March 2, 2023
sprep-pa
The Palau Council of Chiefs commended President Surangel Whipps Jr. for his position statement on seabed mining and for pushing for at least 30% Protected Ocean by 3030. Meanwhile, they urged President Whipps to maintain and sustain the “integrity and full protection” of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary. In their letter, the Chiefs said that since the closure of PNMS in 2020, early studies indicate “regeneration” and “spillover” of the fish population, both migratory and pelagic, into surrounding local waters.
