For many island communities, pursuing higher education and scientific careers often means leaving home—and too often, not returning. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Navigating Home program was created to reverse that trend by building clear pathways for STEM professionals with Guam roots to return, reconnect, and apply their expertise where it is needed most.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant), in partnership with the NSF INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance, formally introduced new Navigating Home long-term fellows Preya Camacho and Miguel Cordero during a signing ceremony in December —marking another step in the program’s mission to bring the island’s skilled workforce home.

At the event held at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup, UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez, DBA, welcomed the fellows and their mentors and highlighted the importance of partnerships with industry and government agencies that serve as employment destinations for returning professionals under the Navigating Home program.

Noting that for every three students who leave Guam to pursue a college degree only one returns, she also emphasized the university’s role in building Guam’s workforce and the broader responsibility tied to public investment in education and workforce development.

“We want to be able to contribute to be able to build that intellectual infrastructure, but we also want to ensure that we have these innovative pathways for those who have left the island, to return home and to serve in very meaningful positions that are filling gaps, in terms of expertise,” she said.

UOG CIS & Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., highlighted the long-term value of investing in homegrown experts.

“It really is not just an investment from the grants or from the university but also an investment from our experts that came back home,” Shelton said, noting that fellows bring lived experience that strengthens scientific decision-making, community stewardship, and economic impact.

At the ceremony, both fellows shared their experiences returning home through the program.

Camacho, who earned her degree in earth and environmental science from Arizona State University, returned to Guam and is now placed with the Guam Department of Agriculture’s Biosecurity Division. Her work focuses on invasive species management, including monitoring and data collection related to threats such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ants, and fruit flies.

“I applied for this scholarship because this is the perfect opportunity for me to come home,” Camacho said. “That was my main goal, to come back and use my knowledge for the island.”

Born and raised in Dededo, Cordero returned to Guam after studying biology and biotechnology and is now placed with the Guam Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Monitoring and Analytical Services (EMAS) Division. His work includes beach water quality monitoring, molecular testing, and contributing to Guam EPA’s Beach Report.

“So right now, I’m mainly a biologist, mostly a microbiology and microbiology staff-in-training,” Cordero said. “A lot of my work is environmental science focused… everything has been a whirlwind and something new to me, but it’s been a worthwhile experience,” he added.

Meanwhile, Cheryl Sangueza, Ph.D., co-principal investigator of the program, emphasized that representing Guam on national stages is a core part of the Navigating Home experience. Fellows are supported to attend conferences such as the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) National Diversity in STEM (NDiSTEM) Conference, where they present their work, build professional networks, and represent Guam and the University with confidence—often for the first time before large national audiences.

Cordero also highlighted the professional development opportunities made possible through Navigating Home. “One of the big things that’s very unique about navigating home… was the opportunities for coalition building with peers, other scientists, other mentors,” he said.

Addressing the two long-term fellows, Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio, a co-principal investigator of the program, thanked them for choosing public service.

“The reason why I’m a principal co-investigator, I’m trying to figure out how we abbreviate that pathway for the government of Guam to identify the talent and get them activated so that they can do the work of the people. And so, you made a decision, at least for this stage of your life, to be in public service. And you know, I just want to say how grateful we are that you both decided to do this.”

The program is also supported by Guam Green Growth and Guam NSF EPSCoR’s GECCO, E-Core, and E-Rise programs. 

Long-term fellow benefits include an annual salary, placement with a government or UOG department that aligns with the fellow’s area of specialty, and a one-way plane ticket back to Guam.

Two University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) interns concluded their terms at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub with presentations highlighting innovative approaches to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Ian Gaza and Napu Blas, both interns with the UOG CIS & Sea Grant Research Education and Extension Fellowship (REEF) program, demonstrated projects that exemplify the creative problem-solving needed to address environmental challenges facing island communities.

Gaza, who is currently continuing his work towards an engineering degree, developed a robot during his internship, showcasing the potential for technological innovation in sustainability applications at the Makerspace facility.

Blas, who currently attends school at Dartmouth University focused his efforts on plastic recycling initiatives, working alongside Justin Cruz to transform recycled plastics into materials used to refurbish school desks. The project demonstrates a practical application of circular economy principles, giving new life to waste materials while addressing needs in Guam’s educational infrastructure.

