Palau Rangers Defend Helen Reef Against Poachers and Rising Seas

A small team of rangers works tirelessly to protect Palau's remote Helen Reef from illegal fishing and climate change threats.

Helen Reef, located at the southern limit of Palau, is home to diverse marine life including Napoleon wrasse, bumphead parrotfish, and hawksbill sea turtles.
The Hatohobei State Rangers, operating in three-month rotations, are tasked with safeguarding the reef against poachers and ensuring its ecological preservation.
Rangers face challenges such as limited fuel for patrols, scarce drinking water, and communication difficulties due to the island's isolation.
Climate change poses a significant threat to Helen Island, with increasing erosion raising concerns about the island's future.
Efforts to combat poaching include rejecting bribes from illegal fishing vessels and reporting activities to Palau's Marine Law Enforcement.