Sea Grant
Sea Grant
Sea Grant
University of Guam Sea Grant Program
UOG Sea Grant’s mission is to integrate and apply research, extension, and education activities to sustain and develop island environments while integrating knowledge and cultural perspectives of the island’s people.
Within the Mariana Islands Archipelago, coastal environments are dynamic ecosystems with fluctuating water levels, many species of fish, birds, plants and other wildlife, and diverse habitat types.
Recreational and commercial use of coastal resources–our watersheds, beaches, reefs, and open ocean–all present challenges to maintaining our ecosystem’s health. UOG Sea Grant addresses issues that can pose ecosystem challenges through research, education, and outreach. Our strategic plan provides an overview of the types of issues we are looking at.
Research, education, and outreach means:
- Supporting research about pressing issues related to local and regional environmental health and economic well-being of Guam’s coastal areas,
- Supporting formal education practitioners such as K-12 teachers, in implementing science-based activities and lessons in classrooms,
- Providing science-based information to the public about current coastal issues, in accessible formats like fact sheets and workshops,
- Bridging connections between government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, educators, business owners, and other citizens on responsible and sustainable shared resource use.
UOG Sea Grant biologists assisted NOAA with tagging sea turtles over the summer for an ambitious satellite telemetry study.
The University of Guam Sea Grant program is calling for proposals to fund research in Guam, CNMI, and the Freely Associated States for its 2020 funding period.
UOG Sea Grant has been awarded a $278,785 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to identify factors that harm the island's reefs and watersheds.
University of Guam Sea Grant engaged with national and regional Sea Grant programs at Korea Sea Grant Week 2019.
The University of Guam has been awarded $2.3 million to help grow the number and diversity of students who seek careers in STEM fields.
Education
The National Sea Grant Program has a long tradition of increasing environmental literacy through formal educational structures: that is, schools.
Turtle Education Outreach Internship
(December 2017 - March 2018)
University of Guam Sea Grant (UOGSG) seeks enthusiastic, curious undergraduates who
want to learn about our island’s turtles and share that knowledge with elementary
school audiences!
Turtle Education Outreach Interns will research turtles in the Pacific region, design a game or activity for use in community outreach, conduct at least twelve (12) presentations in public elementary schools, and train UOGSG staff and interns to do school presentations well.
Interns will undergo a minimum of 40 hours of formal training, assist and participate in UOGSG’s regularly scheduled activities, gain experience in a professional work environment through shadowing occupations related to science and education, and learn how to be an excellent school presenter. A science background is not required but applicants must want to learn and teach science-based lessons. This is a superb opportunity for students who want to explore education, environment or natural resource management, and science professions!
Interns will receive a stipend of $1,000.
Read full description (PDF file): UOGSG Turtle Education Outreach Internship_Wntr 2017
Application (Word file): UOGSG Turtle Education Outreach Internship Application 2017
Academic Courses
AN462: MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY FIELD METHODS (Summer Session C, 7/3/17-8/5/17). Guam Preservation Trust and UOG Sea Grant were pleased to help fund and coordinate
this SCUBA-based field methods course. The class spent its field time at two sites,
Seabee Junkyard in Apra Harbor and the Amtrac at Agat. Students learned how to do
archaeological surveying, corrosion data collection, 3D photogrammetry, and some biological
monitoring.
BI 194/BI194L: UNDERWATER ECOLOGICAL SURVEYING TECHNIQUES (Summer Session C, 7/5/16
– 8/5/16). UOG Sea Grant was pleased to offer a Special Projects course through the Biology Program,
courtesy of NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (Pacific Island Regional Office)
and University of Hawaii’s Marine Option Program. The course and concurrent lab was
an introduction to nearshore underwater ecological surveying techniques with field
experience conducted on snorkel. Students identified common fish and invertebrate
species, gathered data using survey techniques practiced on land and in water, and
applied scientific skills through the development and writing of a scientific report.
