Pacific NEON
National Ecological Observatory Network
A planning site targeting the National Science Foundation NEON Program
Palau International Coral Reef Center Inventory
Name of Institution/Field Site:
The Palau International Coral Reef Center
Location:
Koror, Palau, Micronesia
Available at site: for research, ecological monitoring & assessment
Excellent flow through seawater system with associated water tables and tanks, microscopes, computers including plotters, laser printers, instrumentation for in situ water quality monitoring (YSI recording and real-time sondes – temperature, salinity, turbidity, depth and oxygen) Recording temperature probes, Acoustic Doppler current profilers, boats (up to 12 divers per boat), SCUBA facilities, underwater digital photo and video cameras, wet lab, extensive database on monitoring sites throughout Micronesia, visiting researcher housing.
Unique attributes of site:
The PICRC , established in 1993, is uniquely situated near a variety of coral reef habitats that are easily accessible by land and by small boats in the center of the world’s area of highest coral reef biodiversity. The reefs of Palau are among the most pristine although sites near the population centers have experienced a degree of anthropogenic disturbance. These reefs also experienced a mass–bleaching event in 1998, with substantial recovery underway. Palau also has extensive mangroves, seagrass beds and access to “blue water” sites. The PICRC is the coordination site for the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network for Micronesia.
URL:
Contact:
Steven Victor svistor@picrc.org
Yimnang Golbuu ygolbuu@picrc.org
Phone: 680-488-6950
Fax: 680-488-695
Web Master
David Kimball
dkimball@hawaii.edu
Pacific NEON
http://www.pacificneon.hawaii.edu