A multi-national
team of scientists is to begin an extensive research survey of many of Palau’s
coral reefs in January. The research is
a joint project of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, the Coral
Reef Research Foundation, and Palau International Coral Research Center
(PICRC). The researchers will live onboard the research vessel the M/Y Golden
Shadow as they survey reefs around Angaur, Peleliu, Ngerchong, Ngeruktabel,
Koror and Babeldaob, Ngkesol, Ngerael, Kayangel and Ngeruangl/Velasco.
The purpose of the research is to collect detailed information about
the health and state of the reefs. The team of scientists will identify and
record population information on coral, reef fishes, algae and invertebrates,
as well as other organisms. A major component of the surveys will focus on
commercially important reef fishes and invertebrates, such as groupers, sea
cucumbers, and crustaceans.
The
scientists will also take note of the health of these reef communities and any
stressors that could affect them, like the coral-eating Crown of Thorns
Seastars, coral diseases, or ocean acidification. The team will measure how
resilient the coral is to those stressors.
In addition
the scientists will compare marine protected areas with those that do not have
protection to make an evaluation of marine management strategies. They will
also assess damage on the Northern reefs caused in 2013 by Super Typhoon
Haiyan.
Once the team has completed the
research they will analyze the data and create a detailed scientific report. The
report will be available to all local communities, government and
non-government agencies, and relevant stakeholders in the region. This
information can directly help with ongoing management and conservation of Palau’s
coral reefs.
The research
is part of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s five-year Global
Reef Expedition, a mission to survey coral reefs around the world. The
Foundation has recently completed similar research in the Solomon Islands, the Great
Barrier Reef, in Tonga, Fiji, The Cook Islands, and New Caledonia.
During the research period the
science team will send out daily updates and photos of their work. To track
their progress please sign up for email updates on the Foundation’s website, www.livingoceansfoundation.org, and find the Khaled bin Sultan
Living Oceans Foundation on Facebook to see more images from Palau’s reefs.
About
the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
The Khaled
bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (LOF), founded by Khaled bin Sultan, is
conducting the world’s largest coral reef survey and high resolution mapping
expedition, as part of its 5 year Global Reef Expedition. The Expedition is
helping LOF realize its mission to provide science-based solutions to protect
and restore ocean health. As part of its commitment to Science Without
Borders®, Living Oceans provides its data and information to leading
ocean-focused organizations, governments, scientists, and local communities so
that they can use knowledge to work toward sustainable ocean protection. For
more information visit www.livingoceansfoundation.org