From ocean literacy to reef to ridge: UOG introduces new Sea Grant research

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The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant announced this month the recipients of the 2024-2026 UOG Sea Grant Competitive Research Funding. The grants support research projects addressing critical challenges facing Micronesia’s coastal ecosystems, communities, and economies. 

The university officials made the announcement at an event held at the UOG RFK Memorial Library.  

An estimated $350,000 will be distributed across the research projects within the two-year period. Focus areas included healthy coastal ecosystems, environmental literacy and workforce development, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and resilient communities and economies. 

“The UOG Sea Grant program is vital to our university’s mission,” said Sharleen Santos Bamba, Ph.D., UOG senior vice president and provost. “It supports research, education, and outreach that address the critical challenges facing our island and region. From climate change and coastal resilience to sustainable fisheries and marine conservation, this funded work will have a profound impact on our region.” 

Here are the researchers and proposals approved for funding: 

· Bastian Bentlage, Ph.D. (UOG Marine Laboratory): “Ridge to reef microbiome census and identification of reservoirs of potentially harmful bacteria in the La Sa Fua watershed, southern Guam.” 

·Peter Houk, Ph.D. (UOG Marine Laboratory):

“Mitigating climate change impacts on Micronesia coral reefs.” 

·Tom Schils, Ph.D. (UOG Marine Laboratory):

“Crustose calcifying red algae: Climate change winners on Guam’s reefs – Their abundance and contribution to the carbonate budget of coral reefs.” 

·Heloise Rouze, Ph.D. (UOG Marine Laboratory):

“Micro symbionts to support restoration of Acropora virgata in Guam’s reefs.” 

·Christina Karanassos (Palau International Coral Reef Center):

“Assessing the status of commercially important reef fish populations in Palau, to inform fisheries management.” 

·Laurie Peterka (Friends of the Mariana Trench): “Seascape of the CNMI: A study of intergenerational and culturally adaptive ocean literacy.” 

Bentlage, a UOG associate professor of bioinformatics, explained his research proposal, “We will map the distribution of bacteria throughout the watershed, including plant communities… How the bacteria impact different habitats across the watershed including the coral reefs.” According to Bentlage, the information will help inform stakeholders like the Guam Green Growth initiative and those involved in restoration efforts. 

Research projects will employ field and laboratory experiments, models, and socioeconomic studies to inform policy decisions and best management practices. To ensure maximum impact, projects selected must demonstrate a strong outreach component to engage and inform diverse audiences, including resource managers, industry stakeholders, citizen scientists, communities, and learners. 

Austin Shelton, Ph.D., director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, said, “We now have funding to support these exceptional researchers from the University of Guam and our regional partners. Their work will provide invaluable insights to help us make informed decisions as island residents to better protect our resources.” 

“This is just the beginning,” Shelton added. “The UOG Sea Grant program has much more in store for our research initiatives.” 

UOG Sea Grant Continues Critical Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts

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The University of Guam Sea Grant program continues to make progress in protecting and understanding Guam’s endangered sea turtle population. Since 2018, Sea Grant entered into a Cooperative Agreement with NAVFAC Marianas to monitor nesting beaches on Andersen AFB. This collaboration has added years of meaningful research and conservation efforts, while remaining dedicated to preserving the native species of the Marianas, the Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles.   

A key focus of the Sea Grant program has been monitoring sea turtle nesting activity. According to Sea Turtle Biologist Addie Ferguson, unlike previous years, this nesting season was non-stop.  

“The nesting season started earlier than normal this year,” said Ferguson.  “We had more year-round nesting this year, which was great!” 

The work the team does helps to provide crucial insights into population health, migration patterns and inform conservation strategies. 

In addition to monitoring, the program is actively involved in regular outreach and educational presentation to students throughout the community. The group recently extended its sea turtle outreach efforts to the Commonwealth of the Northen Marianas through a partnership with Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Marianas.  

By engaging the community, UOG Sea Grant aims to foster a deeper appreciation for sea turtles and inspire stewardship of the marine environment. 

Researchers at the program are also collaborating with local and federal partners on various research projects and recently participated in a turtle tagging training with the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center Marine Turtle Biology and Assessment Program team. 

In the face of habitat loss, pollution, climate change and other stressors, the UOG Sea Grant Sea Turtle program remains committed to its mission of protecting and conserving these cultural icons. 

