Palau News: Child Disease; Euro Film Fest; CrownO'Thorns & Marine Sanctuary; Greenpeace & US Ships
Hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in Palau
WRITTEN BY ADMINISTRATOR
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 11:59
The Bureau of Public Health is informing the public that cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have increased over the past weeks at the Belau National Hospital. With this, the public is urged to take preventive measures against the spread of the infection. Proper and frequent hand-washing as well as keeping bathrooms and other common areas and surfaces clean is highly recommended to prevent further spread of HFMD.
HFDM symptoms include fever, sore throat and possible blisters in the mouth. The disease is more common in children ages 1 to 5 years old. Should you or your child experience any of these symptoms, make sure to keep practicing hygienic habits and seek medical treatment.
For more information on how to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease, contact the Communicable Disease Unit (CDU) at 488-2450.
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7th European Film Festival slated
WRITTEN BY JOSE RODRIGUEZ T. SENASE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 10:06
For the sevent straight year, various European countries and embassies will be hosting a film festival in this island nation. The 7th European Film Festival, as the event is officially known, will be held at the Palau Community College (PCC) Assembly Hall from October 2 to 5, 2015.
The film showings are part of Palau’s Independence Day celebrations. It was started in 2007 and is held annually on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration. According to notices posted around, the showing of the films is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The film showing is for free and open to the public.
On the first day of the screenings, October 2, the films to be shown are from Austria and Czech Republic. The Austrian is a comedy/romance entittled “Rise Up and Dance”. The Czech fil is another comedy/romance entitled “Prijde letos Jezisek” or “Made in Prague”. The nexy day, French and German films will be shown. The French offering is a comedy entitled “Les garcons el Guillaume, & table” or “Me, Myself and Mum”. The German film is a comedy entitled “Geschenk der Gotten, Ein” or “A Godsend”. On Oct. 4, an Italian comedy/drama film, “Habemus Papam” or “We Have a Pope” will be shown, followed by a Dutch comedy entitled “SOOF”. The last day will feature films from Spain and Sitzerland. The Spanish offering is an animation/horror film entitled “O Apostolo” or “The Apostle”. The Swiss film is a drama/comedy entitled “Vielen Dank Fur Nichts” or “Keep Rollin”.
The event is sponsored by the Austrian Embassy, Czech Embassy, Insituto Cervantes, Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of Spain, Philippine-Italian Association, Goethe Institute, Embassy of Italy, Embassy of France, Office of the President, and PCC.
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PICRC and University of Ryukyus begin research on COTS
WRITTEN BY ADMINISTRATOR
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 10:01
A new study on crown-of-thorns (COTS) started this month under the Palau Coral Reef Island Ecosystem Project (PCoRIE). COTS, locally known as rusech, are a type of large starfish that feed on corals. The purpose of the study is to understand what factors contribute to COTS outbreaks and the impact of those outbreaks on coral communities. This study is important to Palau because COTS can be a major threat to Palau’s coral reef ecosystem if their numbers continue to rise steadily or if outbreaks occur more often. The research on COTS is headed by lead researcher, Dr. Haruko Kurihara, assistant professor from University of Ryukyus in Japan. The research team included post-doctoral researcher Dr. Chuki Hongo, PICRC researchers Ms. Marine Gouezo, Ms. Shirley Koshiba, Ms. Evelyn Otto, and assistant researcher Ms. Dawnette Olsudong.
Nine sites in Malakal were surveyed this month, including a site directly across the sewer outfall. During the surveys, coral communities and the number of COTS per given area were assessed. In addition, different water quality measurements were taken at the sites as well as the amount of algae present. The reason for the study initially being conducted in the Malakal area is because of the area’s nutrient-rich waters, which is caused by the sewage outfall. This sewage outfall contributes to the area’s high nutrient count, which enable the COTS to thrive. COTS spawn twice a year and because both adults and juvenile larvae thrive in nutrient rich waters, they are more likely to live longer and reproduce more. The more COTS present within an area, the more corals are affected.
The COTS research is a collaborative project between the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the University of Ryukyus, which is part of the PCoRIE project, which is funded under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS). Both Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) support SATREPS, which is a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research targeting global issues.
This project in Malakal is important to Palau because an outbreak can lead to massive coral reef destruction. The research on COTS, once completed, will help us understand the factors that can lead to an outbreak. Knowing these factors can help us manage to reduce the chance of a COTS outbreak. Once the data are collected and analyzed, findings will be made available to the public.
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Greenpeace supports PNMS
WRITTEN BY JOSE RODRIGUEZ T. SENASE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 11:49
The environmental group Greenpeace has thrown its weight behind Palau’s effort to create a National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS).
