exclusive economic zone. It also manages and regulates living marine resources within the zone. The agreements negotiated by the Authority have to be approved by the Palau National Congress before they become effective . During the period under review, five foreign fishing agreements were in effect. Under the agreement with the Fisheries Association of Japan, the Authority allowed up to 290 fishing vessels to fish in Palau's 200-mile exclusive economic zone for a cash fee of 70 million yen. The Multilateral Fisheries Treaty with the United States (a fisheries treaty between the Government of the United States and several Governments of the South Pacific, including Palau) was administered and monitored by FFA. Under the agreement with the Palau International Traders Inc., a locally registered corporation , only 14 fishing vessels were issued fishing licences. The remaining two agreements were with local Palauan corporations, with expected lump sum revenues of $18,750 and $25,000. 61. During the reporting period, the Palau Federation of Fishing Associations marketed 201,700 kilograms of fish valued at $380,938 for the seven fishing co-operatives in Palau. Of that total amount , sorne 25,000 kilograms of fish valued at $76,000 were exported to Guam. 62. During the same period, the Palau Division of Marine Resources continued several projects to evaluate and assist fishery production. Other ongoing projects I ... T/L,1274 English Page 13 funded by grants-in -aid from Japan and the United States Department of Commerce include assistance to subsistence fishing. 63. Ten refrigeration plants, acquired through a grant-in-aid from Japan were repaired. According to the current report, ice needed for fishing activities is now abunbdant in the villages. 64. The Micronesian Mariculture Demonstration Center (MMDC), a Palauan government facility, offers on a continuous basis a 30-day training course on Giant Clam Mariculture. It also offers a summer course to college-bound Palauan high school 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the Palau Federation of Fishing Associations' marketing of fish, foreign fishing agreements, and projects related to fishery production and mariculture. It also mentions the repair of refrigeration plants and the availability of ice in villages. These topics suggest a strong connection to the fishing industry and natural resources. Additionally, the text mentions international agreements and foreign aid, which implies a broader economic and international context.

**Category**
Agriculture, forestry and fishing, Natural resources and environment