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Inauguration of New Aquaculture Center Facilities Witnessed by Palauan President Surangel Whipps Jr., Boosting Taiwan-Palau Blue Economy Collaboration
The Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in the Republic of Palau and Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) of the TaiwanICDF hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 13,2024, for 3 significant projects to upgrade the facilities at the Palau National Aquaculture Center (PNAC) of Bureau of Marine Resources (BMR) in Koror. The new facilities include a two-story building with a microalgae cultivation room, feed storage room, expanded fish hatchery, and paved parking areas and pathways to the PNAC to enhance worksite safety and operational efficiency. Among the 50 distinguished guests were Palau President Surangel S. Whipps Jr., Taiwan Ambassador Jessica Chienyi Lee, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment Steven Victor, TTM Leader Benjamin Tsai, as well as state governors, representatives from the Palau Community College Aquaculture Center, the Bureau of Fisheries, and fishermen’s cooperatives.
The new facilities enhance the operational efficiency of the PNAC by improving microalgae cultivation and feed storage, increasing breeding and hatchery areas, and housing the aquaculture and coastal fisheries management projects office. The Palauan side expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s longstanding support in developing its aquaculture industry. Through the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Environment (MAFE), the TaiwanICDF, state governments, educational institutions, and the private sector, various challenges have been overcome, contributing to Palau’s sustainable development and food security. Palau looks forward to achieving technical advancements by enhancing the capacity to produce milkfish broodstock fingerlings and other aquatic species at the PNAC, thereby boosting local aquaculture development.
Ambassador Lee stated that the Taiwanese government has been executing aquaculture projects in Palau since 2010, starting with the production of grouper fry and expanding to rabbitfish, black tiger prawn, and researching on farming new species such as sea cucumber and milkfish broodstock. The government has continually supported the promotion of fish fingerling and juvenile shrimp production, ensuring local food security. This year, Taiwan and the MAFE launched the “Strengthening Coastal Fisheries Resource Management Project”. Leveraging Taiwan’s marine resource management experience and technological tools, the project aims to enhance fisheries resource data management, nurture ocean management talent, and integrate Indigenous knowledge with modern technology. These efforts support biodiversity, resource sustainability, and align with Palau’s blue economy goals. President Whipps noted that Palau is considering expanding its open Exclusive Economic Zone from 20% to 50%, increasing the demand for baitfish. The milkfish broodstock fry produced through the Aquaculture Project serves as excellent baitfish. The newly completed facilities will provide an optimal environment for the fry to grow, enhancing their survival rate. Visitors to Palau can enjoy its beautiful seascapes and delicious local seafood.
The TaiwanICDF continues to utilize Taiwan’s experience and technology to promote bilateral projects and assist allied nations in developing. The Office of the President of Palau also issued a special announcement, expressing gratitude to Taiwan for its assistance in enhancing Palau’s aquaculture technology and reinforcing the shared vision of mutual prosperity and sustainable development.
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- Update: 2024/07/05
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