“Sea turtles are a culturally significant species and necessary for the health of coral reefs and seagrass beds,” added Ferguson.  “The program’s goals are to monitor and protect nests of these endangered species and to spread awareness to the local community about threats affecting our sea turtles in Guam.” 

This project is a cooperative agreement between UOG and Andersen Air Force Base and is funded by The Department of the Navy on behalf of Joint Region Marianas. Biologists are authorized to conduct research under ESA Recovery Permit ES2195A. 

UOG celebrates the graduation of the fourth Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps

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The University of Guam (UOG) and the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) celebrated a milestone this month with the graduation of its fourth cohort. The ceremony, held at the Governor’s Complex in Adelup, honored the accomplishments of twelve individuals  from all walks of life who dedicated five months to hands-on conservation and sustainability projects across the island.

According to Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, the G3CC is a collaborative initiative between the University of Guam and various community partners, aimed at developing a skilled workforce for Guam’s emerging green economy.

Participants in the program receive comprehensive training in environmental science, conservation practices, leadership development and earn continuing education credits from UOG.

This year’s cohort undertook a range of projects in focus areas including invasive species removal with the Department of Agriculture, aquaculture with UOG Sea Grant, agriculture with UOG Triton Farms, watershed restoration with the Guam Restoration of Watersheds initiative, limestone forest work and plant identification with Tåno, Tåsi, Todu, and more.

“This is the start of this group’s legacy for the green economy in Guam,” said Shelton.  “Through the program they have made major impacts like collecting 13,483 lbs. of trash and helping to harvest 135 lbs. of locally grown produce. It is a great way to begin their work in conservation for our island.”

Other impacts of the cohort included:

  • Collecting and recycling over 31,000 aluminum cans.
  • Preparing 200 feet of erosion control devices.
  • Planting over 340 seeds and seedlings.
  • Conducting 19 village roadside cleanups or beautification projects.
  • Maintaining nearly 4 miles of firebreaks. 

“This program has affirmed our purpose in this world, which is to continue pursuing opportunities for the long-term environmental prosperity of the islands,” said G3CC graduate Thomås Benavente. “The conservation corps has mentally, physically and emotionally prepared us for what’s to come within our green economy.”

The graduation ceremony featured remarks from Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio, Vice-Speaker of the Guam Legislature Tina Muña Barnes, Senator Joe San Agustin and acting UOG Senior Vice PresidentMarlena Pangelinan, who encouraged the group to continue their work in conservation and sustainability.

“The University of Guam is proud to partner with this corps in cultivating the next generation of stewards for our island,” said Pangelinan. “As you graduate today, I encourage you to continue to be ambassadors for our island. Share your knowledge, inspire others, and work together to create a sustainable future for Guam.”

From local action to global impact: Guam Green Growth shines at Small Island Developing States Conference

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Guam was front and center at the United Nations Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in Antigua and Barbuda as Guam Green Growth (G3) Steering Committee co-chair and Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua Tenorio played a prominent role at the conference, facilitating a roundtable panel during the 3rd Leaders’ Summit of the Local2030 Islands Network that included Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and numerous other heads of state. He also delivered keynote remarks at the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) strategic high-level reception.

“This really was an extraordinary opportunity to see the progress we have made, but also set plans and strategize with partners for the success we will achieve in the future,” explained Tenorio.

Tenorio spoke on the Micronesia Challenge and its success since its launch in 2006, highlighting the recent expansion of the program goals.

“Eighteen years ago, leaders from the Republic of Palau, Guam, the Northern Marianas Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands launched the Micronesia Challenge,” added Tenorio. “In 2019, the Chief Executives re-committed and broadened the MC by committing to effectively manage 50% marine (to the edge of the EEZ) and 30% terrestrial resources. Furthermore, the initiative expanded its scope to include climate change, sustainable livelihoods, invasive species, habitat restoration enforcement and compliance, and fisheries management.”

Accompanied by G3 Steering Committee co-chair and the director for the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Austin Shelton, Ph.D., the Guam delegation was able to contribute to discussions and shore up collaborations that will be beneficial to our island the entire Micronesia region.

According to Shelton, the strong collaborative spirit fostered by Guam and Micronesia with partners such as the Local2030 Islands Network, GLISPA, and the Blue Planet Alliance helps to provide insight and continued growth as we work towards a more sustainable future.

