Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. is set to address the 13th World Ocean Summit, focusing on the crucial role of science and technology in enhancing ocean stewardship for Palau and other small island nations. The Summit, themed “Innovate, Protect, Prosper: Securing Our Ocean Future,” will take place from March 4 to 5, 2026, in Montreal, Canada, and will gather global leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss ocean governance and the blue economy.
During his presentation, President Whipps will outline Palau’s vision for a sustainable ocean future that emphasizes innovation, collaborative management, and equitable access to marine technology. He intends to highlight the pressing need for robust science-based protections for deep-sea ecosystems and advocate for a blue economy that balances conservation efforts with community well-being.
“As small island nations, we are custodians of vast ocean areas that sustain the planet,” said President Whipps. He believes that through innovation, Palau can demonstrate that ocean stewardship and sustainable development can coexist.
President Whipps will also call for enhanced partnerships between governments, the private sector, and philanthropic organizations, particularly in light of Palau’s upcoming hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum and preparations for COP31. These collaborations are vital for bolstering the region’s leadership in ocean and climate actions.
In a significant step towards this goal, President Whipps has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Biosphere Dynamics LLC to bolster Palau’s capabilities in ocean monitoring and protection. This agreement allows for the deployment of long-range unmanned aerial systems and integrated analytics aimed at combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing within Palau’s expansive 600,000 square kilometer Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The partnership with Biosphere Dynamics, led by CEO Peter Houlihan, will enhance Palau’s maritime domain awareness, aid enforcement efforts, and ensure that valuable data remains under Palau’s jurisdiction. Additionally, this collaboration provides for the training of local personnel, improvement of evidence collection in support of national laws, and the establishment of a monitoring model for sharing with other members of the Pacific Islands Forum, all aligned with the goals of preserving ocean health and achieving global biodiversity targets.
As Palau invests in advanced monitoring strategies, it aims to better protect its marine resources, promote sustainable fisheries, and secure its national interests for future generations. Biosphere Dynamics LLC, a pioneer in frontier technology and biodiversity monitoring, is committed to supporting these initiatives in Palau.