For Educators
For educators who are interested in developing Guam Department of Education (GDOE) service learning opportunities, we work most closely with the Guam Nature Alliance in order to help coordinate and deliver a quality educational experience. Teachers should contact us as far in advance as possible to explore service learning options.
Right now UOG Sea Grant faculty and staff do not regularly present in classrooms. However, we may able to accommodate requests based on availability.
Instructional Materials
In part modeled on the Navigating Change Education Program, UOG Sea Grant has two lesson plans and supplemental classroom visual aids about the Mariana Islands. Educators can contact us to get laminated card sets and posters for classroom use.
(Downloadable files: Island Investigations, Charting the Mariana Islands, Mariana Islands cards).
Past Professional Development Courses (2010 and 2012)
UOG Sea Grant offered two courses for teachers as professional development opportunities
in 2010 and 2012. Currently we welcome input from those in GDOE, Department of Defense
Education Activity (DODEA), private schools, and home school specialists as to how
we can connect your students to science-based resources within the university.SUSTAINABLE SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS (offered 1/1/12 – 4/26/12). This class was designed
to encourage exploration of Guam’s outdoor environment by teachers, who would then
design lesson plans that create, orchestrate, and implement a community project with
an overarching theme of sustainability. (Syllabus: Sustainable Science for Teachers_Spr 2012 syllabus)
ISLAND SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS (offered 3/4/10 – 4/13/10). This class was designed to
provide course participants an opportunity to improve their content knowledge of coral
reef ecosystems, watersheds, and the ecology of Guam, while learning how to best implement
interactive, hands-on activities. (Syllabus: Island Science for Teachers_Spr 2010 syllabus)
Latest Extension & Outreach Activities
2017 Outreach Activities
 |
SNORKEL INTROS FOR ADULTS (Sun., 12/17 and Sat., 12/23). Not confident in the water but always wanted to try snorkeling? This snorkel intro, with a high supervisor to participant ratio, allowed adults to learn about snorkel gear, try and adjust it, defog a mask, breathe with a snorkel, and kick with fins. Participants could learn at their own pace in a calm environment with water safety pros. |
 |
NÅ’AN GUIHAN SIHA: CHAMORRO FISH I.D. (Sat., 11/19/17). This family-friendly workshop reviewed scientific and Chamorro organism classification systems and Chamorro names for animals found in the bay. Participants then played a special version of fish bingo to practice both their fish identification and Chamorro skills. |
 |
YPAO BEACH SNORKEL FOR ADULTS (Sun., 11/12/17). Open to anyone but especially those adults who need a buddy or a water safety pro for assistance, this adult snorkel event at Ypao have participants a chance to practice coral and fish identification in-water. A collaboration with the Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program. |
 |
FINA’NÅ’GUEN PESKADOT: FISHING EXPO FOR FAMILIES (Sat., 10/14/17). For the Guam Museum’s monthly Ha’ånen Familia, fishermen demonstrated various styles of fishing: chenchulu, spear, jigging/rod & reel, and talåya. A collaboration with Western Pacific Regional Fishery Council, Guam Museum and Humanities Guåhan. |
 |
SNORKEL INTRO FOR ADULTS (Sun., 9/17/17). To support Humanities Guåhan‘s Hita I Hanom (Water/Ways) exhibit, contributor Marie Auyong led a snorkel intro at the Dededo Pool. Participants learned to: fit a mask, defog it, breathe with a snorkel, adjust fins, and practice efficient kicking. A collaboration with Humanities Guåhan. |
 |
“CHASING CORAL” SCREENING AND MINI-EXPO (Sat., 9/9/17). This movie captures one team’s quest to document coral bleaching on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef system. A panel discussion afterwards discussed what local scientists and agencies are doing to address coral bleaching. Participants could visit tables afterwards to learn about local volunteer opportunities and projects. Sponsored by the Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program. |
 |
