Skip to main content Skip to secondary navigation

Stanford at Our Ocean

Main content start

The Republic of Palau models a culture of conservation. For generations, the archipelago’s people have been at the forefront of maintaining traditional practices and implementing policies that balance development with conservation of cultural and environmental resources. The most recent example is the establishment of the Palau National Marine Sanctuary in January 2020. Unlike other marine protected areas, it encompasses the nation’s entire population at its heart.

On April 13 and 14, Palau shared its visionary leadership on a global stage when it became the first large ocean state to host the Our Ocean Conference. Launched by the U.S. State Department in 2016, Our Ocean convenes government, civil society and industry representatives to identify solutions for ocean protection and commit to concrete actions. Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions Co-directors Fiorenza Micheli and Jim Leape played key roles in several areas of action this year, helping to facilitate a session on sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and a side event to strengthen blue food commitments. Explore conference highlights and ongoing research collaborations among Stanford scientists and Palauan partners below.

Jim and Fio

A wave of hope for Our Ocean

Q&A with Center for Ocean Solutions Co-directors Fiorenza Micheli and Jim Leape.

Caroline and Anne

Blue food traditions & culture in the Pacific

Q&A with Blue Food Assessment researcher Caroline Ferguson and Our Ocean panelist Ann Singeo.

Our Ocean Conference livestream

Catch up on all the conference sessions to watch panel sessions and commitments.

Key partners mobilize action on blue foods

At a side event, a multi-sectoral group of stakeholders outlined efforts to bring blue foods into the heart of the ocean agenda and mobilize action toward greater recognition and adoption of this vital resource.

Blue Food Virtual Exhibition Booth

An on-site and virtual exhibition booth highlighted scientific research from the Blue Food Assessment, global collaboration through the Aquatic Blue Food Coalition and regional action through the Pacific Community (SPC).

Advancing Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture

Fiorenza Micheli led a session on actions needed for sustainable, equitable, profitable and resilient small-scale fisheries and aquaculture. Learn more about advancing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, one of six areas of action at Our Ocean.

Learn more about Stanford partnerships in Palau

Woman fishers gleaning sea cucumbers in Palau.

How rural Pacific Island communities maintained food security during the COVID-19 pandemic

A Stanford-led study highlights that local food production and traditional practices are key to resilience.

Heat resistant coral: Protecting and restoring reefs in the future

Join the Palau International Coral Reef Center to hear from Steve Palumbi of Stanford's Hopkins Marine Station as he presents his work on heat resistant corals in Palau.

Learning through fieldwork on Pacific coral reefs

Stanford and Palau Community College students study links between human and natural systems through an interdisciplinary seminar in Palau.

ABALOBI: Technology for small-scale fishers

Analyzing how the digital ABALOBI platform empowers Palauan fishers and drives socioeconomic outcomes.

Training materials: From science to storytelling

Building capacity for researchers at the Palau International Coral Reef Center and beyond to manage and creatively visualize data.

The Social Ocean: Large-scale protection for multiple benefits

Understanding the cultural and environmental impacts of protecting the ocean surrounding Palau.