciting life forms that inhabit our ocean floor.

The Research team included Dr. Louw Claassens, Victor Nestor and Adrian Ililau from the Center’s Research department, who were accompanied by Dr. Jonatha Giddens, chief scientist of the National Geographic Society’s Exploration Technology Lab’s deep-sea research. The project was funded with a grant from the National Geographic Society. read more

The Palau International Coral Reef Center has received a generous $15,000 donation from the Yasuda Foundation! The donation was presented by Mr. Takao Yasauda alongside President Surangel Whipps, Jr., former President Tommy Remengesau Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Environment Steven Victor, former Minister of Finance Elbuchel Sadang and PICRC’s Chief Executive Officer Dr. Yimnang Golbuu.

“We want to express our utmost gratitude for this extremely generous donation” said Dr. Golbuu, CEO of PICRC. “With the impact of COVID-19 on the Center’s finances, this donation comes at a critical time and will help the Center maintain its high quality and impactful research and education programs to support the stewardship of Palau’s ocean resources.”  read more

On February 3rd, the steering committee for the project to strengthen management of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary met and endorsed the 2022 annual work plan and budget. The endorsement triggers the implementation of project activities by the Division of Maritime Security and Fish & Wildlife Protection, the Bureau of Fisheries and the Palau International Coral Reef Center – the agencies mandated to manage the Sanctuary.

The steering committee consists of Vice President and Minister of Justice, Uduch Sengebau Senior, Minister Steven Victor of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Environment, United Nations Development Program’s Deputy Resident Representative, Kevin Petrini and Chief Executive Officer of the Palau International Coral Reef Center, Dr. Yimnang Golbuu. read more

The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is happy to welcome Adrian Ililau as our newest Research Assistant! Adrian graduated from Palau Community College (PCC) in 2021 with an Associate’s Degree in Environmental/Marine Science. His first day with the Center was November 15th, 2021.

As a Research Assistant, Adrian is involved in all aspects of PICRC’s research projects, including fieldwork, data analysis and publishing scientific reports. Adrian recently received his PADI Open Water Scuba certification, and will use his new scuba skills to study coral reef sites and marine protected areas throughout Palau. read more

The Palau International Coral Reef Center is happy to welcome Nik Varley as our newest Communications and Outreach Officer. Nik graduated from the University of Chicago in 2019, where he studied English and Environmental Science.

As a Communications and Outreach Officer, Nik will focus on bringing PICRC’s work to policymakers, resource managers, students, and the people of Palau. He will work to implement PICRC’s education programs, support outreach for the Palau National Marine Sanctuary, and contribute to PICRC’s external and internal communication. read more