The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant’s Guihan for Guåhan (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) program are inviting the community to celebrate Guam’s rich fishing traditions and local seafood at Fish Fest 2026, set for Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CHamoru Village in Hagåtña.

The family-friendly event promises to hook residents of all ages with a mix of culture, competition and cuisine centered around one of Guam’s most important resources — fish.

Festivalgoers can look forward to a keleguen guihan competition, a lively talaya (cast net) throwing contest, and opportunities to purchase fresh local catch. The event will also feature partner displays, local vendors, hands-on activities, live music, and giveaways throughout the day.

“Last year’s Fish Fest was a great opportunity for the community to come out and learn about the fishing culture on our island,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant director Austin Shelton, Ph.D. “This year we look forward to continuing the growth of this event and welcoming partners, vendors and community members to an event that will celebrate something very important to our people, fish.”

Presented under the Guihan for Guåhan program, Fish Fest aims to highlight sustainable fisheries, support local fishers, and strengthen community connections to Guam’s ocean resources. The initiative, housed within UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, focuses on promoting responsible fishing practices and food security across the island.

“Fish Fest is all about bringing our community together around something we all value: our fish and fisheries,” said Leilani Naden, lead of the Guihan for Guahan program. “Whether you fish, want to start fishing, or just love eating and learning about local fish, we welcome you to come celebrate with us. Everyone has a place at Fish Fest.”

Community members interested in participating in the keleguen competition, becoming a vendor or learning more can call Sablan at 671-488-8223. Updates are also available on Instagram at @guam_fish, @uogcis, and @uogseagrant.

With fresh seafood, island flavors and cultural traditions on full display, Fish Fest 2026 is shaping up to be a celebration of Guam’s enduring connection to the sea.

The University of Guam (UOG) has announced an extension of the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2026), expanding the event through April 26 with the addition of two days of programming in Saipan, further strengthening its partnership with Northern Marianas College (NMC).

Originally scheduled to conclude on Friday, April 24, 2026, the conference’s extension reflects growing regional interest and a shared commitment between UOG and NMC to address sustainability challenges unique to island communities across Micronesia.

The additional Saipan-based programming will bring together educators, researchers, policymakers, students, and community leaders from Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to engage in discussions focused on climate resilience, environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, renewable energy, and sustainable development.

The decision to extend the conference underscores the importance of regional collaboration in addressing island sustainability issues that transcend political and geographic boundaries.

“We have a long standing partnership with Northern Marianas College, and we are so excited to continue building that bond through opportunities like this,” said University of Guam President and CIS2026 co-chairperson Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA. “CIS has always been about island sustainability, and we are excited to now include our CNMI family into one of UOG’s premier annual events.”

By hosting sessions in Saipan, the conference aims to increase access and participation for CNMI-based stakeholders while reinforcing the importance of sustainability research and education.

The collaboration builds on a long-standing relationship between UOG and NMC that emphasizes workforce development, academic exchange, and community-driven research.

“NMC is ready to continue our support for sustainability throughout the Marianas and Pacific through this partnership with UOG CIS and Sea Grant,” said NMC president Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D. “What a phenomenal way to not only begin a new chapter for our partnership in the Marianas, but highlight our recent Sea Grant status here at NMC with our closest Sea Grant partners in Guam.”

The Conference on Island Sustainability, now in its 17th year, has become a flagship event for the University of Guam, serving as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and practical solutions to the environmental and social challenges facing island communities.

“The expansion of the conference highlights our growing partnership with the Northern Marianas College and our shared responsibility to advance solutions grounded in island knowledge and regional cooperation,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant. “The CNMI Green Growth Initiative is making great strides in sustainability innovation. It will be an exciting experience for CIS2026 participants to join us in the beautiful CNMI.”

Events in Saipan will be organized by the NMC and 500 Sails and will include a cultural seminar, canoe experience, Sea Talks, and a Managaha Conservation Experience.

CIS2026 is presented by the University of Guam CIS & Sea Grant, Guam Power Authority, Guam Southern Soil and Water Conservation District, Guam NSF EPSCoR,The Nature Conservancy and the Office of the Governor.

For registration details including the new NMC and Saipan offerings interested attendees can visit uog.edu/cis2026.

The 17 University of Guam students who attended the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference received formal recognition from the Guam Legislature for representing the island at the national event. The students participated in the conference as members of the Guam NSF EPSCoR, SEAS Islands Alliance and Navigating Home programs at UOG.