The presentations marked the culmination of the interns’ work at the hub, which serves as a center for sustainable innovation and hands-on learning in environmental technology and circular economy practices.

The REEF program provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience in sustainability-focused projects while contributing to community-based environmental solutions.

Both interns’ projects reflect the growing emphasis on combining innovation, education, and environmental responsibility to build more sustainable communities across the Pacific region.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) revealed the cover of its highly anticipated 2026 Tide Chart Calendar at a special event held at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub at CHamoru Village, marking another year of the publication that has become essential for island fishers and coastal enthusiasts.

This year’s calendar spotlights shoreline fishing, a practice deeply woven into Guam’s cultural fabric and daily life. The striking cover photograph featured Kevin Rivera of Kast Culture and sets the tone for a calendar filled entirely with fisher-submitted images that document the island’s vibrant fishing community and coastal traditions.

The cover reveal brought together local fishers, environmentalists, and supporters who gathered to celebrate not just the calendar’s release, but the community it represents.

“Our ocean resources have been very important for our people for centuries,” said Rivera. “Practicing safe and sustainable fishing is the only way we can ensure fishing, an important part of our culture, can continue to provide for our people for generations to come.”

Beyond serving as a practical tool for tracking tides and planning fishing expeditions, the 2026 calendar incorporates sustainable fishing tips and resources, aligning with growing efforts to preserve Guam’s marine ecosystems for future generations. The inclusion of sustainability guidance reflects an evolving awareness within the fishing community about the importance of responsible coastal practices.

”This is tide chart calendar is a resource for our fishers and all of our community to take part in ocean activities wisely and safely,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant director Austin Shelton, Ph.D. “Responsible fishing is a big part of our sustainable future. We thank our featured fishers for sending in their best shoreline catches and setting the example.”

True to tradition, the calendar will be distributed free of charge throughout the island. Community members can pick up copies at the G3 Green Store at CHamoru Village and at fishing supply shops across Guam, ensuring accessibility for all who depend on accurate tide information for their fishing, diving, and coastal activities.

The calendar is produced by the UOG CIS & Sea Grant Science Communication Team and is supported by Guam Green Growth and Guam NSF EPSCoR’s GECCO, E-Core and E-Rise programs.

Free copies of the tide chart can be picked up at fishing supply stores islandwide and at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant)  joined an international delegation at Korea Sea Grant Week in November, strengthening partnerships between Korean and American marine conservation programs.

The event brought together representatives from all Korea Sea Grant programs along with a US delegation featuring representatives from Maine, Washington, California, Hawaii, and Guam Sea Grant programs.

The program featured presentations from UOG CIS & Sea Grant director Austin Shelton, Ph.D., who shared successful projects on Guam that deal with ongoing marine debris problems.   He highlighted the work at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub in his presentation.

UOG CIS & Sea Grant aquaculture lead David Crisostomo presented on the ongoing developments of aquaculture initiatives on the island including the recently launched third cohort of the Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems (CBAS) program.

Associate director for communications and community engagement Kyle Mandapat was the chairperson for the United States delegation’s presentation. 

“Being here today and having the opportunity to collaborate, learn and inspire brings so many benefits for our program and all the programs in the Pacific,” said Mandapat. “We discussed collaborations that can bring successes for Guam both financially and in our ongoing movement for sustainability at home.”

The participation builds on UOG’s existing partnerships in the Pacific region, including collaborations with South Korea’s Gyeongin Sea Grant program on marine ecology research.

Korea Sea Grant Week provided a platform for programs to share best practices and learn from each other’s approaches to marine resource management, coastal protection, and sustainable development. The international connections support UOG’s commitment to building capacity across Micronesia and fostering knowledge exchange throughout the Pacific.

UOG achieved Sea Grant Institutional Program status from NOAA in 2022, recognizing its excellence in research, education, and public service dedicated to the environmentally responsible management of marine and coastal resources.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) wrapped up its 2025 tree-planting season with the final GROW in Malojloj event, bringing together community volunteers for a morning of environmental restoration at the Ugum Watershed project site.

