This case study serves to document past conservation practices still valuable to
Palauans and recommends their incorporation in future marine resource management.
Employing ethnographic methods, Customary Marine Tenure (CMT) systems of
Ngarchelong and Kayangel State villages are described. The extent of Traditional
Ecological Knowledge (TEK) currently used and development goals of these
communities in the face of rapid economic development are also examined.
Kayangel's and Ngarchelong’s CMT by village is still valued by elders, but is no
longer adhered to by younger generations. TEK is not necessary in fishing due to recent
technological changes in gear, therefore much has been forgotten. Improved enforcement
of state and national laws is urgently needed. Individuals value healthy reefs and believe
that high end, low volume eco-tourism, operated to directly benefit villagers, will
eliminate the need to fish to generate income. Elders also recommend increasing the
number of MPAs within the Northern Reefs.