KID’S AUGUST SALTWATER FISHING CLINIC & DERBY (Sat., 8/5/17 and Sat., 8/12/17). Derby competitors ages 7-12 could practice tying knots and casting at the Mangilao Mayor’s Softball Field. Thirty seven children competed in the derby, where they vied for prizes in the following categories: most fish, longest fish, and longest pulonnen (triggerfish). A collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. |
 |
HITA MUSEUM TALKS: REALIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WORLD WAR II UNDERWATER CULTURAL HERITAGE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION SYMPOSIUM (Sat., 7/22/17). Maritime archaeologists, conservators, educators, and resource managers from Palau, the Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, and California gave 20 to 30-minute presentations on underwater heritage management, 3-D photogrammetry, cannon conservation, artificial reefs, and World War II sites in Chuuk and Guam. Sponsored by the Guam Museum. |
 |
KID’S JULY SALTWATER FISHING CLINIC & DERBY (Sat., 7/8/17 and Sat., 7/15/17). Derby competitors ages 7-12 could practice tying knots and casting at the Mangilao Mayor’s Softball Field. Thirty children competed in the derby, where they vied for prizes in the following categories: most fish, longest fish, and longest pulonnen (triggerfish). A collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. |
 |
EPSCOR COLLOQUIUM: MICROBIAL DYNAMICS OF HAWAIIAN FISHPONDS (Thurs., 7/13/17). Dr. Kiana Frank, native of Kailua, Oahu, is an Assistant Professor in Pacific Biosciences Research Center at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa. She explained how Hawaiians have refined a fishpond aquaculture technique and how stories inform the development of scientific hypotheses. She also presented her research about how microbes influence the health and sustainability of Hawaii’s natural resources. |
 |
SNORKEL INTRO (Sat., 6/24/17). In the comfort of a calm swimming pool with safety pros, participants learned to defog a mask, breathe with a snorkel, and practice safe snorkeling. Sea Grant provided masks, snorkels, and fins. |
 |
KIDS’ FRESHWATER FISHING DERBY AND NATURE WALKS (Sat., 4/8/17). Derby competitors 5-16 years old were welcome to the Masso Reservoir for a day of fishing for ahgao and umatang. Other activities included guided walks to learn about the area’s native trees and plants for åmot (Chamorro medicine) and two stations where people could make their own hook/line fishing gear and learn about non-hook and line fishing set-ups. A collaboration with the Department of Agriculture. |
 |
SCIENCE SUNDAY: LIFE HISTORY PARAMETERS AND THE EVOLUTION GENETIC STATUS OF ANGUILLA MARMORATA FROM GUAM (Sun., 1/15/17). Sean Moran, a UOG graduate student in Biology and Sea Grant Fellow, researches life history and genetics of a Guam freshwater eel (Anguilla marmorata). Learn more about this species, which comprises a valuable island subsistence fishery. Sponsored by Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program and National Park Service. |
2016 Outreach Activities
NÅ’AN GUIHAN SIHA, OR CHAMORRO FISH I.D. (Sat., 11/19/16). This family-friendly workshop reviewed a brief history of Tomhom, scientific and Chamorro organism classification systems, and Chamorro names for animals found in the bay. Participants then played a special version of fish bingo to practice both their fish identification and Chamorro skills. (Flyer: UOGSG_Fish ID_111916)
K-12 OUTREACH: CREATING EFFECTIVE GUEST PRESENTATIONS (Mon., 10/3/16). Being an effective guest speaker in Guam’s public schools requires planning, practice, and a sense of adventure! This workshop convened a panel of committed, experienced teachers, representing schools from all over the island, who provided tips on how keep students inspired and engaged! (Flyer: UOGSG_K12_Outreach_Creating Effective Guest Presentations_100316)
RIOTERS SEMINAR: PHYLOGENETICS OF THE CATADROMOUS EEL, ANGUILLA MARMORATA (Wed., 9/14/16). Sean Moran, a UOG graduate student in Biology and Sea Grant Fellow, researches life history and genetics of an eel living in Guam’s streams (Anguilla marmorata). Sponsored by the Biology Program, RIOTERS stands for “Research Integration of Teaching, Education and Sustainable Resources” and happens every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Science Building, Room 306.
