The Republic of Palau government has announced that the famous Jellyfish Lake (Ongeim’l Tketau) will remain closed to visitors. Severe drought had affected the numbers of endemic golden jellyfish in early 2016, and the continued closure is to allow the authorities “to better understand the factors negatively impacting the Jellyfish Lake and to inform appropriate policy decisions and management actions”

(Image from Shutterstock.)

Official Statement for Ongeim’l Tketau, Jellyfish Lake

Official Statement

For Ongeim’l Tketau, Jellyfish Lake

The Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment & Tourism wishes to continue active engagement with Koror State Government, the 10th State Legislature, the Klobak ra Oreor and relevant parties to define an agreeable strategy to ensure the protection and sustainable use of the Jellyfish Lake. It is important to maintain dialogue with all stakeholders on matters of this magnitude, especially when such matters are of public interest and national priority. As a United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site, it is important that we demonstrate to the global community our efforts to better understand the factors negatively impacting the Jellyfish Lake and to inform appropriate policy decisions and management actions.

At this time, the Ministry is inclined to believe that the closure of the Jellyfish Lake is of key significance as it essentially removes additional stress that may be caused by visitors and human activities. While the closure is in effect, we wish to continue the important dialogue with technical partners to provide the information needed to guide these discussions with all stakeholders. We will also work with relevant agencies to convey a unified and clear message on the closure of the Jellyfish Lake while an assessment is undertaken. In providing such support, it is also import to note that the function of the national police will be to keep peace and order to the extend allowable by law and all pertinent statutes.

With the highest regards for our democratic and traditional governance systems, the Ministry requests the support and full cooperation of all parties concerned so that we could address this important matter which is simply to ensure the health and improved condition of the unique biodiversity found in the Jellyfish Lake. Clearly, this is an issue that can only be resolved through collaboration and we look forward to having such dialogue moving forward. Thank you for your time and attention.