UOG announces RMI President Heine as Keynote Speaker for this year’s Conference on Island Sustainability

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The University of Guam is excited to welcome President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Her Excellency Hilda C. Heine as a keynote speaker for this year’s Conference on Island Sustainability (CIS2025) to be held at the Hyatt Regency Guam from April 7-12.

With her Pacific homeland in jeopardy of being swallowed from seas rising around it, Heine, an educator and second-time president of the RMI, is spearheading innovations to secure the future of her country and people.

She will deliver her keynote remarks in line with the conference theme of “Solutions for Our Future,” on Thursday, April 10 on the main stage of CIS2025.

As the first female leader of any sovereign nation in Micronesia, Heine has become a prominent voice on climate change, sustainable development, education, and cultural preservation and has captivated and enlightened audiences on the biggest stages of the world.

“Like most of our sister nations in the Pacific, we expect research, knowledge and understanding on how to address the pressing issues of climate change so that we can continue to call these islands our home – not in the nostalgic sense of a displaced person, but as a people actively developing and living in the country,” Heini said in an address to graduates of the University of the South Pacific in Marujo.

Heine joins a growing list of presenters and speakers appearing at CIS2025, the 16th installment of the conference, co-chaired by UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez and Governor of Guam Lourdes Leon Guerrero.

Austin Shelton Ph.D, the Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, the facilitators of the conference, says that Heine will represent the critical and unique perspective of Micronesia in the quest for a global sustainable future.

“President Heine is a trailblazer and an inspiration for islanders and our allies everywhere. Her leadership in government and academia, along with her dedication to protect her people and island, will bring a keynote perspective that will resonate with all who have the opportunity to hear her. We cannot wait for her to share her insights with participants who will join us for CIS2025 from all over the world,” said Shelton.

Registration for the CIS2025 is open now. Interested attendees can find more information and register at uog.edu/cis2025.

March 10, 2025March 11, 2025

Mayors eager and excited for fifth season of Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

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The Mayors Council of Guam is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming launch of the fifth season of the University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC). The program, known for its impactful island beautification and conservation efforts, has garnered strong support from both incumbent and newly elected mayors across the island.

The G3CC, a vital initiative of the Guam Green Growth Action Framework, provides members with valuable hands-on experience in environmental stewardship. In addition to the daily workforce development modules the members go through, the program’s commitment to completing at least one island beautification project within each village, in partnership with each mayor, has been a cornerstone of its success.

Incumbent mayors including MCOG President Jesse Alig, Mayor of Piti, who have witnessed the positive impact of the G3CC firsthand, expressed their enthusiasm for continuing the partnership.

“The Mayors are excited to work with the Conservation Corps on projects in the village that we could not accomplish on our own. We enjoy the continued partnership and success of this program for the good of our island and her people,” said Alig.

The program not only beautifies the island but also provides young adults with valuable skills and experience in conservation, circular economy, and community engagement. The G3CC’s focus on collaborative projects fosters a sense of community ownership and pride while showcasing opportunities in Guam’s emerging green economy..

“This season, we will continue to grow opportunities for Corps members through stronger partnerships with our community partners who have supported the program since its inception, including the Mayors Council of Guam,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., director of the UOG CIS & SG who facilitate the G3 Initiative. “The graduates of this program head into the green workforce with essential skills thanks to hands-on training with a variety of partner organizations.”

The fifth season of the G3 Conservation Corps is set to launch in the coming weeks, promising another round of impactful projects and community collaboration. Residents are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on project schedules and opportunities to get involved.

Guam Green Growth is supported by the Office of the Governor and the University of Guam. Guam NSF EPSCoR is the catalyst for Guam Green Growth and the Conservation Corps.

March 7, 2025March 7, 2025

UOG innovates for new conservation funding strategies, seeks community input

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Before planting trees for the GROW initiative, volunteers are given a quick training. Over 16,800 native and culturally significant trees have been planted to combat erosion.

