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News & Announcements » UOG CIS & Sea Grant launch second cohort of Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems program, expanding food security efforts

UOG CIS & Sea Grant launch second cohort of Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems program, expanding food security efforts

UOG CIS & Sea Grant launch second cohort of Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems program, expanding food security efforts

UOG CIS & Sea Grant launch second cohort of Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems program, expanding food security efforts


6/27/2025
UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Aquaculture Specialist David Crisostomo
UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Aquaculture Specialist David Crisostomo leads an assembly workshop for a circulating aquaculture system.  The systems will be given away to community members selected as a part of the second cohort of the Community Backyard Aquaculture Systems (CBAS) program with the center.   The second cohort is now accepting applications.
Selected applicants for the UOG CIS and Sea Grant CBAS program must attend mandatory training sessions to be qualified to receive the systems and will receive support from the UOG CIS & Sea Grant aquaculture team following the installation of the systems.
Selected applicants for the UOG CIS and Sea Grant CBAS program must attend mandatory training sessions to be qualified to receive the systems and will receive support from the UOG CIS & Sea Grant aquaculture team following the installation of the systems. 
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The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) is proud to announce the launch of its second cohort for the highly successful Community Backyard Aquaponics Systems (CBAS) program.

Building on the achievements of the inaugural group, this expansion will introduce additional aquaponics systems into homes across Guam, significantly bolstering the island's journey towards greater food security and sustainable living.

The first cohort of the program proved to be a success, helping families and individuals to cultivate their own fresh produce and protein right in their backyards. Participants learned the innovative technique of aquaponics, which combines aquaculture (raising aquatic animals like fish) with hydroponics (growing plants without soil) in a symbiotic environment. This method not only conserves water but also provides a sustainable source of nutritious food.

"The success of our first CBAS cohort laid a strong foundation, and we are looking forward to welcoming a larger second cohort into the program. This expansion is another important step forward to increase food security across our island communities,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, Ph.D.

With the second cohort, the program will distribute an additional 40 aquaponics systems, providing comprehensive training and ongoing support to new participants. This expansion is a direct response to the community's demand and the proven effectiveness of the initiative in promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable practices.

“We are really excited at the reception of the first round of the CBAS program,” said UOG CIS & Sea Grant aquaculture specialist David Crisostomo, who heads the program. “Being able to provide this opportunity to the community and our people is something that can benefit future generations with food security.”

As a part of the program, selected applicants must attend mandatory training sessions to be qualified to receive the systems and will receive support from the UOG CIS & Sea Grant aquaculture team following the installation of the systems.  The individual systems are valued at $3500.00 and will be given to qualified recipients at no cost through support from the Office of the Governor.

Applications and program details are available online at uog.edu/seagrant or by contacting Crisostomo at (671) 727-5655 or via email at crisostomod8562@triton.uog.edu.

Deadline to apply for this cohort is July 7, 2025.