KOROR (Palau Horizon) — The Palau Conservation Society, with support from Seacology, a San Francisco based environmental foundation, has donated a 140-horsepower outboard motor to the State of Ngarchelong for use in its marine conservation efforts.
The donated engine will power a Fish and Wildlife Division boat which will be shared by Ngarchelong State and the Ministry of Justice to enforce state and national government marine laws; monitor marine life; repair or install navigational aids; and respond to emergencies.
The agreement to share in the use and maintenance of the boat is part of a series of coordinated efforts between the Ministry of Justice and the states to improve enforcement and provide better services to the community.
Fish and Wildlife Division officer Ngiraitaoch Ngiraked is presently stationed in Ngarchelong.
Ngarchelong also has a full time conservation officer, Keizy Kuroda. Under the agreement between the Ngarchelong and the Ministry of Justice, the two officers will be working more closely together to perform their duties in conserving resources.
Officials said the coordinated effort of Ngarchelong and the national government is an example for all to follow.
The arrangement, they added, will save operational costs while enhancing the ability to monitor the marine life and enforce the laws.
Local and national government officials expressed their appreciation to the Palau Conservation Society for the donation of the boat engine.