Sen. Vincent A.V. Borja, who chairs the Legislature’s Committee on Education, presented certificates to the students during a ceremony held at the UOG College of Natural and Applied Sciences conference room.

Among those recognized were three UOG students who earned recognition for their research presentations. Azer Bilimon, a student in the UOG School of Engineering, received the Native American/Indigenous Student Research Abstract Award, while Archancel Abellera and Cameron San Agustin received Outstanding Research Presentation awards.

Borja commended the students for their achievements and for representing Guam on a national stage. “We want to ensure that we, as elected officials and public leaders, recognize the work that our students do here at the University of Guam,” Borja said. “For me, this is a big deal.”

Borja noted that participation in national conferences sparks interest in Guam, particularly when students return home after receiving awards and share their experiences with the university and the community.

For Abellera, receiving an award was unexpected but affirming. “I was really surprised to be recognized,” she said.

Her award-winning presentation, “Preserving Endangered Orchids in the Marianas: Propagation Techniques for Species Recovery,” focused on conserving Dendrobium guamense, an endangered orchid found only in the Marianas.

“It was a great experience. I feel like I’ve stepped into a world where I have more trust in my skills,” she said.

Bilimon’s presentation, “Evaluating the Mechanical and Sustainable Benefits of Fibrous Reinforcement in Seawater and Freshwater Mortar Mixtures,” explored the use of coconut fibers in construction. The project was inspired by the resource challenges faced by island communities such as Guam and the Marshall Islands.

Meanwhile, San Agustin’s presentation, “Exploring Propagation Techniques for Conservation of Myrtella bennigseniana, a Native Savanna Shrub,” examined methods to improve the propagation of Myrtella bennigseniana, a native shrub that helps restore Guam’s savanna ecosystems threatened by land development and habitat loss.

Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the NSF INCLUDES SEAS and NSF Navigating Home grants and head of student experience for Guam NSF EPSCoR, said UOG has participated in SACNAS conferences since 2018.

For some of the students, this was their first time traveling off island, according to Sangueza, who added that SACNAS exposes them to a broader community of STEM professionals while also bringing recognition to Guam.

She noted that the conference draws approximately 7,000 participants and features around a hundred research presentations. “The most important thing is going out and representing who we are as students from Guam,” Sangueza said. She added that mentors and conference attendees frequently seek out the UOG booth to commend the professionalism and quality of the students’ presentations.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., highlighted the broader impact of research opportunities on student success.

“We’ve created close to 300—or even more than 300—research opportunities for students that didn’t exist before,” Shelton said. “That allows us to do things like take them to national conferences.”

Shelton emphasized that geographic distance often limits access to national opportunities for students in Guam. “At these conferences, students are gaining scholarships, fellowships, job opportunities and acceptance into graduate programs,” he said.

UOG sent a 28-member delegation to the 2025 SACNAS Conference, including students, mentors, and science communicators. The nation’s largest multicultural and multidisciplinary STEM event took place in Columbus, Ohio, drawing participants from across the United States and its territories.

Support for select students to attend the SACNAS Conference was also made possible in part by USDA‑NIFA‑funded NextGen Grant.

The University of Guam’s commitment to sustainability and student opportunity was on full display during the recent UOG New Student Orientation event organized by the UOG’s student services team, where a coalition of campus programs came together to present a unified, student-focused welcome.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), NSF Navigating Home, Guam NSF EPSCoR, the SEAS Islands Alliance, and Guam Green Growth collaborated to host a comprehensive booth designed to introduce new and returning students to a wide range of academic, research, and fellowship opportunities centered on sustainability and island resilience.

Rather than operating as separate programs, the partners intentionally created a shared space that highlighted how their efforts intersect—connecting environmental research, workforce development, Indigenous knowledge, and community-based solutions. Staff and student representatives were on hand throughout the event to answer questions, distribute informational materials, and encourage students to explore pathways that align with their academic interests and career goals.

“Our goal was to make it easy for students to see the bigger picture,” said Gabby Topasna from UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “These programs are deeply connected, and together they offer students hands-on experiences, paid fellowships, research opportunities, and mentorship focused on sustainability issues that matter here on Guam and across the region.”

Students visiting the booth learned about opportunities ranging from undergraduate research and internships to fellowships and professional development programs supported by the National Science Foundation. Programs such as Navigating Home and Guam NSF EPSCoR emphasized pathways for students to engage in place-based research, while the SEAS Islands Alliance and Guam Green Growth showcased regional partnerships and applied solutions aimed at building a more sustainable island future.

