Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2000
Regular assessment and monitoring of Palau coral reefs is required for coral reef
management to be effective. Regular monitoring programmes can detect problems early so
that corrective strategies can be developed. Reports and publications from the monitoring
program are critically important.
Education is an important aspect of reef conservation. School curricula from elementary to
secondary and post secondary should incorporate environmental issues and concerns.
Education should not be limited to schools, but extend to all levels of the communities.
Efforts should focus on raising environmental awareness among policy makers, traditional
and political leaders and villagers. Effective management of marine resources requires an
informed and supportive public.
Catch levels and trends for reef fisheries should be monitored closely and accurately so that
effective management of resources can be implemented. Currently, only two fish markets
in Koror provide landings information to Marine Resources Division. To have accurate
market data, Marine Resources need to have landings and catch data from all fish markets.
Other information such as type of fishing gear used and the number of hours spent fishing
would help to determine the level of exploitation.
All agencies and organisations in Palau involved with coral reef monitoring and
management need to combine for strategic planning to set priorities and determine areas
of focus for each group and problems that can be better addressed through collaborative
work. With limited resources (time, money, human resources) and a big coral reef area, all
groups need to work together, and avoid duplication of efforts and competition among
groups. With more coordinated efforts of all groups in Palau, coral reef conservation will no
doubt improve.
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