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PICRC leads regional coral monitoring workshop in Kosrae

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The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) recently expanded its role as a regional leader in
marine science by facilitating a specialized introduction and training workshop on ReefCloud in
Kosrae, FSM. The workshop that was held from April 20 to April 24, 2026, marked the first time this
training was delivered to Micronesian participants by regional trainers.

PICRC team members Daniel Cassidy and Victor Nestor who led the sessions, were amongst the first
cohort of the ReefCloud Training-of-Trainers Program, sharing expertise they gained during their
own intensive training over the last 18 months. They were supported online by Dr. Samuel Chan,
from the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Four key environmental officers from the
region participated in the workshop:


● Mr. Robert George, Kosrae Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources.

● Mr. Bruno Ned, Kosrae Division of Fisheries and Marine Resources.
● Mr. John Alokoa, Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organisation (KCSO).
● Mr. Jeremiah Talimeche, Yap Marine Resources Management Division.

The training focused on ReefCloud, an advanced image annotation tool developed by the AIMS. By
utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI), the software assists researchers in analyzing coral reef data more
efficiently.


During the workshop, participants engaged in:
● Benthic Monitoring Foundations: A review of monitoring methods and the rationale on
selecting different scientific approaches for different monitoring needs.
● Technical Exercises: Hands-on training for setting up ReefCloud projects, using ReefCloud
and interpreting data from the public dashboards.
● Model Validation: In-depth presentations on validating the accuracy and results of the
machine learning model for reporting.
● Regional Reporting: A discussion around increasing participation of the region in
collaborating on monitoring efforts and reporting.

All participants successfully completed the curriculum and were awarded certificates of
participation. The success of this workshop highlights the growing demand for advanced monitoring
tools in Micronesia and highlights PICRC’s commitment to supporting neighbouring islands through
shared knowledge and technical expertise.

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