“The Guam Green Growth Initiative plays a key role in supporting the Micronesian region to develop their own Green Growth strategies,” said Shelton. “Together with partners, we recently brought opportunities like the Palau Green Growth and CNMI Green Growth Initiatives into fruition. Meeting with those partners at the SIDS conference helps us develop more opportunities for the region and the world.”

Guam is a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network and implements the 17 United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals through Guam Green Growth, the largest public-private partnership in the history of Guam that works towards a sustainable future.

Guam’s participation in SIDS was sponsored by The Micronesia Conservation Trust, Micronesia Challenge, and Sea Grant.

G3CC Recycles Its Way to a Greener Liberation Day

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The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) brought environmental responsibility to the forefront of the 80th Guam Liberation Day Parade.  This year’s festivities weren’t just a celebration of freedom, but also a promotion of a sustainable future through a territory-wide recycling effort.

G3CC members stationed themselves along the parade route, enthusiastically collecting recyclables from the crowds.  This initiative tackled a major challenge for Guam: managing waste generated during large events.  To address this, the Corps focused on collecting aluminum cans, a readily recyclable material.

But the G3CC’s efforts went beyond collection.  To bolster recycling and provide an extra perk for participants, the Corps distributed free can cages to all registered parade participants.  These cages not only made can collection easier but also served as a reminder of the importance of recycling.

Phillip Cruz, coordinator for the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps, highlighted the initiative’s goals. “Our goal this Liberation Day was to significantly increase recycling and divert cans from landfills,” Cruz said.  The collected cans were donated to schools in partnership with IRecycle, a program that allows schools to raise funds by cashing in on recycled aluminum.

The G3CC collected an estimated total of over 7,500 cans throughout the 80th Guam Liberation Day celebration, successfully diverting them from the landfill

The project’s impact extended beyond immediate environmental benefits, according to Dr. Austin Shelton, director of UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant. “This initiative combined environmental responsibility with community outreach and education,” Shelton said.  “By incorporating recycling into the festivities, we weren’t only cleaning up after the parade, but also promoting a culture of sustainability on our island.”

The G3CC’s Liberation Day recycling effort served as a shining example of how Guam could celebrate its heritage while safeguarding its beautiful environment for future generations.

UOG giving out free can cages to raise funds for schools and promote recycling at 80th Liberation Day Parade

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The 80th Guam Liberation Parade is shaping up to be a celebration of not just freedom, but also environmental responsibility. The University of Guam’s Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) are teaming up for a recycling initiative during the festivities. 

G3CC members will be stationed along the parade route, collecting recyclables from the enthusiastic crowds. This effort tackles Guam’s ongoing challenge of managing waste generated during large events. 

To bolster aluminum can recycling, the Corps will distribute free can cages to all registered parade participants. 

“Our goal this Liberation Day is to significantly increase recycling and divert cans from landfills,” said Phillip Cruz, coordinator for the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps. “The G3CC team will collect cans throughout the parade and donate them to schools in partnership with IRecycle.” 

IRecycle is a program that allows schools to cash in on aluminum recycling, with the proceeds used to fund their needs and programs. 

Dr. Austin Shelton, director of UOG’s Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, emphasizes the project’s impact extends beyond immediate environmental benefits. 

“Celebrating Guam’s 80th Liberation with the community is even more meaningful when we consider the long-term effects this outreach project will have on our children,” Shelton said. “We want everyone to learn about recycling and contribute to keeping our island clean and sustainable for generations to come.” 

This G3CC initiative highlights Guam’s growing environmental awareness and the importance of community involvement in building a sustainable future. Their efforts during the Liberation Parade are poised to serve as a positive example for residents and visitors alike. 

Cruz encourages all groups receiving can cages to take them home and continue recycling efforts. The G3CC team will be available to answer questions during permit issuance at the Department of Parks and Recreation office this Friday. 

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, and Guam Green Growth (G3) launched the G3 Conservation Corps (G3CC) program in partnership with UOG Global Learning and Engagement (GLE) in 2021. This workforce development program trains 12 members selected from different community sectors for five months full-time on various sustainability topics, including agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy, recycling, and renewable energy. Members of the G3CC can earn 10 continuing education units (CEU) from UOG GLE and receive a bi-weekly stipend for their participation in the program. 

