A global research project called Global Reef Expedition is set to embark to Palau on January 2015. The project is part of Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation’s five-year mission to study and survey coral reefs around the world.
A team of multinational scientists will begin an extensive research survey in many of Palau’s coral reefs with help from Coral Reef Research Foundation and Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC).
During the research period, researchers will live on board the M/Y Golden Shadow, Living Oceans’ research vessel, as they survey reefs around Palau that includes Angaur, Peleliu, Koror and Babeldaob.
According to the Foundation, detailed information regarding the health and state of the reefs will be collected, including information on corals, reef fishes, algae and invertebrates. Additionally, the team will be assessing damages on the northern reefs caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan.
All the information collected throughout this project will be analyzed and compiled into a detailed scientific report. The report will be available to local communities, government, and non-government agencies to help with ongoing coral reef management and conservation efforts.
Prior to Palau’s survey, Living Oceans completed a similar project in Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands and other places in the Pacific.
The Living Oceans Foundation was established by His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia in 2000.
