The Ebiil Society, led by Ann Singeo, works to preserve Palau’s marine habitats while supporting women fishermen in Ngardmau. As part of IUCN Oceania’s Kiwa Initiative, the Ebiil Society is causing concerns in the community with their ingenious method to environmental conservation and sustainable fishing practices.
It all started with a straightforward yet impactful concept for Ms. Singeo: giving women fishermen the knowledge and skills they need to embrace sustainable fishing methods so that the ocean’s abundance will continue for upcoming generations. The outcomes have been quite impressive. In order to assist sustainable revenue generation, women fishermen have shifted from conventional fishing to running four prosperous giant clam farms, with 4,000 clam seeds supplied.
In addition to offering steady income flow, this reduces the burden on wild fish populations. However, that is not all. By raising and delivering 8,000 sandfish and grayfish sea cucumbers to 49 participants—22 of whom were female fishermen—Ebiil Society has also made considerable progress in reseeding sea cucumbers.
This effort has improved marine biodiversity and given local communities a source of income from the fishing sector. To further improve the marine habitat, about 300 giant clams were discharged into the Ngarchelong-Bengall reef.
One of the most important components of the Ebiil Society’s mission has been education. 231 students have gained knowledge of endangered species, biodiversity, seagrass ecology, and the significance of women in fisheries through interactive activities. As a result, a new generation of ocean stewards has been raised, one that is more prepared to protect the marine ecosystem.
The numbers speak for themselves. Monitoring efforts have shown a significant increase in biomass in restored sites, with adult sandfish populations growing from just five to 1,800 over 18,000 square feet in Toluk el Bad. In Matul, numbers rose from zero to 1,500, a tribute to the project’s success in promoting sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity restoration, and community education. As Ms. Singeo looks to the future, she remains committed to building on these achievements.
The project aims to improve hatchery reproduction and nursing of ecologically, economically, and culturally important sea cucumbers, while increasing the number of women fishers involved in sea cucumber restocking activities. By promoting sustainable sea cucumber harvesting practices, the Ebiil Society is helping to ensure the long-term health of Palau’s marine ecosystems. For Singeo, the Ebiil Society’s work is more than just a project – it’s a movement.
“We’re not just empowering women fishers; we’re empowering a community to take ownership of their marine resources,” she said. “By working together, we can create a brighter future for Palau’s oceans and the people who depend on them.”
Without a doubt, the future of Palau’s marine ecosystems is in capable hands as the Ebiil Society continues to make impacts in the community.
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Photo banner of Brown curryfish is credited to George Stoyle and Ebiil Society.