Palau’s deep sea expedition team established: Scientists, Cultural Experts, Students, and Educators to Explore the Ocean Aboard E/V Nautilus
The upcoming scientific expeditions to explore deep-sea habitats within the Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) through a partnership with the Ocean Exploration Trust (OET) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Exploration have provided a unique opportunity for professionals in the fields of research, education, and traditional knowledge and best practices. One such opportunity is the inclusion of Palauans and locally based professionals and interns to join the expeditions aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus which are scheduled for October 28 through November 8 and November 10 through November 21, respectively.
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) congratulates the team and looks forward to collaborating with them and other partners in the important work that will be undertaken. Members of the team are:
Researchers: Evelyn Ikelau Otto, Elsei Tellei, Greta Sartori, Maikani Mereng Andres, Dr. Piera Bondi
Educators: Adeeshia I. Tellei, Blodak Quichocho, Elchung Gladys Hideyos, Lucy Dickie
Cultural Liaisons: Elany Joseph, Manzel Ngirmeriil
Ocean Science Interns: Meangeldil Ayla Azuma Malsol, Quinlan Sikt Yaoch
Participants will sail aboard OET’s E/V Nautilus this fall as part of the expedition teams and bring the excitement of exploration to audiences on the island and worldwide. Expeditions will provide publicly accessible data about deep water areas of the sanctuary and be streamed live, connecting learners with local scientists, educators, and students. All data gathered will be provided to the Palauan government and PICRC to support and enable follow-on exploration and management activities to better understand and care for the ocean.
The expedition team and key partners are developing a schedule of activities and will be engaging with the community and important stakeholders leading up to the expedition dates. This will be an opportunity to learn more about the team members and for them to share their respective roles and responsibilities during the expedition while coordinating more meaningful live ship-to-shore interactions with classrooms and community events when they set sail.
Lebuu's Voyage I - Palau
Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) –protection secured by Euotelel a Klingil a Debel Belau– is one of the most ambitious conservation efforts on Earth. Despite being rich in natural and cultural resources, there is very little data available from deep ocean habitats protected within PNMS. Working closely with the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), NOAA Ocean Exploration, and other Palauan and U.S.
Lebuu's Voyage II - Palau
Building on the progress in the first expedition, this 11-day expedition will continue exploring Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS) to understand seafloor features and the biodiversity that call deep sea habitats around Palau home. Specific cruise objectives will continue to be refined as we work with community and scientific partners.