Guam’s green economy continues to grow with innovations by the University of Guam. As part of its Guam Restoration of Watersheds (GROW) Initiative, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS&SG) is seeking Gold Standard Carbon Credit Certification for its tree planting efforts in southern Guam.

Carbon credit certification will provide a revenue generating method to support the planting of trees, reduction of land erosion, protection of freshwater sources, and the improvement of downstream coral reefs and essential fish habitat.

UOG CIS& SG will hold a community meeting to share about the process of obtaining Gold Standard Carbon Credit Certification and invite community input. The meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 6pm at the Hyatt Regency Guam as a pre-meeting of the 16th University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability.

The GROW Initiative restores eroding hillsides in southern Guam, known as badlands. Over 16,800 native and culturally significant trees were planted in the past six years to improve watershed ecosystems.

“Tree planting efforts are important for our community, ecosystems, and economy,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., Director of UOG CIS & SG. “Through seeking Gold Standard carbon credit certification, we are working diversify funding sources beyond grants to ensure this important work can always continue. Please join us at the community meeting to learn, engage, and help shape the future of this important project.”

Through this certification process, the project will establish measurable carbon sequestration benefits that will generate income that will support local conservation and sustainability efforts.

“This project is a model for community-driven conservation,” said Fran Castro, Associate Director for Operations and Development of UOG CIS & SG. “By securing carbon credit certification, we are not only protecting Guam’s natural resources but also creating long-term financial sustainability for this initiative. The input from this meeting will be essential to ensure the project benefits both the environment and the community.”

Hā Sustainability, a Hawai’i-based consulting firm specializing in environmental and climate initiatives, is guiding UOG CIS & SG through this process. Funding for this project is provided from the U.S. Climate Alliance.

The event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend. Registration is encouraged to secure your seat as space is limited. Attendees can register at https://bit.ly/UgumCarbon.

For more information, please contact Clementine Schnabel at schnabelc@triton.uog.edu.

March 7, 2025March 10, 2025

UOG’s Guam Green Growth Makerspace celebrates CHamoru Month with cultural workshops

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Lia Barcinas, local artist and weaver, will be teaching the workshop on woven hat making to be held at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Barcinas returns to the Hub after a successful debut last year.

The March G3 CHamoru workshops will celebrate cultural artforms including weaving and kamyu making. Registration is open for these classes and can be found at guamgreengrowth.org.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub is set to host a series of workshops throughout March in celebration of CHamoru Month. These workshops offer a unique opportunity for the community to engage with traditional CHamoru crafts and practices, promoting both cultural preservation and sustainable living.

The G3 Makerspace, located at the CHamoru Village in Hagåtña, is dedicated to fostering a circular economy in Guam, with these workshops moving to blend that mission with the celebration of the island’s indigenous culture. By offering hands-on experiences with traditional crafts, the makerspace aims to connect the community with the island’s heritage while also encouraging them to think creatively about resourcefulness and sustainability.

“We are very excited for this month’s line up of workshops. Our people are always looking for resources to learn how to do the things that our ancestors did to sustain themselves over centuries, and those resources are not as available as they used to be,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement Kyle Mandapat. “I hope people come to these workshops, learn, and help teach these practices to future generations.”

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS:

· FINA’NAGUEN TINIFOK: COCONUT HAT WEAVING WORKSHOP: This workshop will teach participants the intricate art of coconut hat weaving, a traditional CHamoru craft on Thursday, March 13 at 5pm.

· KATUPAT WEAVING: This workshop will teach attendees how to weave a katupat, the traditional mechanism for cooking rice. It will be held on Thursday, March 20 at 5pm.

· BUILD YOUR OWN KÅMYU WORKSHOP: This workshop will instruct attendees on how to build their own traditional Kåmyu, the tool used by CHamorus to grate the meat of the coconut in preparation for food or oil making. It will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 5pm.

These workshops not only provide valuable skills but also foster a deeper appreciation for CHamoru traditions. The G3 Makerspace encourages everyone to participate and learn about the rich cultural heritage of Guam.

