Category: Research

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

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.
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.
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.

Insights into reproductive trends, predation patterns, and climatic triggers observed before 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.

Participants from the University of Guam and other groups listen to Dr. Ciemon Caballes, a senior research associate at the Guam NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab, at the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.
Participants from the University of Guam and other groups listen to Dr. Ciemon Caballes, a senior research associate at the Guam NSF EPSCoR and assistant professor at the UOG Marine Lab, at the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.

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 and triggering a trophic cascade.

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, participates in the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.
Fran Castro, associate director for operations and development at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, participates in the "Guam Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Outbreak Response Strategy" workshop in December at the UOG Marine Lab.
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.
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.

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.

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UOG’s Donaldson co-authors paper on fish that communicate with sound

Sargocentron spiniferum or Sabre Squirrelfish, the largest member of the family Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes and Soldierfishes), are able to communicate with sound as detailed in a scientific paper recently published and co-authored by Guam NSF EPSCoR’s Terry Donaldson, Ph.D., at the University of Guam. Photo credit: Dave Burdick/Guam Reef Life
Sargocentron spiniferum or Sabre Squirrelfish, the largest member of the family Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes and Soldierfishes), are able to communicate with sound as detailed in a scientific paper recently published and co-authored by Guam NSF EPSCoR’s Terry Donaldson, Ph.D., at the University of Guam. Photo credit: Dave Burdick/Guam Reef Life
Sargocentron spiniferum or Sabre Squirrelfish, the largest member of the family Holocentridae (Squirrelfishes and Soldierfishes), are able to communicate with sound as detailed in a scientific paper recently published and co-authored by Guam NSF EPSCoR’s Terry Donaldson, Ph.D., at the University of Guam. Photo credit: Dave Burdick/Guam Reef Life

University of Guam Professor of Ichthyology Terry Donaldson recently co-authored a paper on bioacoustic communication within the family Holocentridae, a group of marine fishes commonly known as squirrelfishes and soldierfishes. These fishes are known to communicate by sound production. The paper, “Sounds as taxonomic indicators in holocentrid fishes,” was a collaboration with Marine Banse, Eric Parmentier and Estrelle Bertimes (University of Liege, Belgium), David Lecchini (PSL University, French Polynesia), and Frederic Bertucci (University of Montpelier, France). The paper was published in November 2024 in the open access Nature scientific journal NPJ Biodiversity (https://doi.org/10.1038/s44185-024-00064-4).

The study is the first large-scale phylogenetic investigation on fish bioacoustics within this family and examines whether it is feasible to use sounds for taxonomic identification of species. Members of the Holocentridae produce sounds through the “contraction of paired bilateral sonic muscles originating on the skull and inserted on articulated ribs in tight connection with the swim bladder.” These contractions produce vibrations that are amplified by the swim bladder. All 73 species that were investigated had certain characteristics that made this family ideal for this type of study. This is especially important because holocentrids are nocturnal and rely heavily on vocal communication in the dark.

From May 2019 to July 2022, almost 400 specimens were collected from coral reefs of French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guam, Philippines and Seychelles. Sounds made by the specimens were recorded while the fish were hand-held in the field, rather than in aquariums, to minimize artifacts (false signals not generated by the fish but rather picked up in the recording process), and provide the most reliable sound comparisons. The sounds that are created vary by species and can range from grunts to clicks to thumping noises. After recording these sounds, the fish were measured and photographed to confirm species identity.

From May 2019 to July 2022, almost 400 specimens were collected from coral reefs of French Polynesia, Guadeloupe, Guam, Philippines and Seychelles. Sounds made by the specimens were recorded while the fish were hand-held in the field, rather than in aquariums, to minimize artifacts (false signals not generated by the fish but rather picked up in the recording process), and provide the most reliable sound comparisons. The sounds that are created vary by species and can range from grunts to clicks to thumping noises. After recording these sounds, the fish were measured and photographed to confirm species identity.