“The student experience is a large part of what makes our programs successful,” said Franki Guerrero from Guam NSF EPSCoR. “Showing them the opportunities that lie within our programs that not only help them learn and get that hands-on experience but also help them deal with some of the costs via our stipends, really goes a long way in helping them navigate through this time of their lives.”

The collaborative booth also served as a platform to highlight ongoing sustainability initiatives at UOG, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in addressing climate change, environmental stewardship, and economic resilience in island communities.

Programs represented include:

UOG CIS and Sea Grant Turtle Program

Guam NSF EPSCoR (E-Core and E-Rise)
Micronesia Challenge
Guihan for Guahan
Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW)
UOG CIS and Sea Grant Natural Resources (Island Conservation Lab)
Guam Green Growth Action Framework
G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub
NSF Navigating Home & SEAS Islands Alliance
UOG CIS and Sea Grant Community Engagement

For many students, the booth was their first introduction to the breadth of sustainability-focused work taking place on campus. Organizers said the response underscored the value of presenting a coordinated message that connects academic programs with real-world impact.

As UOG continues to expand its sustainability and research initiatives, presenters noted that events like student orientation are critical moments to engage students early, helping them see how their education can contribute to meaningful solutions for Guam and the wider region.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has announced the arrival of Emma Perez as its new Fiscal Officer, bringing decades of financial leadership and nonprofit experience to the many environmental, research, capacity building and workforce development programs it hosts.

Perez is the founder of 500 Sails, a community-based nonprofit dedicated to reviving traditional seafaring knowledge in the Mariana Islands while promoting environmental stewardship and cultural sustainability. Her work with 500 Sails has been widely recognized for strengthening community connections to the ocean and advancing education rooted in Indigenous knowledge systems.

In her new role at UOG CIS & Sea Grant, Perez will oversee fiscal operations and financial management, supporting grants that address island sustainability, coastal resilience, climate adaptation, and marine resource stewardship across Guam and Micronesia.

Perez brings more than forty years of finance experience, much of it serving nonprofit and mission-driven organizations. Throughout her career, she has been known for combining rigorous financial oversight with a deep understanding of organizational values, ensuring that limited resources are managed responsibly and strategically to maximize community impact.

“Emma’s background uniquely positions her for this role,” said Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “She understands both the technical demands of fiscal management and the cultural and environmental context in which our work takes place. We are grateful she navigated to Guam and our center as the next destination in her life journey.”

Her appointment comes at a time when UOG CIS & Sea Grant continues to expand its research, education, and community outreach efforts in response to environmental challenges facing island communities.

Perez said she looks forward to supporting the center’s mission. “The work of CIS & Sea Grant is critical for the future of our islands,” she said. “I’m honored to contribute my experience in service of sustainability, community, and our ocean. My family has been a part of UOG for generations and I am excited to begin my new voyage here.”

Dozens of residents, students, scientists, and community leaders gathered at the Guam Museum in Hagåtña for Our Ocean, Our Voice: A Community Workshop for Comments on Deep Sea Mining, a collaborative event hosted by the Office of the Governor of Guam and Lt. Governor, and facilitated by the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and Guam Green Growth aimed to support public engagement in a critical federal decision affecting the region’s marine environment.

The workshop aimed to equip attendees with the information and tools needed to submit effective comments on the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposal to open federal waters near the Marianas Trench, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands to deep-sea mining. The public comment period closes at 2:59 PM Guam time on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero opened the event with remarks, noting that while the discussions on federal leasing of lands for seabed mining have left the people of the Marianas out, together the people of Guam and the CNMI must make their voices heard.

“Things are moving without us being at the table,” said Leon Guerrero. “With us being the most impacted and having the burden of negative consequences of seabed mining, we need to, and as a united front, make a statement.”

Subject matter experts from the Pacific took to the stage to provide insight and education on deep-sea mining. Jeffrey Drazen Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii in Manoa, superintendent of the Mariana Trench Monument Sean MacDuff Ph.D., and Blue Ocean Law’s Isa Ariolla Mook Ph.D. and Julian Aguon J.D presented on various aspects of the potential impacts of the mining process.

