03.21.13 PALAU Dr. Yim Golbuu wins Pew Fellowship

Dr. Yimnang Golbuu

Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, CEO and Chief Researcher of the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), was awarded the Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation because of his outstanding past research work and future research proposal with PICRC. The fellowship will allow him to assess the connectivity of Marine Protected Areas in Palau using a hydrodynamic model that was recently developed by PICRC researchers and colleagues to track coral and fish larvae, or babies, as they move through the ocean. The prestigious Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation is annually awarded to outstanding global leaders or teams who are working to preserve and protect the world's oceans and marine species. Four other distinguished scientists and conservationists, from Canada, India, Indonesia, and Rwanda, were also awarded the coveted fellowship. The three-year fellowship supports research to improve ocean conservation and management. Joshua S. Reichert, executive vice president of The Pew Charitable Trusts, explained, “These fellows, like those who have come before them, bring diverse backgrounds, skills, and experience to the task of harnessing science and research for the purpose of better understanding and protecting the world’s marine environment.”

Over the years, The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation has awarded 130 fellowships to individuals working in 33 countries. Each fellow receives US $150,000 to conduct a three-year scientific research or conservation project designed to address critical challenges to the oceans. Through a rigorous nomination and review process, a committee of marine specialists from around the world selects marine fellows based on the strengths of their proposed projects, including their potential to protect ocean environments. Cutting edge and timely projects, led by outstanding professionals in their fields, are chosen annually. The program is managed by The Pew Charitable Trusts in Washington, DC.

When asked about Pew’s selection, Dr. Golbuu said, “I am honored and humbled to receive this prestigious award. This is really not my award. This is the result of the work of PICRC, my fellow researchers, and PICRC’s partners who collaborate to protect Palau’s marine environment. I am very happy that PICRC’s work has been recognized internationally as evidenced by the awarding of this fellowship.”

Dr. Golbuu’s fellowship project will assess Palau’s network of marine protected areas. He will determine the best design for an expanded protected area network and use oceanographic models to identify priority locations for additional reserves that will protect the country’s biodiversity. He will also share his results with other islands in Micronesia to encourage similar conservation efforts.

PICRC envisions people empowered with science and knowledge for effective marine conservation and management. Thus, PICRC is excited to celebrate Dr. Golbuu’s success and professional development. For more information and updates about his project, visit PICRC’s website at www.picrc.org or visit the PICRC Facebook page.