“Weaving is a fun way to connect with our traditions. I hope that workshop participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity and resilience of our ancestors, as well as a deeper respect for one of our island’s most valuable natural resources: I Trongkon Niyok – our coconut trees, the tree of life,” said G3 Circular Economy Coordinator Abby Crain.

For more information and to register for the workshops, please visit the Guam Green Growth website at guamgreengrowth.org.

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

New Guam Green Growth Art Corps Mural Unveiled in Hagåtña, Celebrating Sustainability and Island Culture

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Guam Green Growth Art Corps muralist Kamaka Aquino stands in front of his creation at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. The mural highlights the need for local innovation as a part of Sustainable Development Goal #9 Industry, Innovation and Infrustructure.

Community leaders stand in support of Guam Green Growth Art Corps muralist Kamaka Aquino at the CHamoru Village in Hagatna. From Left to right: UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director Kyle Mandapat, UOG CIS and Sea Grant Associate Director Fran Castro, G3 Program Coordinator Joseph Certeza, UOG CIS and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton Ph.D., UOG SVP and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba Ph.D., Senator Joe San Agustin, Vice Speaker Tony Ada, Aquino, Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio, Senator Tina Muna Barnes, Senator Sabrina Salas Matanane, Senator Shelly Calvo, and Hagatna Mayor Michael Gumataotao.

The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth (G3) program unveiled their latest Art Corps mural at the CHamoru VIllage in Hagåtña.

The mural, designed and painted by Kamaka Aquino, highlights the need for local innovation in line with Sustainable Development Goal #9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

According to Aquino, a prominent feature of the installation is a lightbulb, which illuminates the entire mural, symbolizing the local spark that must spread through all aspects of business and innovation on Guam in order for long term generational prosperity.

“This is a testament to why sustainability will always be relevant. No matter when priorities change, sustainability will always matter. That’s because the whole definition of sustainability is living on our island like we intend to stay here. That’s never going out of style,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, which facilitates the G3 initiative. “Leaving can never be the priority because we all love our island so much, and we want our future generations to continue to be here and to thrive.”

The G3 Art Corps initiative engages local artists in creating public art that promotes environmental awareness and social change. Through these murals, G3 aims to inspire dialogue and action on critical sustainability issues facing Guam.

Hagåtña mayor Michael Gumataotao was excited about the mural in the island’s capital saying that the village is the center of the island and it continues to be a shining example of CHamoru culture. He said, “Today we are about to add to that story with the unveiling of this mural here in CHamoru Village. This mural is a reflection of the talent of our local artist and a symbol of our shared vision for a sustainable future.”

UOG Senior Vice-President and Provost Sharleen Santos-Bamba Ph.D., lauded the great impacts of the G3 program and the dedication the university has to the community.

“I know that we all recognize the value that UOG brings to our island and the value that we bring to individuals who move on to their home islands. Our footprint is definitely in Hagatna but our footprint also extends to Micronesia,” added Santos-Bamba.

The unveiling ceremony was attended by community members, local officials, and representatives from Guam Green Growth with Chairperson for the Committees on the Arts and Culture in the 38th Guam Legislature – Senator Shelly Calvo expressing her support for the program and excitement for future mural reveals.

This latest mural joins a growing collection of G3 Art Corps projects across the island, transforming public spaces into vibrant canvases for environmental advocacy.

The murals serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of community engagement in building a sustainable future for Guam.

February 7, 2025February 10, 2025

UOG Student Researcher presents innovative solution for vape battery waste at G3 Makerspace Science Café

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UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant and Guam NSF EPSCoR student research intern Carlo Tapia presented his project during a special Science Café event held at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub. Tapia successfully created a power bank charger with the use of old vape batteries, providing a sustainable means of dealing with and reducing the waste.

Tapia successfully created a power bank charger that he can use for his mobile phone with the use of used vape batteries. He presented his work and results during a special Science Café event held at the Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub.