Drazen discussed the various types of potential mining and the effects that they could have on the seabed ecosystems, home to many species that could see long lasting destruction. He said, “The largest interest today are in seamount crusts and manganese nodules [to extract cobalt and nickel]. This is to generate lithium ion batteries. All of us, if you have a cellphone in your pocket, you have a little bit of nickel and a little bit of cobalt with you because that’s a lithium NMC battery. So that is what the interest in those metals is for. Terrestrial sources of these exist, but are becoming harder to access because of political issues and other things.”

Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio called upon the community to make their voices heard.

“Our ocean is not for sale, and we have this responsibility because we’re living today in 2026 to fight to do whatever we can to protect this for everybody after us. That’s our responsibility as CHamorus and Guamanians and Pacific Islanders and people that actually care about what’s happening,” said Tenorio.

Aguon and Mook were very clear on their concerns regarding the entire process.

“The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), the federal agency at issue, are operating under the claimed authority under a new statute: the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLO), but the problem is this act has been in operation for seven decades in only one way: oil and gas leases,” said Aguon. “That’s a problem because they’re basically wholesale cutting and pasting this entire legal framework and then applying it to a frontier activity to deep seabed mining activity and exploitation.”

MacDuff says that making the connection between science, our culture and the people is a big part of why protecting sites like the Marianas Trench is so important and a big part of the goals of the trench management plan.

“Our job is to connect the stories that Dr. Drazen finds when he goes out and does all these expeditions. We tell these stories on their behalf to our communities,” said MacDuff. “We try to provide opportunities for tourism, recreation, economic ventures and recovery, [in addition to] protecting threatened and endangered species. These are our high level goals that are connected throughout our management plan.”

Following the presentations, the support workshop began with computer devices set up for commenters. Attendees were also provided physical postcards for comments to be written on and mailed in by organizers.

Comments can be submitted by any member of the public including diaspora who may currently reside off-island. Those who want to submit comments can do so by visiting https://www.regulations.gov and accessing docket BOEM-2025-0351-0001.

The Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor will host a free public workshop on January 7, 2026, to provide assistance to submit comments on the federal government’s deep-sea mining proposal for waters near the Marianas Trench, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. 

“Our Ocean, Our Voice: A Community Workshop for Comments on Deep Sea Mining” will take place from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Guam Museum in Hagåtña and is open to all community members at no cost. Support will be available to help residents understand the proposal and craft effective public comments before the January 12, 2026 deadline.

“Our ocean is not a commodity. It is our lifeline, our heritage, and our responsibility to protect for generations to come,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who also serves as co-chair of the Guam Green Growth initiative. “We strongly encourage every member of our community to make their voices heard on this critical issue. This workshop will help ensure that our people can provide meaningful input on a proposal that could have profound impacts on our marine environment, our culture, and our future.”

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposal targets approximately 35.5 million acres of seafloor east of the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument, an area roughly equal in size between Guam and Rota. The proposal has sparked widespread concern across the Pacific territories over potential environmental damage to one of the world’s deepest and most biodiverse ocean ecosystems. 

Governor Leon Guerrero and CNMI Governor David Apatang jointly requested a 120-day extension to the public comment period, arguing that 30 days was insufficient time for island governments and communities to conduct comprehensive reviews and consultations. While federal officials granted an additional 30 days, many community leaders have said more time is needed to adequately assess the environmental, economic, cultural, and jurisdictional implications of deep-sea mining in the region.

Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio added, “The implications of deep-sea mining do not start and end with us. Our children, their children, and the future generations of our people will have to deal with whatever is brought upon them because of deep-sea mining.  We owe it to them to make sure their best interests are considered now.”

The workshop aims to address these concerns by providing community members with the resources and support they need to participate effectively in the federal comment process. Attendees will receive guidance on how to access the federal docket at regulations.gov (docket number BOEM-2025-0351-0001), how to structure their comments, and what information is most valuable to include in public testimony.

Governor Leon Guerrero added, “There must be more scientific research to understand the true impacts of this form of mineral extraction. Little research has been conducted on the ocean’s depths, including the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining.”

Along with the support for comment writers, the event will host several prominent environmental experts who will be providing insight about deep-sea mining.  Speakers will include:  

• ⁠Julian Aguon J.D. – Principal Attorney, Blue Ocean Law
• ⁠⁠Theresa “Isa” Arriola Mook, Ph.D. – Director of Operations, Blue Ocean Law
• Jeffrey C. Drazen, Ph.D. – Deep Sea Ecologist, University of Hawaii at Manoa
• ⁠⁠Sean D.L.G Macduff Ph.D. – Superintendent, Marianas Trench Marine National Monument 

The proposed mining area lies entirely within federal waters, and critics have raised concerns about the potential for irreversible harm to marine ecosystems, cultural heritage sites, Indigenous food systems, and traditional navigation routes. The area is also believed to contain World War II-era shipwrecks and aircraft, as well as ancestral seafloor sites.