While species-specific sounds of animals have been extensively documented, there is limited phylogenetic research on acoustic behavior of fish species. “It’s possible to suggest that no two species make the same exact sound, even though they’re closely related,” said Donaldson. “They may have components that are the same but there’s something slightly different here or something radically different if you go from one genus to the next.”

This study demonstrates that sounds can indicate different taxonomic groups, although this depends on taxonomic level (i.e. family, genus or species). It was found that the higher the taxonomic level, the easier it was to differentiate them based on sounds.

A significant portion of this collaborative study was supported by Guam NSF EPSCoR thanks to an award from the National Science Foundation’s Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Donaldson is Guam EPSCoR’s Principal Investigator and Project Director.

Donaldson has also co-authored, with Banse, Parmentier, and others, a publication based on a smaller study that describes acoustic communication between nine species of squirrelfishes in their relationship with cleaner fish. “Production of sounds by squirrelfish during symbiotic relationships with cleaner wrasses,” published in Scientific Reports in May 2024 (https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61990-8), describes the ability of squirrelfish to communicate their desire to be cleaned by cleaner wrasses through the use of acoustic signals. Scientific Reports is also an open access journal from Nature that publishes original research in the areas of natural science, psychology, medicine, and engineering.

Terry
Terry Donaldson, Ph.D., recently co-authored a paper on bioacoustic communication within the family Holocentridae, a group of marine fishes commonly known as squirrelfishes and soldierfishes. These fishes are known to communicate by sound production. The story is titled, “Sounds as taxonomic indicators in holocentrid fishes,” and was published at the end of 2024. Photo courtesy of the University of Guam.
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UOG-hosted town hall explores ocean energy for aquaculture, island power-source

Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab and one of the leads from UOG, speaks at the November town hall meeting, 'Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture.' Bentlage states that UOG'd primary role in the project is to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying ocean energy systems.
Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab and one of the leads from UOG, speaks at the November town hall meeting, 'Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture.' Bentlage states that UOG'd primary role in the project is to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying ocean energy systems.
Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab and one of the leads from UOG, speaks at the November town hall meeting, 'Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture.' Bentlage states that UOG'd primary role in the project is to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying ocean energy systems.

While ocean energy system technologies are still in the development stage, their potential as a renewable energy source is promising, according to a technical report from a study developed by a team from the University of Guam, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), and Sandia National Laboratory.

The findings presented at a November town hall meeting, “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture,” focused on utilizing ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) and wave energy conversion (WEC) technologies to power a proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center and, potentially, as a renewable power source for Guam.

UOG hosted the town hall with the support of Guam NSF EPSCoR and the Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, during which PNNL, the lead entity for the project, presented the findings and gathered feedback from community participants to inform future research.

Since the performance of OTEC and WEC systems is site-specific, they examined two potential locations for the proposed aquaculture center: Tanguisson on the west side of Guam and an area near the UOG Marine Lab on the east side, according to Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab.

“One of the questions we asked is what are the options for powering an aquaculture facility using renewable energy that harvest the power of waves or thermal gradients between surface and deep-sea waters,” Bentlage said.

Bentlage explained that UOG’s primary role in the project was to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying these ocean energy systems. He emphasized the importance of including team members familiar with Guam’s unique landscape and marine environments.

Bentlage and David Crisostomo, an aquaculture specialist with the UOG Sea Grant Program, are leading the research at UOG for this project.

Crisostomo described the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry. He stated that the center will serve as a research hub for cultivating local species. Additionally, it could provide a business incubator setup for individuals interested in entering the aquaculture industry.

David Crisostomo, aquaculture specialist at UOG Sea Grant, describes the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry at the November town hall meeting, "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture."
David Crisostomo, aquaculture specialist at UOG Sea Grant, describes the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry at the November town hall meeting, "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture."

