By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The Bureau of Marine Resources held a presentation regarding its programs on fisheries development in Ngchesar on Jan 30 through the invitation of Governor Duane Hideo.
The community meeting is an effort to increase awareness of fisheries work in Palau.
Ngchesar State, like all other states in Palau, has great potential for increased aquaculture development.
The staff of BMR, which works to support state fisheries initiatives, made several presentations including an overview of fingerling production.
Other topics discussed included the Marine Conservation and Protection Areas Program focusing on Ngarmeduu Conservation Area Biosphere Reserve, the Vulnerable Marine Species Protection program which includes conservation of sea turtles, crocodiles, and dugongs.
Also discussed are the oceanic fisheries management, sustainable aquaculture development with species including giant clams, soft and hard corals, trochus, groupers, and rabbitfish; and the deployment of Fishing Aggregation Devices.
Questions and discussions have been conducted in each presentation that has enabled Ngchesar residents to improve their understanding of BMR’s projects.
The BMR said that it will be conducting more state visits this year, including a visit to Ngardmau on Feb. 12.
Gov. Hideo welcomed BMR officials during the, Anna Ana Aichi presented an overview on the Sustainable Aquaculture Development while BMR Director Theofanes Isamu provided an overview of the presentations to the Ngchesar residents.