In a short press conference aboard the Rainbow Warrior III on Thursday, September 24, 2015, Langi Torinbao, Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner, said their organization welcomes Palau’s initiative. “This is part of what Greenpeace has been promoting, the equitable way of saving the oceans,” he stated. The Rainbow Warrior III was in Palau for several days to help Palau patrol and monitor its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The vessel departed for its next destination yesterday.
Langi said the creation of the PNMS will make it easier for Palau to enforce its maritime protection laws. He said that Greenpeace is willing to offer its services to Palau in monitoring and patrolling its waters in support of the PNMS initiative. The support from Greenpeace came after the Parties to the Nauru Government (PNA) threw its support behind the PNMS. Palau’s Marine Sanctuary initiative would close 80 percent of Palau’s EEZ to commercial fishing. The legislation creating the PNMS is tied up at the Senate.
Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organization with offices in over forty countries with an international coordinating body in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Greenpeace states its goal is to “ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity, and focuses its campaigning on worldwide issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling, genetic engineering, and anti-nuclear issues.
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USNS Bobo visits
WRITTEN BY JOSE RODRIGUEZ T. SENASE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 10:04
One of the United States (US) Military Sealift Command’s vessels was in Palau recently for a sort visit. The USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo has been spotted anchored off Palau’s waters for several days.
According to a source, the vessel arrived here on the 24th of September for a short visit. During the ship’s stay, several Palau Government officials were invited to board the vessel. “It was here for courtesy visit to thank Palau for its help to the US. It departed after a couple of days,” the source stated.
The USNB Bobo is a maritime prepositioning ship. The ship weighs 44,330 tons and is 673 feet (205 meters) long. The vessel carries supplies, ammunition, and equipmne to support Marine-Air-Ground Task Force. It is a self-sustaining vessel, with cranes to unload at sea or pirside. The vessel was originally built by General Dynamics and delivered to the Military Sealift Command in the mid-1980s. Since 1985, the ship has been under long-term lease to Military Sealift Command from American Overseas Marine. On January 16, 2007, the Military Sealift Command purchased the vessel.
Another US Military Sealift Command Vessel, the M/V C. Champion, was also in Palau recently for similar activities. The M/V C. Champion is a submarine and special warfare support vessel.
WRITTEN BY ADMINISTRATOR
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 11:59
The Bureau of Public Health is informing the public that cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) have increased over the past weeks at the Belau National Hospital. With this, the public is urged to take preventive measures against the spread of the infection. Proper and frequent hand-washing as well as keeping bathrooms and other common areas and surfaces clean is highly recommended to prevent further spread of HFMD.
HFDM symptoms include fever, sore throat and possible blisters in the mouth. The disease is more common in children ages 1 to 5 years old. Should you or your child experience any of these symptoms, make sure to keep practicing hygienic habits and seek medical treatment.
For more information on how to prevent hand, foot and mouth disease, contact the Communicable Disease Unit (CDU) at 488-2450.
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7th European Film Festival slated
WRITTEN BY JOSE RODRIGUEZ T. SENASE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 10:06
For the sevent straight year, various European countries and embassies will be hosting a film festival in this island nation. The 7th European Film Festival, as the event is officially known, will be held at the Palau Community College (PCC) Assembly Hall from October 2 to 5, 2015.
The film showings are part of Palau’s Independence Day celebrations. It was started in 2007 and is held annually on the occasion of the Independence Day celebration. According to notices posted around, the showing of the films is from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The film showing is for free and open to the public.
On the first day of the screenings, October 2, the films to be shown are from Austria and Czech Republic. The Austrian is a comedy/romance entittled “Rise Up and Dance”. The Czech fil is another comedy/romance entitled “Prijde letos Jezisek” or “Made in Prague”. The nexy day, French and German films will be shown. The French offering is a comedy entitled “Les garcons el Guillaume, & table” or “Me, Myself and Mum”. The German film is a comedy entitled “Geschenk der Gotten, Ein” or “A Godsend”. On Oct. 4, an Italian comedy/drama film, “Habemus Papam” or “We Have a Pope” will be shown, followed by a Dutch comedy entitled “SOOF”. The last day will feature films from Spain and Sitzerland. The Spanish offering is an animation/horror film entitled “O Apostolo” or “The Apostle”. The Swiss film is a drama/comedy entitled “Vielen Dank Fur Nichts” or “Keep Rollin”.
The event is sponsored by the Austrian Embassy, Czech Embassy, Insituto Cervantes, Embassy of Switzerland, Embassy of Spain, Philippine-Italian Association, Goethe Institute, Embassy of Italy, Embassy of France, Office of the President, and PCC.