At the town hall, the project leads presented the benefits as well as the infrastructure, environmental, and economic impacts of OTEC and WEC.

In her presentation, Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at PNNL, highlighted the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. She stated that OTEC can provide baseload power, which helps stabilize the grid and supports black start capabilities. The ocean’s depth near Guam is ideal for the technology, and the consistently warm surface temperatures ensure an adequate temperature differential. Additionally, OTEC, once deployed, will create jobs in installation and maintenance, among others.

Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.
Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.

However, there are challenges to consider. For OTEC, further research is needed to assess water temperatures and depths accurately, and environmental protection requires additional study. The permitting process remains unclear among various agencies, and shore-based plants must be designed to withstand natural hazards.

Regarding WEC, de Peralta presented assessments by Sandia that indicate Guam possesses substantial wave resources. However, ensuring a reliable survival strategy for installations is essential, and deployment can be costly, necessitating a careful balance of cabling and mooring expenses with location choices.

De Peralta noted, “Outreach engagements with the Guam community and stakeholders is an important part of our project to gain insights on the use of marine energy systems as a clean energy power source and considerations on the potential impact on the island, environment, culture, and livelihood of the island’s communities.”

Peralta, who grew up in Guam, said that the information shared during the town hall discussions will inform further assessments and the development of ocean energy systems.”

Meanwhile, Charles Gunzel, a program manager at PNNL, also emphasized the importance of community feedback, which ocean energy system designers should consider.

“It’s extremely satisfying to engage with the residents of Guam, learning their unique concerns, so these can be made known to the planners, designers, and manufacturers of tomorrow’s ocean energy systems,” Gunzel said.

According to Bentlage, a significant outcome of this project is the strengthened partnership between UOG and the two National Laboratories that lead in renewable energy research and development.

“We intend to build on this relationship to enhance research capacity in this area, supporting informed decision-making as Guam works to diversify its economy and transition to renewable energy,” Bentlage stated.

The project commenced in early 2023 after receiving funding from the US Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office (WPTO).

Charles Gunzel, a program manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, highlights the importance of community feedback in designing and developing ocean energy systems. Gunzel participated in the "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture" town hall meeting in November.
Charles Gunzel, a program manager at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, highlights the importance of community feedback in designing and developing ocean energy systems. Gunzel participated in the "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture" town hall meeting in November.
At the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November, presenters shared findings on ocean energy systems from a technical report by the University of Guam, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratory. The focus was on OTEC and WEC technologies to power the proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center and support renewable energy efforts for Guam. They also gathered feedback from members of the community.
At the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November, presenters shared findings on ocean energy systems from a technical report by the University of Guam, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Sandia National Laboratory. The focus was on OTEC and WEC technologies to power the proposed Guam Aquaculture Innovation Center and support renewable energy efforts for Guam. They also gathered feedback from members of the community.
Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab and one of the leads from UOG, speaks at the November town hall meeting, 'Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture.' Bentlage states that UOG'd primary role in the project is to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying ocean energy systems.
Bastian Bentlage, associate professor of Bioinformatics at the UOG Marine Lab and one of the leads from UOG, speaks at the November town hall meeting, 'Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture.' Bentlage states that UOG'd primary role in the project is to provide insights into site-specific considerations for evaluating the feasibility of deploying ocean energy systems.
David Crisostomo, aquaculture specialist at UOG Sea Grant, describes the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry at the November town hall meeting, "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture."
David Crisostomo, aquaculture specialist at UOG Sea Grant, describes the proposed aquaculture center as a potential game-changer for Guam’s aquaculture industry at the November town hall meeting, "Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture."
Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.
Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.
Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.
Fleur de Peralta, senior advisor with the Risk & Environmental Assessment Group at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, presents the benefits and challenges of ocean energy systems for Guam. De Peralta is one of the presenters at the “Ocean Energy Systems to Power Guam Aquaculture” town hall meeting in November.
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Bioblitz survey finds false spider crab in Guam

Bioblitz Overview Photo 3
Bioblitz Overview Photo 3
Above is an Elamena castanea, a false spider crab found in Guam during the first Bioblitz this year. Photo credit: Dr. Robert Lasley, PhD.
Among over a thousand species that were found during the University of Guam’s first Bioblitz is the Elamena castanea, a type of false spider crab.
 