Over 1700 trees, including over 170 native and fruiting species, were planted during the event which was rescheduled from an earlier date in November due to inclement weather conditions and potential safety concerns.

The Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) Initiative has been working to restore degraded hillsides in southern Guam through systematic reforestation efforts. The program addresses a critical environmental challenge: erosion-prone badland areas that send sediment cascading into rivers and coral reefs during heavy rains.

“We really appreciate all the support from the community of our restoration efforts this year,” said Joshua Muna, GROW lead and event coordinator. “Getting to see our people taking an active role in the preservation and conservation of our resources is a great thing and we always invite everyone to participate when they can.”

The tree-planting events serve multiple environmental purposes. The initiative aims to prevent erosion and reduce sediment runoff into both the southern water treatment plant and coastal ecosystems. When sediment reaches these areas, it can contaminate drinking water supplies and smother coral reefs by blocking vital sunlight.

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., Director of UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, has consistently emphasized the tangible impact volunteers make through their participation. The program plants a mix of native, culturally significant and soil revitalizing trees to help stabilize conditions while restoring the natural landscape.

The initiative also provides service-learning opportunities for high school students, allowing them to earn hours while contributing to environmental conservation. Families and community groups regularly participate, making the events accessible to volunteers of all ages and experience levels.

The event is made possible through collaboration between the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Guam Green Growth, Calvo’s Insurance, USDA, the U.S. Forest Service, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Throughout the 2025 season, GROW events have drawn dozens of volunteers at each session, typically beginning at 8 a.m. with safety briefings and project introductions for newcomers. The program will resume its planting schedule during the next growing season in 2026.

More information about the GROW Initiative can be found at UOG.edu/seagrant or on social media @uogseagrant and @uogcis.

University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant associate director for natural resources Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D., represented Guam at a prestigious international seminar on bat conservation at UCLouvain in Belgium, where researchers from across the Indo-Pacific region gathered to discuss the critical intersection of indigenous knowledge and species protection.

The two-day seminar brought together experts in anthropology, history, and biology to examine flying foxes, insectivorous bats, and their relationships with indigenous and local populations throughout the Indo-Pacific. Organized by Frédéric Laugrand as part of the ERC-interspecific project, the event addressed urgent issues including predation, traditional consumption practices, cultural representations, and conservation strategies for threatened bat species.

Demeulenaere delivered a presentation titled “Tastes of Memory, Cries of Survival: Protecting Fanihi and Fadang in a Changing Guåhan,” highlighting the cultural significance of Guam’s endangered Mariana fruit bat and the cycad plant fadang. She also led a workshop on “Fruit Bats, Indigenous Knowledge, and the Interdisciplinary Path to Biocultural Conservation in the Indo-Pacific.”

“It was inspiring to see researchers from across disciplines, anthropology, history, and biology, come together to explore new approaches to bat conservation and habitat protection,” Demeulenaere said. “The level of engagement in the workshop showed that integrating Indigenous knowledge is not only culturally important, but scientifically essential to protecting bats in a time of ecological crisis.”

The seminar addressed critical conservation challenges as many bat species face extinction threats. Participants explored how indigenous knowledge systems, including those of Austronesian-speaking populations, can inform modern conservation efforts and protect both the animals and their habitats.

Demeulenaere emphasized the broader implications of the gathering for Pacific Island communities. “This seminar created meaningful new connections across the Indo-Pacific region, and I look forward to future collaborations,” she said. “Our island stories and conservation challenges are central to global conversation, especially as we work urgently to prevent the extinction of species that are culturally important and ecologically irreplaceable.”

The fanihi, or Mariana fruit bat, holds deep cultural significance in CHamoru tradition and plays a vital ecological role as a pollinator and seed disperser in Guam’s forests. The species has faced severe population decline due to hunting, habitat loss, and invasive species.

Over 125 community members gathered at Gab Gab Beach for a critical Brown Tree Snake (BTS) Control Workshop and Snake Hunt, a collaborative effort organized by NAVFAC Marianas and the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant). 