Carlo Tapia, a student intern researcher with the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS and SG), recently presented his research on converting used vape batteries into functional power bank chargers at a Guam Green Growth (G3) Makerspace Science Café event. The presentation highlighted a potential solution to the growing problem of electronic waste, particularly the disposal of vape batteries, which contain hazardous materials.

Tapia’s research explores the feasibility of repurposing the lithium-ion batteries found in disposable vapes, which often end up in landfills, posing environmental risks. His project focuses on extracting the usable components from these batteries and integrating them into a design for a portable power bank, offering a second life to materials that would otherwise be discarded.

“My angle for this is to bring a bit more awareness to vape batteries, the lithium ion, despite being disposable, can still be used for other things,” said Tapia. “I wanted to focus on power banks because here on Guam we have a lot of typhoons and this idea can help.”

The Science Café event, held at the G3 Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub, provided a platform for Tapia to share his findings with the community and engage in a discussion about sustainable solutions. Attendees included fellow students, faculty, environmental advocates, and members of the public.

“To see the work that our students are doing here at the University of Guam and the improvements the results can help develop for our community is inspiring,” said Austin Shelton Ph.D. the director of the UOG CIS and SG. “Our programs are here to support our local student researchers across their science disciplines and help them develop their work.”

The G3 Makerspace, a hub for innovation and sustainability, provides resources and equipment for individuals and organizations to develop and test sustainable solutions. The Science Café series is one of several initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Guam.

Tapia is also a former Guam NSF EPSCoR student researcher. He participated in the program’s Summer Math Research Experience (SMRE) and recently presented at the National Diversity in STEM conference hosted by the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) in Phoenix, Arizona.

According to Tapia, his research is ongoing and he hopes to further refine his design and explore the potential for scaling up the process. He expressed his gratitude to the CIS and Sea Grant for their support and mentorship.

February 7, 2025February 10, 2025

UOG EPSCoR and INCLUDES introduce 2025 undergraduate fellows

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Above, the eight undergraduate research fellows for the Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES student research programs are together with their family, friends, and research mentors at the family orientation meeting in January.

Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D., associate professor of bioinformatics and co-principal investigator of Guam NSF EPSCoR, meets with the student researchers under his mentorship. The Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES program recently introduced eight fellows for the 2025 Student Research Experience (SRE) and undergraduate fellowship programs at a family orientation meeting in January.

Robert Lasley, Ph.D., curator of crustacea with the University of Guam’s biorepository team, meets with the student researchers under his mentorship. The Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES program recently introduced eight fellows for the 2025 Student Research Experience (SRE) and undergraduate fellowship programs at a family orientation meeting in January.

The University of Guam has announced the selection of eight students from diverse STEM fields as the 2025 undergraduate research fellows for the Guam NSF EPSCoR and Guam NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES programs.

The undergraduate fellows were introduced at a family orientation meeting held in January. Among the eight students, four are part of the NSF EPSCoR Student Research Experience (SRE), while the other four are part of the NSF SEAS Island Alliance INCLUDES undergraduate fellowship.

Here are the 2025 research undergraduate fellows:

Archancel Abellera (INCLUDES)
Azer Bilimon (INCLUDES)
Kiaza Jerao (INCLUDES)
Cameron San Agustin (INCLUDES)
Napu Camacho (EPSCoR)
Ale’a Duenas (EPSCoR)
Maya Flores (EPSCoR)
Diego Quioge (EPSCoR)

Both programs encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields. As part of their experience, students engage in research projects with various mentors who possess expertise in areas ranging from marine biology and plant conservation to engineering.

Some students have participated in other NSF EPSCoR or INCLUDES programs, such as Bilimon from the Marshall Islands, who worked with UOG Civil Engineering assistant professor Ernesto Guades, Ph.D., on research exploring the potential of coconut fibers as a construction material. Bilimon mentioned that he will continue working under Guades’ mentorship for his undergraduate fellowship.