While the Elamena castanea superficially looks like one, this species is not actually a spider crab and belongs to the Hymenosomatoidea superfamily which means they aren’t even related to true spider crabs.
 
Originally discovered in the Philippines, this is the first time that the species has been observed here in Guam even though the area has been sampled numerous times through the decades.
 
Since this discovery, several more crab specimens have been found on the reef flat behind the UOG Marine Lab.
 
“It shows you how much diversity there is out there,” said Robert Lasley, PhD, UOG Biorepository crustacea curator. “Elamena castanea specimens were collected under rocks or in seaweed in shallow depths – usually less than 1-2 meters.”
 
Lasley notes that even after the three-week biological survey, there are still hundreds, possibly even thousands, of marine species that remain undocumented in the waters off Guam.
 
“Honestly, though, we find new records all the time, often without noticing it,” he said. “It takes a lot of work at the microscope and digging through literature to confirm if something is a new species or new record.”
 
Along with the Elamena castanea, other findings included new records of different species of isopods, nudibranchs, nemerteans, gobies, and shrimps.
 
It has been estimated that between 10 to 15 percent of the specimens collected during the BioBlitz are either new records or entirely new species.
 
Since February, the Biorepository team has been developing and cataloging the specimens and uploading the specimen data to the Biorepository database.
 
Soon, they will be able to loan out specimens to researchers so that they can be further examined and new information can be reported.
 
The team is also planning future biological surveys with more targeted searches for specific organisms, using the information collected during this first Bioblitz.
 
In addition, they intend to organize surveys in other places throughout the region, such as Palau and the Marshall Islands.
 
Through these surveys, researchers will be able to learn more about what organisms call the vast ocean home, including the Elamena castanea, which will also help the community learn how to preserve and protect them.
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Collaborative study yields new research instrument 

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Dr. Bastian Bentlage, PhD, Associate Professor of Bioinformatics, assembles a coral research instrument developed by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

After a detour to Alabama following the 28th NSF EPSCoR National Conference in Nebraska, Bastian Bentlage, PhD, Associate Professor of Bioinformatics, brought home a newly developed scientific instrument to aid in coral research.

Bentlage, with accompanying graduate research assistant Nikko Galanto, made the journey out to the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, located on Alabama’s Gulf Coast. The lab has been developing the build and circuitry of a new scientific research instrument, as well as the computer models and programs needed to run it. This instrument measures the performance of a coral’s photosystem under heat stress using fluorescent light.

“If you shoot a blue light at a chloroplast, like let’s say an algal cell, not all of the energy from the light is actually seamlessly converted right into making sugars and by extension energy,” Bentlage explained. “So, you can actually measure the amount of fluorescence that is produced and by extension then can make some inferences about the underlying health of the chloroplast.”

With this new method, the researchers hope the instrument will help to identify corals that are most resilient to increasing sea surface temperatures so they may be prioritized for reef restoration.

This particular research project is conducted in collaboration with Kenneth Hoadley, Ph.D., from the University of Alabama and Mark Warner, Ph.D., from the University of Delaware, with Bentlage and Marine Lab director Laurie Raymundo, Ph.D., representing the University of Guam. 

The connection stemmed from another proponent of the research project Victor Bonito, Ph.D., director of Fiji-based non-profit Reef Explore Fiji, Ltd. The universities first approached Bonito to write a grant to help expand their existing research. As a graduate of the UOG Marine Lab, it was through Bonito’s recommendation that the UOG Marine Lab be sought out for collaboration.

