Pew Marine Fellow Elected Vice President of International Coral Reef Society

© Bob Richmond

Yimnang Golbuu speaking at 2014’s Our Ocean Conference in Washington, D.C.

Pew marine fellow, Yimnang Golbuu, was elected vice president of the International Society for Reef Studies, the largest professional organization for coral reef researchers and managers, on Jan. 30, 2015. Golbuu, who holds a doctorate from Southern Cross University in Australia, is also the chief executive officer of the Palau International Coral Reef Center and the first Pacific Islander to hold an executive position in the society.

The International Society for Reef Studies has more than 600 members from 70 nations, and publishes the journal Coral Reefs, which is one of the primary sources for research on these ecosystems.

“Yimnang’s election to this prestigious post is no surprise to me,” said Bob Richmond, another Pew marine fellow and past president of the society, who nominated him. “He is not only a highly productive and respected scientist, but also an excellent communicator who brings a very important cultural perspective to the field of coral reef research and can combine the best of traditional knowledge with modern science.”

At a time when coral reefs are in decline worldwide, Richmond said that Golbuu’s knowledge and leadership would be of great value in supporting coral reef sustainability.

For more, visit International Society for Reef Studies website.