Palau’s reefs are subject to both human and natural pressures such as overfishing, sedimentation, pollution, and climate change. In response, PICRC has established a long-term coral reef monitoring program to measure how our reefs are changing.

Every two years, our researchers perform in-depth monitoring surveys at 23 reefs sites throughout Palau, measuring coral coverage, water temperature, and the biomass of fish and invertebrate species. We use this data to determine the health of Palau’s reefs and guide national management policies.