The event, coordinated in conjunction with the UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s Island Conservation Lab under the tagline “Learn. Spot. Protect Native Species of the Marianas!”, was designed to raise urgent awareness about preventing the dispersal of the invasive brown tree snake, or Boiga irregularis, from Guam, which poses a serious economic and environmental threat to the CNMI and other islands in the region. Preventing this spread via military and air cargo is a top priority for Joint Region Marianas.

Participants, families, and volunteers alike engaged in live demonstrations of various snake control tools, learned how to identify the highly cryptic BTS in a forest canopy, and practiced how to safely capture and humanely dispatch the snakes.

“Suppressing the brown tree snake on Guam is not just an ecological necessity, it is a culturally imperative,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant associate director for natural resources Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D. “Every species we protect is part of our island’s identity, our stories, and our future. Restoring balance means safeguarding the biodiversity that sustains our people, our heritage, and the resilience of our land.”

In addition to BTS, the workshop broadened its focus to include other invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, and feral ungulates, with various partner agencies providing expertise:

• USDA-WS showcased control tools and brought live snakes for participants to handle.
• USGS/NPS shared details on its citizen science program for BTS removal and led groups on the subsequent night hunt.
• DOAG-DAWR highlighted Guam’s community response, “Kontra I Kulepbla.”

Other partner agencies included Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

The workshop culminated in an evening Snake Hunt that drew over 85 enthusiastic participants eager to put their new spotting skills to the test.

Despite the snake’s “cryptic nature and agile climbing skills,” participants successfully spotted four snakes and managed to catch three of them.

Leanne Obra, an event organizer with NAVFAC Marianas, expressed her surprise and gratitude over the high engagement.

“I was surprised by the large number of people that showed up for the Snake Hunt and I’m grateful that we caught some snakes,” said Obra. “We weren’t expecting such a turn-out. I was also amazed by our Partners going above and beyond. Their commitment to making this event a success truly made a difference and created a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

This outreach initiative aims to promote citizen natural resource management, recognizing that the BTS has contributed to the extinction or extirpation of 13 of Guam’s 21 native birds and 13 native reptile species, causing cascading ecological effects across the island. The organizers emphasized that community engagement is crucial in fostering support for these conservation efforts.

Community members interested in continuing the fight against invasive species have an upcoming opportunity:

• NAVFAC Marianas and UOG CIS and Sea Grant will host another BTS Control Workshop and Snake Hunt at Tarague Beach, Andersen Air Force Base, on Saturday, February 28.

Organizers remind the public that if a snake is spotted, the immediate goal is to immobilize and humanely dispatch it, maintaining visual contact while proceeding with caution, as the BTS is mildly toxic.

Over 125 community members gathered at Gab Gab Beach for a critical Brown Tree Snake (BTS) Control Workshop and Snake Hunt, a collaborative effort organized by NAVFAC Marianas and the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant). 

The event, coordinated in conjunction with the UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s Island Conservation Lab under the tagline “Learn. Spot. Protect Native Species of the Marianas!”, was designed to raise urgent awareness about preventing the dispersal of the invasive brown tree snake, or Boiga irregularis, from Guam, which poses a serious economic and environmental threat to the CNMI and other islands in the region. Preventing this spread via military and air cargo is a top priority for Joint Region Marianas.

Participants, families, and volunteers alike engaged in live demonstrations of various snake control tools, learned how to identify the highly cryptic BTS in a forest canopy, and practiced how to safely capture and humanely dispatch the snakes.

“Suppressing the brown tree snake on Guam is not just an ecological necessity, it is a culturally imperative,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant associate director for natural resources Else Demeulenaere, Ph.D. “Every species we protect is part of our island’s identity, our stories, and our future. Restoring balance means safeguarding the biodiversity that sustains our people, our heritage, and the resilience of our land.”

In addition to BTS, the workshop broadened its focus to include other invasive species like the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, and feral ungulates, with various partner agencies providing expertise:

• USDA-WS showcased control tools and brought live snakes for participants to handle.
• USGS/NPS shared details on its citizen science program for BTS removal and led groups on the subsequent night hunt.
• DOAG-DAWR highlighted Guam’s community response, “Kontra I Kulepbla.”

