The donation is part of JICA and PICRC’s Capacity Enhancement Project for Coral Reef Monitoring (CEPCRM) three-year project to assist PICRC in developing a coral reef monitoring system to support management of the country’s Marine Protected Areas. The equipment are necessary to support sea creatures in Palau Aquarium.
The equipment include two sea water intake pumps worth $21,475.30 each; four sea water circulation pumps worth over $10,000 each; automatic control panel worth more than $12,000, which is necessary during power outage; two chilled water circulation pumps worth $2,000 each; three magnetic external pumps; seven chillers and five titanium pumps for salt water.
According to Kambes Kesolei, Chief Aquarist of Palau Aquarium, the equipment are very important for the aquarium.
“The sea water intake pumps, for example, are the ones that suck water from the channel,” explained Kesolei. The Automatic Control Panel, on the other hand, is for power generation, he said. “When there is power outage, this will automatically turn on the power so we don’t need people to start the generator manually.” PICRC used to own one, but it broke down a long time ago, he added.
Kesolei also explained that the equipment were not only for the benefit of Palau Aquarium, but for the whole center as well. “These will also help the CEPRM project,” he said. “These are not just for the aquarium’s use. The research department also uses water and electricity. It’s for the whole Center.”
There are particular items, however, like the filters, which are specific for the aquarium’s use. Accessibility of the parts of the equipment in case they break down and its affordability are big factors for PICRC in recommending which brands to get.
“It’s a lot of money so we are very grateful for the assistance from JICA,” shared Kesolei. “These will greatly help promote and enhance our education and conservation awareness programs.”
Dr. Patrick Tellei, Chairman of PICRC Board of Directors, also thanked the people of Japan and JICA for their support. “I ask that they convey our appreciation to the Japanese government,” said Tellei. “The equipment will not only help the environment of Palau and the region, but also the enhancement of the strong relationship that we have with our two governments.”
Makoto Noda, JICA Resident Representative, on his part, said he hopes that the equipment will help in the enhancement of the coral reef monitoring.