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G3 Art Corps unveils next mural in SDG series in Malesso

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The Guam Green Growth Art Corps (G3AC) recently unveiled a new mural created by artist Ha’ani Bettis in Malesso. 

The event celebrated the successful completion of the piece centered on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life below Water.

The G3AC program provided local artists with the opportunity to learn about environmental sustainability and create art that inspires positive change via the messages of the SDGs created by the United Nations.

Bettis’s mural, reflects the themes of environmental stewardship and cultural identity that are central to the program. The mural will be on display in Malesso, next to the Merizo Supermarket, where it can be enjoyed by the community.

“We are thrilled to unveil Ha’ani Bettis’s mural and celebrate the achievements of the Guam Green Growth Art Corps,” said Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who’s education stabilization funds grant for education in the community funded the project. “This program has empowered artists to use their creativity to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote a more sustainable future for Guam.”

The G3 Art Corps continues its mission with the target to release a mural in every village to education the public on sustainability, conservation, preservation and more. 

Ha’ani Bettis is a talented young artist from Guam whose work is inspired by the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Bettis is a passionate advocate for environmental protection and uses her art to raise awareness about important environmental issues.

The next mural unveilings are scheduled to take place in Mongmong-Toto-Maite and Sinajana.  Follow G3 on social media for updates and a schedule. 

Micronesia Charts a Sustainable Course at 26th Islands Forum

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The 26th Micronesian Islands Forum wrapped up this past week in Guam, bringing together leaders and stakeholders from across the region to discuss critical issues facing these island nations.

Sustainability emerged as a key theme, with a focus on navigating the challenges of climate change, preserving natural resources, and fostering economic development that respects the environment while highlighting the need for continued collaboration in the region for greatest chance of success. 

Delegates were presented with data and strategy suggestions from working groups featuring members from all over the region.   

Working groups focused on such areas as workforce development, tourism, technology and communications, transportation, recycling and more. 

The urgency for action was a prominent theme, with leaders exploring strategies to mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and strengthen island resilience.

Guam Green Growth steering committee co-chairs, Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua Tenorio and Director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Austin Shelton, celebrated the success of the initiative on Guam and in recently launched programs Palau Green Growth and CNMI Green Growth. 

Presentations by organizations like Micronesian Challenge, and the various guest speakers including Suzy Vares-Lum, president of the East West Center in Hawaii, contributed to the forum’s success in fostering meaningful dialogue and charting a path towards a more sustainable future for Micronesia.

The forum concluded with a renewed sense of regional solidarity and a commitment to working together to address the challenges and opportunities facing the Micronesian islands.

The collaborative spirit fostered by the forum, along with the logistical support provided by UOG CIS & Sea Grant, promises a brighter future for this unique and irreplaceable island ecosystem.

Guam to engage in UN Small Island Developing States Conference (SIDS4)

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The Local2030 Islands Network will host its 3rd Leaders’ Summit at the Small Island Developing States Conference (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda on May 29, 2024. The event will build upon previous leader meetings at the UN General Assembly and Our Ocean Conference in Palau. Island heads of state and dignitaries from developed and developing island economies will gather in a peer-to-peer setting, fostering collaborative discussions on shared priorities, action plans, technical requirements, available resources, and collaborative opportunities on shared sustainable development and climate action goals in local and culturally contextualized approaches.  

Guam is a founding member of the Local2030 Islands Network. The US island territory implements principles of the network through Guam Green Growth, a comprehensive public-private initiative advancing the 17 U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Micronesia Conservation Trust and Micronesia Challenge are sponsoring Guam leadership participation at SIDS4. Lieutenant Governor of Guam Joshua F. Tenorio will serve as the moderator of the roundtable discussion during the Local2030 Islands Network Leaders’ Summit. Participants will include U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, Republic of Palau President Surrangel Whipps Jr., and Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne.  

“Islands are on the frontlines of climate change impact. Engaging with fellow island nation and territory leaders at SIDS4 is a valuable opportunity to continue our collective push toward a sustainable global future,” said Lt. Governor Joshua Tenorio. “Our work through Guam Green Growth is recognized globally as a bright spot among islands for sustainable development. We have much to share and much to learn at this U.N. convening for islands.”  