Other partner agencies included Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

The workshop culminated in an evening Snake Hunt that drew over 85 enthusiastic participants eager to put their new spotting skills to the test.

Despite the snake’s “cryptic nature and agile climbing skills,” participants successfully spotted four snakes and managed to catch three of them.

Leanne Obra, an event organizer with NAVFAC Marianas, expressed her surprise and gratitude over the high engagement.

“I was surprised by the large number of people that showed up for the Snake Hunt and I’m grateful that we caught some snakes,” said Obra. “We weren’t expecting such a turn-out. I was also amazed by our Partners going above and beyond. Their commitment to making this event a success truly made a difference and created a fantastic experience for everyone involved.”

This outreach initiative aims to promote citizen natural resource management, recognizing that the BTS has contributed to the extinction or extirpation of 13 of Guam’s 21 native birds and 13 native reptile species, causing cascading ecological effects across the island. The organizers emphasized that community engagement is crucial in fostering support for these conservation efforts.

Community members interested in continuing the fight against invasive species have an upcoming opportunity:

• NAVFAC Marianas and UOG CIS and Sea Grant will host another BTS Control Workshop and Snake Hunt at Tarague Beach, Andersen Air Force Base, on Saturday, February 28.

Organizers remind the public that if a snake is spotted, the immediate goal is to immobilize and humanely dispatch it, maintaining visual contact while proceeding with caution, as the BTS is mildly toxic.

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has announced that the GROW in Malojloj tree planting event, originally schedule for this coming Saturday, November 8, 2025 has been postponed until Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 8am.

The final tree planting event for the season will be rescheduled in anticipation of inclement weather expected this weekend.

According to Joshua Muna, Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) lead and event coordinator, the expected rain could lead to safety issues.

“We really appreciate all the support from the community of our restoration efforts this year,” said Muna. “Safety of our volunteers and team is very important to us, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Ugum Watershed when the weather clears up.”

GROW’s work is aimed at planting trees and reforesting the Ugum Watershed to help prevent erosion and the runoff of sediment into the southern water treatment process and into the coastal ecosystems surrounding Guam.

When sediment reaches those areas it can lead to problems with the water supply to the southern customers of the island, and to the smothering and degradation of coral reefs when the dirt covers the coral and prevents sunlight from making its way to species.

More information on the GROW initiative and the rescheduled planting event can be found at UOG.edu/seagrant or on social media @uogseagrant or @uogcis.

In partnership with the Guam Department of Agriculture’s (DOAG) Division of Aquatic & Wildlife Resources (DAWR), the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) and ICF (a national leader in Habitat Conservation Plan consulting) held two public town hall meetings in Hågat and Dededo about the developing of the Guam Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).

The HCP is being developed to balance the protection of Guam’s biodiversity and cultural heritage while still supporting sustainable infrastructure and building development. Work on the project began in 2020.

At the most recent HCP Town Hall meetings, the HCP Development Team asked members of the public to voice their concerns related to development and conservation.

“Some people expressed their concerns with the impacts on nature from unregulated development, which is a huge issue that DOAG continuously works toward addressing,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s project associate and HCP Coordinator, Caley Jay Chargualaf. “That’s what makes the Guam HCP so important—it will ensure that DOAG can facilitate economic development on island and simultaneously prioritize the needs of our unique species.”

The town halls provided a platform for community members to speak to agency members working directly on developing the HCP.

“Through our outreach events, I’ve learned that many people wish our fanihi (Marianas Fruit Bat) were more abundant again” shares Chargualaf. “It’s a great opportunity to highlight how the HCP aims to directly benefit the fanihi, its habitat, and that of other plant and animal species on island.”

UOG CIS & Sea Grant’s Associate Director for Natural Resources, Else Demeulenaere Ph.D., highlights the importance of public input as the HCP continues to take shape.

“Community members are encouraged to participate in stakeholder groups, attend public meetings, and share their perspectives to help shape the plan,” said Demeulenaere. “Just as important, you can bring the conversation home, talk with friends and family about why the Guam HCP matters, and help build an understanding of how we can grow responsibly while safeguarding the species and habitats that make Guam unique.”

More information on the HCP can be found at http://www.guamhcp.com.