Australian students learn critical conservation skills in Palau’s world-first shark sanctuary

For 15 Flinders University students, studying marine biology, animal behaviour, and biodiversity and conservation, the chance to learn critical scientific skills in Palau through a New Colombo Plan mobility project has nurtured a renewed enthusiasm for their research and their future careers.

For 15 Flinders University students studying marine biology, animal behavior, biodiversity and conservation, the opportunity to learn critical science skills in Palau through a New Colombo Plan mobility project has fueled renewed enthusiasm for their research and future careers. .

Marine biology senior Bradley Hayman says he is grateful for the NCP experience, which allowed him to learn about the marine environment and conservation in the field.

Palau is known for its world-class approach to marine conservation and sustainability.

“Palau has a thriving and intact tropical ecosystem, quite different from the Australian marine environment, and one that the people of Palau are determined to conserve,” says Bradley.

‘About 80 percent of its waters are closed, ‘no-go’ zones for fishing have been declared because Palau truly values its ocean ecosystem.’

‘Palau also created the world’s first shark sanctuary. The country is taking on an internationally recognized role in marine conservation and striving for important goals because the ocean is a natural treasure for the Palauan people.’

“We had the opportunity to speak to people involved in coral restoration and shellfish protection and see a lot of work going on to preserve the ocean environment at all levels,” he said.

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