The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) has just completed coral reef ecosystem monitoring across 31 sites around Palau’s main islands. This effort was made possible through support from the Nature Conservancy (TNC) as part of a regional initiative funded by the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) under the Micronesia Coral Reefs Program, which aims to protect and restore reefs across Micronesia.
Surveys were carried out by PICRC researchers between October and December 2024, with additional analysis completed in June 2025. Led by PICRC researcher Victor Nestor, the team used photo quadrats and stereo-video systems to collect detailed data on corals, invertebrates, and fish.
PICRC has been monitoring Palau’s reefs since 2001, building one of the longest and most comprehensive coral reef datasets in the region. This long-term work helps researchers detect changes in our reefs, whether from natural events or human activity. It also serves as a valuable tool to evaluate the effectiveness of marine conservation and management strategies, guiding future decisions to better protect and restore these vital ecosystems.
The results from this year’s monitoring have already been shared with TNC and will be used to evaluate the impact of GFCR-supported efforts to protect and restore coral reefs in Palau.
“Information on the status of Palau’s reefs gained by long-term coral reef monitoring is essential for effective management of coral reefs,” said Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, Coral Resilience Director at TNC Micronesia and Polynesia. “They not only tell us how the reefs are responding to different disturbances, including climate change, but also show us how effective our management efforts are. We are fortunate to partner with organizations such as PICRC, which has the experience, expertise, and long-term commitment to coral reef monitoring and management in Palau.”