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PICRC and University of Ryukyus begin research on COTS
WRITTEN BY ADMINISTRATOR
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 10:01
A new study on crown-of-thorns (COTS) started this month under the Palau Coral Reef Island Ecosystem Project (PCoRIE). COTS, locally known as rusech, are a type of large starfish that feed on corals. The purpose of the study is to understand what factors contribute to COTS outbreaks and the impact of those outbreaks on coral communities. This study is important to Palau because COTS can be a major threat to Palau’s coral reef ecosystem if their numbers continue to rise steadily or if outbreaks occur more often. The research on COTS is headed by lead researcher, Dr. Haruko Kurihara, assistant professor from University of Ryukyus in Japan. The research team included post-doctoral researcher Dr. Chuki Hongo, PICRC researchers Ms. Marine Gouezo, Ms. Shirley Koshiba, Ms. Evelyn Otto, and assistant researcher Ms. Dawnette Olsudong.
Nine sites in Malakal were surveyed this month, including a site directly across the sewer outfall. During the surveys, coral communities and the number of COTS per given area were assessed. In addition, different water quality measurements were taken at the sites as well as the amount of algae present. The reason for the study initially being conducted in the Malakal area is because of the area’s nutrient-rich waters, which is caused by the sewage outfall. This sewage outfall contributes to the area’s high nutrient count, which enable the COTS to thrive. COTS spawn twice a year and because both adults and juvenile larvae thrive in nutrient rich waters, they are more likely to live longer and reproduce more. The more COTS present within an area, the more corals are affected.
The COTS research is a collaborative project between the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and the University of Ryukyus, which is part of the PCoRIE project, which is funded under the Science and Technology Research Partnership for Sustainable Development (SATREPS). Both Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) support SATREPS, which is a Japanese government program that promotes international joint research targeting global issues.
This project in Malakal is important to Palau because an outbreak can lead to massive coral reef destruction. The research on COTS, once completed, will help us understand the factors that can lead to an outbreak. Knowing these factors can help us manage to reduce the chance of a COTS outbreak. Once the data are collected and analyzed, findings will be made available to the public.
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Greenpeace supports PNMS
WRITTEN BY JOSE RODRIGUEZ T. SENASE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 11:49
The environmental group Greenpeace has thrown its weight behind Palau’s effort to create a National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS).
In a short press conference aboard the Rainbow Warrior III on Thursday, September 24, 2015, Langi Torinbao, Greenpeace Oceans Campaigner, said their organization welcomes Palau’s initiative. “This is part of what Greenpeace has been promoting, the equitable way of saving the oceans,” he stated. The Rainbow Warrior III was in Palau for several days to help Palau patrol and monitor its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The vessel departed for its next destination yesterday.
Langi said the creation of the PNMS will make it easier for Palau to enforce its maritime protection laws. He said that Greenpeace is willing to offer its services to Palau in monitoring and patrolling its waters in support of the PNMS initiative. The support from Greenpeace came after the Parties to the Nauru Government (PNA) threw its support behind the PNMS. Palau’s Marine Sanctuary initiative would close 80 percent of Palau’s EEZ to commercial fishing. The legislation creating the PNMS is tied up at the Senate.
Greenpeace is a non-governmental environmental organization with offices in over forty countries with an international coordinating body in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Greenpeace states its goal is to “ensure the ability of the Earth to nurture life in all its diversity, and focuses its campaigning on worldwide issues such as climate change, deforestation, overfishing, commercial whaling, genetic engineering, and anti-nuclear issues.
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USNS Bobo visits
WRITTEN BY JOSE RODRIGUEZ T. SENASE
MONDAY, 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 10:04
One of the United States (US) Military Sealift Command’s vessels was in Palau recently for a sort visit. The USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo has been spotted anchored off Palau’s waters for several days.
According to a source, the vessel arrived here on the 24th of September for a short visit. During the ship’s stay, several Palau Government officials were invited to board the vessel. “It was here for courtesy visit to thank Palau for its help to the US. It departed after a couple of days,” the source stated.
The USNB Bobo is a maritime prepositioning ship. The ship weighs 44,330 tons and is 673 feet (205 meters) long. The vessel carries supplies, ammunition, and equipmne to support Marine-Air-Ground Task Force. It is a self-sustaining vessel, with cranes to unload at sea or pirside. The vessel was originally built by General Dynamics and delivered to the Military Sealift Command in the mid-1980s. Since 1985, the ship has been under long-term lease to Military Sealift Command from American Overseas Marine. On January 16, 2007, the Military Sealift Command purchased the vessel.
Another US Military Sealift Command Vessel, the M/V C. Champion, was also in Palau recently for similar activities. The M/V C. Champion is a submarine and special warfare support vessel.