Palau contains approximately 340 islands, forming the western chain of the Caroline Islands in Micronesia, and has an area of 466 square kilometers
Giant clam aquaculture research facility officially opened
PALAU
Monday, April 22, 2019, 23:50 (GMT + 9)
The Palau Government officially opened the newly renovated Palau Mariculture Demonstration Center in Malakal, Koror State, wich supports aquaculture of giant clams and other marine research activities.
Like tourism, fishery is one of the important industries in Palau, and giant clam is regarded as one of its important marine products. However, due to the drastically increasing number of tourists, giant clam is being overharvested and is in critical situation.
Ribbon cutting at opening ceremony
This center’s facility, which had been getting old, was renovated and its equipment was improved, so it is expected that the aquaculture of giant clams will be promoted including the enhancement of production and appropriate management of giant clam larva.
Furthermore, this center will display many kinds of Palau’s giant clams and aquaculture activities, so many tourists are expected to visit this center. Therefore, it is hoped that it will play an important role to promote not only fishery but also tourism.
The center, which was first established in the 70s, recognized the importance of sustainably managing this marine resource and soon became known for pioneering work on giant clam culture.
Most of the giant clam seedlings are distributed to state governments for reseeding programs, according to the Office of the President of Palau.
Water tank for bivalve purification at PMDC
In 2016, the Japanese government provided a USD 6.6 million grant to fund the center renovations and upgrade equipment.
Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. said Palau cannot continue to rely entirely on the wild when it comes to subsistence and commercial food production.
“Palau and its partners are investing heavily in local aquaculture to ensure that food availability is secure for our people and our visitors,” he stated.
During the opening ceremony, Remengesau gave a speech on behalf of the Palauan government and thanked Japanese government and JICA for their assistance.
Source: PNC
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