KOROR STATE RANGERS

Koror State Conservation Areas

Preserving the Rock Islands

With an abundance of marine organisms and natural habitat for several endangered species, Palau's Rock Islands are a world-renowned dive destination.

The Koror State leadership recognizes that it must protect and preserve these vital resources. With that goal in mind, the national governments of Palau and Koror State have established several conservation areas, namely, Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve, Ngemelis no-fishing zone and Ngermekaol Spawning Area. 

Ngerukewid

Established in 1956, the Ngerukewid Islands Wildlife Preserve is Palau's first conservation area, established primarily to ensure the preservation of the Rock Islands ecosystem.

Also known as “ Seventy Islands,” Ngerukewid is a critical breeding site for hawksbill sea-turtles and other valuable species of birds (including coconut birds) and bats. Its waters support seven of the world's nine known giant clam species.
Restrictions: No entry, fishing, hunting, or disturbances of any kind.

Ngerumekaol

Each summer, Ngerumekaol Channel teems with groupers and other fish that migrate from adjoining reefs for their annual spawning ritual. However, traveling as a large group increases their chances of being wiped out by fishermen's hook and spears.

To avoid such an occurrence and to ensure that these fish continue to reproduce, Palauans enacted a national law that bans fishing during the summer months. Specifically, the “No Fishing” law takes effect from April 1– July 31 each year.

Ngemelis

Palau consistently rates among the best dive destinations in the world. This is primarily because of the dive sites in the Ngemelis area that are renowned for their steep walls, corners and blue holes as well as for providing divers with ample opportunities for up-close encounters with sharks, sea turtles, rays and rare pelagic fish.

Recognizing the Ngemelis complex as valuable resource to Palau, the Koror State has restricted fishing to one mile from the islands that make up Ngemelis.

The state collects a US$ 35.00 fee for Diving and Rock Island permits. The income derived from these fees goes to the management and preservation of the environment and to support the Rangers' various activities.

Part of the Koror State Rangers' duties is to maintain order and the motto “prevention is better than cure” is a perfect fit for the BEACH BOYS program.

The Beach Boys program seeks to help the disadvantaged youngsters of the Koror community and provide them with opportunities to better themselves. Once regarded as merely troublemakers in the community, these youngsters, mostly Elementary and High school drop-outs, receive guidance under the Beach Boys program to help them get back on the right track towards becoming useful and responsible citizens.

The purpose of the program is to assist in the following areas:

By providing this kind of guidance and training, the state stands to benefit from the youngsters' future service tothe community.

For more information, please contact Tel. no. 00 680 488 2150