Reflecting on his fellowship, Bilimon, who is enrolled in the civil engineering program at UOG, stated, “Science has always piqued my curiosity, thanks to my love for sci-fi movies, and I was part of the STEM students at my previous institution.

Especially since the Marshall Islands has been struggling with climate change, I want to learn more to find solutions that can improve my community.”

For Jerao, being selected as a 2025 undergraduate fellow marks a significant step in her STEM career. She is eager to grow academically, professionally, and personally through this opportunity.

“What interests me in STEM is how it pushes the boundaries of what we know and can do. Whether it’s exploring new scientific principles or solving real-world problems, STEM allows us to translate complex ideas into practical solutions that can truly make a difference,” Jerao shared.

Duenas, a previous SEAS Island Alliance undergraduate fellow, has returned to the program, this time as a Guam NSF EPSCoR researcher under the mentorship of Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D. She explained, “I chose to pursue another student research experience to explore a wider range of opportunities beyond fisheries and gain exposure to different areas of research.”

Now that she has a better understanding of what to expect from the experience, Duenas is determined to make the most of her time in the program. “I hope to spend as much time as I can in the lab to learn new things beyond the scope of my project,” she said.

Quioque, whose mentor is Robert Lasley, Ph.D., from the Guam EPSCoR GECCO Biorepository, hopes the skills he acquires from the research experience will bolster his confidence in pursuing a career in biology.

“My inspiration for applying for the student research experience was to push myself out of my comfort zone,” said Quiogue, a junior majoring in Applied Biology. “I also wanted to gain valuable skills and experience.”

The undergraduate research programs offer participants a chance to collaborate with experienced researchers and benefit from ongoing mentorship. Through near-peer sessions, the participants can learn from individuals who have recently completed their fellowship.

Participants also receive a monthly stipend to support their work in the program. Additionally, the program provides opportunities to attend national STEM conferences, allowing for networking and the exchange of knowledge.

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Guam Green Growth Makerspace Inspires Future Innovators at Tiyan High School Boot Camp Fair

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub recently participated in the Tiyan High School Business Arts and Information Technology (BAIT) Boot Camp Fair, igniting a spark of creativity and entrepreneurship in the island’s future leaders.

The G3 Makerspace, a hub for innovation and sustainability, showcased its cutting-edge equipment and resources, demonstrating how students can transform waste into valuable products. Participants experienced the results of sustainable plastic repurposing like plastic fusing and 3D printing, learning about the circular economy and its potential to create a greener future for Guam.

“It was so great to be out here with the students today talking about what they can do in the field of sustainability and the circular economy,” said Abby Crain, G3’s circular economy coordinator. They had the opportunity to learn about the pathways into local business ownership and the benefits of that for the community.”

The BAIT Boot Camp Fair provided students with an opportunity to explore various career paths in business, arts, and information technology. The G3 Makerspace’s presence highlighted the growing importance of sustainability and innovation in these fields.

“The students were more aware of the opportunities that are available now in the STEM field,” said science communicator Louella Losinio who also presented at the event. “They learned that there are options for being someone who works behind the scenes and not just the classic research path.”

The G3 Makerspace is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in Guam. By partnering with schools and organizations, the Makerspace is empowering individuals to develop the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a circular economy.

The Guam Green Growth Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub is located at the CHamoru Village in Hagåtña.

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025

Tech Skills Boosted at G3 Makerspace Computer Repair Workshop

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) Circular Economy Makerspace and Innovation Hub recently partnered with MacTech Guam to host a two-day computer repair workshop. The event provided participants with valuable hands-on experience in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining computers.

Empowering the Community

The workshop covered a range of topics, including:

Basic troubleshooting: Identifying and resolving common computer problems.
Hardware upgrades: Installing and replacing components like RAM and hard drives.
Software maintenance: Optimizing operating systems and removing malware.
Data recovery: Techniques for retrieving lost or deleted files.