RIOTERS SEMINAR: BUILDING ISLAND RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE (Wed., 8/24/16). Dr. Austin Shelton presented on ecosystem restoration projects in the Humåtak and Pago watersheds. These project intend to build up our island’s resilience against climate change impacts by reducing local environmental stressors. Sponsored by the Biology Program, RIOTERS stands for “Research Integration of Teaching, Education and Sustainable Resources” and happens every Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the Science Building, Room 306. (Flyer: UOGSG_RIOTERS_Shelton_082416)
EPSCOR STUDENT PRESENTATIONS (Mon., 7/25/16). Sea Grant and EPSCOR-funded students presented work from their summer research experiences: Enrika Espiritu (“The Correlation between Coral Assemblage and Water Quality in Apra Harbor, Guam”), Ajette Manabat (“Spawning Aggregation Patterns at the Conclusion of Seasonality in of the Blue-Banded Surgeonfish, Acanthurus lineatus, on Guam”), and Cassandra Pocaigue (“Developing Microsatellite Markers for Acropora Species”). (Flyer: UOGSG_EPSCOR_SRE Presentations_072516)
HUMATAK WATERSHED ADVENTURE at the 2016 Island Sustainability Conference (Fri., 4/15/16). Participants embarked on an exciting tour through the La Sa Fu’a Watershed, starting on the hillsides of the upper watershed and culminating in Fouha Bay, the site of human creation, according to Chamorro folklore. Scientific experts and cultural practitioners learned about Guam’s natural resources, watershed connections, environmental threats, and engaged in a hands-on seed dispersal/watershed restoration activity. (Flyer: UOGSG_Humatak Watershed Adventure_CIS_041116)
MARITIME ARCHAEOLOGY: CULTURAL HERITAGE OF COMMUNITIES (Sat., 3/19/16). At this interactive workshop, participants learned about the field of maritime archaeology, the experience of doing underwater research, and about local shipwreck and fish weir (trap) sites. The workshop ended with attendees practicing two research techniques on land, just like ones archaeologists use. (Flyer: UOGSG_Maritime Archaeology_031916)
*****
SCIENCE SUNDAY: ENDOLITHIC ALGAE, WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE COUNTS (Sun., 2/21/16). Endolithic algae are organisms that live inside the skeletons of live and dead corals. Adrian Kense, a graduate student at UOG’s Marine Lab and Sea Grant Fellow, researches the diversity of these microscopic algal communities using environmental DNA sequencing. Learn more about endolithic algae and why they’re important for our coral reefs. Sponsored by Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program and National Park Service. (Flyer: UOGSG_Science Sunday_Endolithic Algae_022116 and the presentation hand-out: UOGSG_Kense_Boring algae are not so boring_2016 )
TIDES: THE SCIENCE AND CULTURAL IMPACTS OF WAVES (Sat., 2/6/16). As island residents, tides affect what we do and how we live on the coastline. Historically, tides have been integral to Chamorro culture and its changes over time. At this interactive workshop, participants learned about what causes tides, how to read tide charts and therefore improve personal water safety, and how Chamorro people have been affected by and use the tides. (Flyer here: UOGSG Tides_Science and Culture_020616)
Collaborations
UOG Sea Grant is an active collaborator with the Guam Nature Alliance, a group of governmental and nongovernmental representatives who coordinate activities that enhance public knowledge about Guam’s natural resources. These activities are usually free or very low cost; sometimes transportation is provided to locations. For more information about upcoming activities, check out the Guam Nature Alliance Facebook page here. You do not have to be a Facebook member to look at the page.Among its many diverse members, the Guam Nature Alliance includes representatives from the Guam Department of Agriculture, the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Guam Waterworks Authority, and the Guam office for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