Community members, environmental organizations, cultural groups, and anyone concerned about protecting the Marianas’ ocean resources are encouraged to attend the January 7 workshop. Walk-ins are welcome, and no registration is required. 

The event will be facilitated by The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, and Guam Green Growth.  To register to attend the event, visit tinyurl.com/DSMGUAM.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) brought together dozens of sustainability professionals, partners, and supporters for a special “Homecoming”-themed alumni mixer in December at Capitol Kitchen, raising funds for the UOG Endowment Fund while strengthening the island’s network of environmental leaders.

The evening event drew current and former team members, program partners, and supporters who have contributed to building Guam’s capacity in sustainability, conservation, and environmental protection over the years. The gathering underscored the growing community of professionals with ties to UOG CIS & Sea Grant who continue to advance sustainability initiatives across the island.

“This was more than just a reunion—it was a celebration of the community we’ve built together and the impact we continue to make on Guam’s future,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., Director of the UOG CIS & Sea Grant. “Seeing so many familiar faces, from alumni to partners who have been with us from the beginning, reminds us why this work matters and how far we’ve come together.”

The fundraiser featured a grand prize raffle with proceeds benefiting the UOG Endowment Fund. Jae Cruz, an alumnus of the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps, won the evening’s top prize—a two-day staycation at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

UOG CIS & Sea Grant associate director for communications and community engagement Kyle Mandapat emphasized the importance of maintaining connections within Guam’s sustainability community. “Our alumni and partners are leaders in their fields, working across government, nonprofits, and the private sector to create a more sustainable Guam,” he said. “Events like this help us stay connected, share ideas, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

The “Homecoming” theme reflected both the return of professionals who have come back to Guam to contribute their expertise and the sense of family that defines the CIS & Sea Grant community. Many attendees have participated in programs such as the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps, the NSF Navigating Home Fellowship, marine research initiatives, natural resource management programs, legal fellowships, and various sustainability training programs.

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant has become a hub for environmental education, research, and workforce development on Guam, partnering with government agencies, community organizations, and educational institutions to address critical challenges including climate resilience, marine conservation, renewable energy, and sustainable resource management.

Phillip Cruz, UOG CIS & Sea Grant program leader and one of the longest tenured team members, was happy to see the lasting impact the center has had on the community and was grateful for all the support over the years. 

“I always enjoy catching up with former CIS & Sea Grant team members and learning about what they’re doing today,” said Cruz. “I’m most thrilled when I hear about how much of an influence their time on our team has on their current careers. We have done so much work in the conservation and island sustainability space collectively, and we have more work to do. It would not be possible without the contributions of everyone here.”

The event also helped to showcase the work of the center as the road to the 17th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability begins with the signature event slated to return to the Hyatt Regency Guam Grand Ballroom from April 20 to 24, 2026. 

The University of Guam is now accepting presentation proposals for its 17th Conference on Island Sustainability, scheduled to take place April 20-24, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Guam.

Under the theme “Illuminating the Path to Prosperity,” the annual conference will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing island communities in the Pacific region and beyond.

Prospective presenters have until January 17, 2026, to submit abstracts for consideration. The conference organizing committee is seeking proposals that explore innovative approaches to sustainable development, climate resilience, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in island contexts.

“We are excited to welcome the latest research and actions advancing sustainability solutions from around the world for CIS2026,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant). “Last year’s conference featured over 190 presenters including representatives from over 21 states, countries and islands and of course amazing talent from Guam.”

The week-long event, which welcomed over 1200 participants last year, has become a cornerstone gathering for those working on sustainability issues specific to island environments, where geographic isolation, limited resources, and climate vulnerability create distinct challenges that require specialized solutions.

Registration for the conference is now open through the university’s website at uog.edu/cis2026, where interested participants can also find detailed submission guidelines and information about presentation formats.

The University of Guam has hosted the Conference on Island Sustainability as a platform for advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration on critical issues affecting island territories and island regions worldwide.

For more information about abstract submission requirements and conference registration, visit uog.edu/cis2026.