Baseline Assessment of Ongiil Conservation Area

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been used worldwide to protect biodiversity and increase marine resources' yields. In 2003, the Republic of Palau established the Protected Areas Network (PAN) to help improve the management and effectiveness of Palau's MPA. In 2006, Palau made a commitment to effectively conserve 30% of its near shore habitat through the Micronesia Challenge. Yet, very few data on the baseline status of MPAs that are part of this network have been collected. This present study was conducted to collect baseline ecological data within the different habitats of Ongiil Conservation Area located in Ngaraard State of Palau, to assess the effectiveness of the MPA over time. The conservation area is not classified as a PAN site yet but has been closed to fishing since 4 years. The baseline ecological data showed a system that has suffered from past fishing pressure and typhoon disturbances with low fish density and biomass, low coral cover and low invertebrates densities. Over time, further surveys will help assessing the recovery rate of a system that underwent several stressors and its effectiveness at protecting biodiversity Funding: NOAA National Ocean Service; project number: 20682; contract number: NOS4820011,;