Palau National Marine Sanctuary
Protecting the Life and Heritage of Palau
92.57% of the world's oceans are unprotected.
Palau just took a huge step towards fixing this
Of the thousands of Marine Protected Areas, most are small and loosely regulated. Very few nations have taken strong action to conserve their coasts and waters.
Explore the World's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Many countries – including the United States – resist taking vigorous action to preserve the environment, claiming it will take away from the wellbeing of their people. But Palau is showing the world that this is not the case.
Explore a Map of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary
PNMS
Now Explore it from the sky:
Click on the satellite image to zoom in, pan about, and explore!
Thinking Globally: Where can we follow Palau's example?
“The Palau National Marine Sanctuary is a representation of Palau’s culture of caring for the environment.”
Visiting Palau: Tourism with a purpose
Every visitor to Palau has the power to make a difference in reef protection. Here's what you can do:
'Choose Pelagic' Program
When you buy pelagic fish, your money goes directly to support local fishers and not harming the reef.
'Choose Pelagics' at the Palau President's office
Visit the Palau Aquarium
A great way to support Palau's reef conservation is to learn more about it. The Palau Aquarium is full of wonder and resources for people of all ages to learn about the unique marine life of Palau, and what's going on behind the scenes to protect it.
Contribute to Science
While you're at the aquarium, you can make a donation to the Palau International Coral Reef Center which goes to support long-term monitoring across the sanctuary.
If you're in Palau for a while, you can even join their volunteer program and lend a hand.
