(TNC) — The Nature Conservancy Micronesia and Polynesia has partnered with the University of Queensland to identify coral reef “refugia” in Palau — areas where local conditions help corals withstand extreme heat and other climate-related stresses. As Palau’s reefs face mounting threats from marine heatwaves and climate change, this initiative will provide vital data to guide conservation priorities and marine spatial planning.
Thermal refugia are especially important because they can shield corals during bleaching events. These zones often form in places with unique oceanographic features — such as cooler upwelling currents, dynamic water flows, or adjacent healthy coastal ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass beds. While not immune to damage, refugia experience less thermal stress than surrounding reefs, giving corals more time to adapt and recover.
In Palau, previous studies have shown that corals in thermal refugia tend to be more heat-tolerant and support greater biodiversity. By mapping these areas in detail, scientists can pinpoint which reefs are most likely to persist under climate pressure — and which could serve as sources of recovery for degraded reef systems.
UQ brings global expertise in reef refugia science, including extensive work in Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and a longstanding research presence in Palau. The team has already produced a national map of potential refugia sites. The next phase will assess these areas based on ecological quality and connectivity, culminating in a final report that highlights priority sites and evaluates water quality indicators. This will help identify which reefs are best positioned to survive heat stress and support coral larval dispersal to surrounding areas.
“This partnership blends cutting-edge science with the deep local knowledge that has guided Palauan stewardship for generations,” said Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, Coral Resilience Director at The Nature Conservancy Micronesia and Polynesia. “By mapping refugia, we can target conservation where nature is already showing resilience — giving us the best chance to protect the reefs most likely to adapt and continue sustaining our ecosystems, our communities, and our way of life.
“Palau’s reefs remain among the most vibrant in the world, and the country is setting a global example in preparing for the intensifying threat of marine heatwaves,” said Professor Peter Mumby of the University of Queensland, lead scientist on the project. “This collaboration is equipping Palau with the science and tools needed to protect its most resilient reefs and support long-term recovery across the archipelago.”
This marks Palau’s first national-scale initiative to map coral refugia, providing a critical new layer of insight to guide conservation priorities and long-term ecosystem resilience. As the country advances its Marine Spatial Planning for the nearshore environments, integrating these refugia maps will strengthen decision-making and ensure that climate-smart protection is embedded into the planning process.