Lt. Governor Tenorio will also deliver key remarks during the Global Island Partnership (GLISPA) strategic high-level reception during SIDS4 on behalf of GLISPA Leader, Governor Lourdes Leon Guerrero. The purpose of this event is to catalyze significant new leadership, commitments, and partnerships toward achieving SDGs specific to islands, with a special focus on conservation and sustainability. It will be an opportunity to announce new and substantial commitments toward building resilient and sustainable island communities, including: 

  • Launch of new 2030 GLISPA Strategy 
  • Announcements on Micronesia Challenge 2030, Caribbean Challenge Initiative and others. 

Lt Governor Tenorio will speak to the significant progress made in the Micronesia Challenge since it was founded in 2006, The Micronesia Challenge, launched by 5 Micronesian Leaders (FSM, RMI, Palau, CNMI, Guam)  with a goal of effectively conserving at least 30% of the near-shore marine resources and 20% of the terrestrial resources across Micronesia by 2020 has leveraged USD 82 million for conservation efforts.  It has placed over 70 new areas under conservation across all jurisdictions, and there has been an improvement in science-to-management decision-making with 20 new fisheries management policies enacted based on marine data.  It has also led to over 70 management plans or climate change adaptation plans developed and 65 socio-economic assessments completed.  

Dr. Austin Shelton, Local2030 Islands Network Steering Committee Member will join Tenorio in Guam’s engagements at SIDS4. Shelton serves as the director of the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, as well as the Guam Green Growth Steering Committee Co-Chair. “We have important lessons to share with other islands through our progress tracked on the Guam Green Growth Dashboard. We also will learn innovations from others to bring back home and accelerate our work,” Shelton said. “I am looking forward to strengthening our partnerships with GLISPA, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, Blue Planet Alliance, and others to increase opportunities for our island communities.”  

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Guam Green Growth Kupu Corps welcomes four new members in 2024

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The Guam Green Growth (G3) Kupu Corps welcomes four new members to the program this year, making for a steady increase in membership since its inception in January 2023. 

Joining the G3 Kupu Corps this year are Joan Tomokane who will be hosted by the American Memorial Park (US National Park Service) in Saipan; Lawrence Lizama, who will be hosted by the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant; and lastly, Joshua Artuz and Tatiana Ananich, both of whom will be hosted by the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Guam National Wildlife Refuge. 

The G3 Kupu Corps is a collaboration between G3 and the Kupu Conservation Leadership Development Program (CLDP) which aims to empower young professionals through education and training relative to careers within the emerging green economy.  

Kupu is Hawai’i’s largest non-profit organization which helps to provide entry-level, hands-on experience to young individuals interested in working in conservation. 

Although only in its second year since the program’s start, the G3 Kupu Corps has welcomed nine members to the fold, with three members recruited in 2024. 

Annania Kemp, G3 Conservation Corps and Kupu Corps project coordinator, shares how the program has grown within this year alone. 

“We’ve grown our host sites by two this year adding the UOG CIS/SG’s Aquaculture team as one and the US Fish and Wildlife Guam National Wildlife Refuge as the other,” said Kemp.

“Therefore, we’ve grown our number of members as well.” 

With G3 Kupu Corps members working with their assigned host sites, Kemp says each member will have the opportunity to garner work experience needed to eventually transition into educational or career opportunities within conservation. 

“The goal of the program is to prepare individuals for the growing green economy and get them either into school with the AmeriCorps education award they receive after completing the program or into a career in conservation after they graduate from the program,” said Kemp.  

Over six to eleven months, G3 Kupu Corps members will work with personnel at their assigned host sites, gathering experience and acquiring skills to ease the transition from the program to career opportunities parallel to their skill set. 

As G3 Kupu Corps members work alongside their assigned host sites, Kemp has high hopes for each team member once the program ends.  

“We hope for the members to either utilize their education award to go to school in conservation to further their career in conservation or jump into the workforce right away with all the lessons and skills they’ve learned with their host sites throughout their term and start their conservation career.” 

According to Kemp, there are many incentives for people interested in conservation work to join the G3 Kupu Corps program. 

“There are so many benefits that come from this program like the education award, the trainings and possible certifications you can receive, the competitive living allowance, health insurance, eligibility-based child care, eligibility-based student loan forbearance, and really the hands-on learning and experiences in conservation without needing a background or education in it to start!” 

For more information about the G3 Kupu Corps, follow G3 on social media or visit guamgreengrowth.org. 

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