According to Valentino Kloulechad, a member of the marine team, members of the team are currently learning to use new methods, which are used by renowned marine biologist worldwide, to monitor and survey fish populations in MPAs through out Palau.
In addition, selected members of the state communities have been invited to participate in the learning in order that they may be able to assist the marine team when it does it monitoring and surveying.Kloulechad said that the new methods, as indicated by recent studies, are simpler and are more precise and accurate. “I’d like to try this new method in Ebiil Conservation Area with Ngarchelong State’s designated conservation officers,” Kloulechad said. “However, I’d really would like for them to be able to conduct monitoring and surveying of the area on their own and hopefully, the change of methodology would entice them to pursue further training in conservation efforts.”Kloulechad further added analysis of data collected from varying MPA sites have revealed information about fish aggregation and behavior that has changed perspectives of the MPAs and also has caused the marine team to rethink its monitoring and surveying schedules.“We now know the peak months as when specific studied fish aggregate and have some knowledge of where, how, and when they move from one area to another,” he said. “Learning to use new methods of monitoring and surveying fish would enable us to go to areas which we have not sufficiently covered and expand on existing practices.”Kloulechad said that he and other members of the marine team hope to gather as much information as possible about life within the MPA, especially fish, and are willing to learn new ways of accomplishing this task and at same time, hope to be able to have the expertise to train interested individuals to be able to work with the team.