Sustainable Technology Practices

By equipping individuals with computer repair skills, the workshop promoted a more sustainable approach to technology. Repairing and refurbishing existing devices reduces electronic waste and extends the lifespan of valuable equipment.

Community Partnership

The collaboration between G3 and MacTech Guam highlights the importance of partnerships in fostering community development and promoting sustainable practices. The workshop provided a valuable learning opportunity for participants and showcased the potential of the G3 Makerspace as a hub for innovation and skill development.

For more information on the G3 Makerspace and its programs, please visit guamgreengrowth.org.

January 28, 2025January 28, 2025

UOG workshop reveals findings on tackling crown-of-thorns outbreaks

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Dr. Ciemon Caballes, a senior research associate at the University of Guam's NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab, presented findings from a study during the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab. Photo courtesy of University of Guam.

The Crown of Thorns Starfish has been reproducing at high levels causing trouble for coral reefs surrounding Guam. The workshop held at the UOG Marine Lab aimed to provide updates on the growing population and their affects on the marine ecosystem of the island. Photo courtesy of GuamReefLife.com and David Burdick.

Insights into reproductive trends, predation patterns, and climatic triggers observed prior to a crown-of-thorns (COTS) outbreak are crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies to protect coral reefs, according to Ciemon Caballes, Ph.D., a senior research associate at the University of Guam’s NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab.

Caballes shared his insights during the “Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy” workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.

COTS are marine invertebrates known for their predation on corals. They can cause devastating impacts on coral reefs by depleting coral populations. They are found in reefs across the Indo-Pacific region.

Caballes’ research, supported by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in collaboration with UOG’s NSF EPSCoR and Sea Grant, and other local and federal resource management agencies, focuses on understanding and mitigating these outbreaks.

“When we try to catch a serial predator, like the crown-of-thorns starfish, we need to build a profile,” Caballes said noting that understanding COTS and the trends leading to an outbreak is crucial for an effective mitigation strategy.

Caballes outlined several hypotheses regarding the formation of COTS outbreaks. The first suggests that outbreaks are a natural biological predisposition, given the species’ high fertilization rates.

According to Caballes, even a single mating pair can initiate a population surge. He said a female starfish could potentially produce over 100 million eggs in one spawning season while a male can produce around 50 billion sperm.

Surprisingly, he pointed out that, despite a male-skewed sex ratio, crown-of-thorns starfish maintain high fertilization rates, achieving up to 30% success even when separated by significant distances.

The second hypothesis links outbreaks to the overfishing of natural predators, leading to the release of COTS from predatory pressure. He also discussed the nutrient hypothesis, which posits that elevated nutrient levels from river runoff result in increased phytoplankton densities.

Since phytoplankton provide a source of food for COTS larvae, the spike improves their survival and development rates. However, he also said recent findings indicate that excessive phytoplankton might lead to overfeeding, affecting larvae survival negatively.

Caballes also recalled several significant outbreaks, particularly one in 2009, and noted the possible influence of temperature and strong El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events on COTS populations. He illustrated the correlation between high precipitation and river discharge events, such as those in 2003 and 2004, and subsequent COTS outbreaks in 2006 and 2007.

Caballes noted, “With back-to-back coral bleaching events compounded by COTS outbreaks, corals are struggling to recover.” He emphasized the need for effective management strategies to address these dual threats.

“This workshop is the culmination of our work since 2022. The project began in March of that year to assess the crown-of-thorns starfish populations around Guam and explore the feasibility of coral rehabilitation in these reef areas,” Caballes stated.

Caballes described their research efforts, which included testing various plots to determine if culling crown-of-thorns starfish would enhance the survival of transplanted corals.

Input from workshop participants have been integrated into the Guam COTS Outbreak Strategic Management Plan, which will be available to the public and distributed to all local and federal partners.

Fran Castro, associate director for operations and development at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, highlighted the significance of the project in addressing COTS. She described multi-agency efforts that involved training local agencies and coordinating monitoring efforts.