Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr has signed Executive Order No. 491 creating a new national working group to better protect Palau’s waters, calling it a “whole government approach in securing Palau’s waters.”
The Coordinated Maritime Management (CMM) Working Group brings together top officials from over a dozen government agencies to respond more quickly and effectively to ocean-related threats — such as illegal fishing, safety emergencies, or foreign intrusions in Palau’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“We all depend on the ocean — for food, for safety, for our economy,” President Whipps said.
“This new team brings everyone together to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect it.”
The move follows concerns that, despite the creation of the Joint Operations Centre in 2021, Palau’s response to maritime issues remains fragmented.
Whipps’ new order aims to fix that by having agencies work more closely, share information faster, and speak with one voice during emergencies.
The working group will be led jointly by the Bureau of Public Safety and the Bureau of Marine Transportation. Members include representatives from public health, fisheries, customs, environment, tourism, and foreign affairs, among others.
Under the order, the group will meet monthly at the Joint Operations Centre to review incidents at sea — such as search and rescue operations, encounters with suspicious vessels, and law enforcement activities. The group will also develop clear procedures, run annual training exercises, and work with foreign partners and the private sector.
The executive order also formally replaces the previous National Search and Rescue Committee, folding its duties into the new working group to reduce overlap and improve coordination.
The group’s first meeting must take place within 30 days of the order. It will remain in effect for two years, with the possibility of an extension.
Officials say the new working group will help Palau better defend its maritime territory while strengthening ties with allies and industries that rely on the ocean.
