UOG Sea Grant Continues Critical Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts

University of Guam Sea Grant Sea Turtle Biologist Addie Ferguson works to monitor nesting areas as a part of the ongoing conservation efforts in Guam. The Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles are both native to Guam. Biologists are authorized to conduct research under ESA Recovery Permit ES2195A. Photo courtesy of University of Guam.

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.