Toba Aquarium’s visit to PICRC and Palau Aquarium enhances partnership

Last month, a delegation from the Toba Aquarium in Mie, Japan, visited the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the Palau Aquarium. The team was led by Mr. Yoshihito Wakai, President and CEO of the Toba Aquarium, and included key members from the Marine Biological Laboratory: Mr. Shinya Mitani (Executive General Manager), Ms. Yuko Iwade (Chief), and Ms. Ayaka Saito (Curator).

The purpose of this visit was to foster ongoing collaboration between the two aquariums and explore opportunities for future partnerships. One key area of discussion was Toba Aquarium’s research on the nautilus, including potential plans to host researchers from the Palau Aquarium at their facilities in Japan to study nautilus spawning.

Since signing a Memorandum of Friendship and Cooperation in 2017, Toba Aquarium and Palau Aquarium have worked closely as sister aquariums. The partnership focuses on capacity building, improving aquarium operations, and enhancing the understanding of marine organisms and ecosystems for better management and conservation. The memorandum outlines mutual assistance in areas such as animal husbandry, coral reef preservation, research, exhibitions, and education.

In addition to these joint efforts, Toba Aquarium has been a long-time supporter of PICRC’s Arts & Tides Calendar competition, further strengthening the bond between the two institutions.

“Our partnership with Toba Aquarium has been a key opportunity for developing our expertise and strengthening our programs. Their visit has deepened our collaboration and opened new doors for shared research and learning,” said Asap Bukurrou, Palau Aquarium’s Supervisor. “Working alongside such a prestigious institution continues to push us toward excellence.”