“It was really interesting for me to visit, to see a different approach to science,” Bentlage mentioned. “I’ve never really thought about, or didn’t know really where you would start to work with someone who was actually in that space where, ‘hey, we’re actually developing the technology to measure certain things.’”

The two universities plan to visit Guam next year to see what results the instrument has found, as well as to conduct their own research and experiments.

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Coral research could have big implications for Guam’s future

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Research by Reilly Kleven at the University of Guam (UOG) has revealed the remarkable growth potential of branching Lithophyllum coralline algae, a vital component of Guam’s coral reefs. 

Kleven is a Graduate Research Assistant with the Guam National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) at UOG.

Kleven’s research, conducted under the guidance of Tom Schils, Ph.D. of the UOG Marine Labratory, focused on quantifying the growth rates of these algae in various reef habitats around the island. By utilizing advanced 3D scanning techniques, Kleven was able to measure the growth of individual algae samples over an extended period.

“Nongeniculate coralline algae are one of the most abundant calcifiers on Guam’s reef. They provide a variety of ecosystem services for reef environments. They help build and stabilize reef framework by depositing calcium carbonate in the form of magnesium calcite skeletons,” explained Kleven. “They act as important binders, decreasing the likelihood of structural collapse by reinforcing caves and cavities. Their skeletons further contribute to the resilience and recovery potential of reefs, providing protection from disturbances such as bio erosion and tsunamis.”

One of the most significant findings of the study was the exceptional growth rates observed in Lithophyllum algae from Pago Bay, Guam. These algae demonstrated remarkable resilience, growing at a rate that far exceeded previous estimates for coralline algae in tropical regions.

Kleven’s research also highlighted the importance of environmental conditions on algal growth. While Pago Bay offered optimal conditions for Lithophyllum growth, factors such as nutrient levels, sediment output, and water temperature were found to significantly influence growth rates in other areas, such as Togcha Bay.

These findings have significant implications for understanding the resilience of Guam’s coral reefs and their ability to recover from disturbances. As climate change continues to threaten coral ecosystems, the growth potential of lLithophyllum algae offers hope for future reef conservation efforts.

“As coral bleaching events become more frequent and severe the significance of coralline algae increases. These algae are likely to play a crucial role in preserving tropical reef carbonate structures as environmental change continues,” added Kleven.

Kleven’s research marks a significant contribution to the field of marine biology and provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of coral reef ecosystems at a time when many see the importance of the protection of our reefs.

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Visiting scientists enrich Guam’s local community through research symposium

Bioblitz Symposium Photo 3
As part of the University of Guam’s first Bioblitz, an event focused on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a place over a set period, a team of international scientists engaged the island’s local community through a mini research symposium held on Friday, February 16, 2024.
As part of the University of Guam’s first Bioblitz, an event focused on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a place over a set period, a team of international scientists engaged the island’s local community through a mini research symposium held on Friday, February 16, 2024.
These scientists, who hail from the United States, Italy, and Japan, held a series of presentations concerning organisms such as mollusks, worms, shrimps, and other invertebrates to increase local research capacity and generate interest in these under-studied fields.
These scientists, who hail from the United States, Italy, and Japan, held a series of presentations concerning organisms such as mollusks, worms, shrimps, and other invertebrates to increase local research capacity and generate interest in these under-studied fields.
One of the presenters was Florida Museum Curator of Invertebrates Gustav Paulay, Ph.D., who formerly served as the director of the UOG Marine Laboratory. “UOG sits in one of the most diverse areas and has this rich tradition of looking at organismal diversity. As a result, this institution is one of the centers of this work,” said Paulay. “We know what we know now fairly well because of a lot of effort done by a lot of people who have documented what they have described.”
One of the presenters was Florida Museum Curator of Invertebrates Gustav Paulay, Ph.D., who formerly served as the director of the UOG Marine Laboratory. “UOG sits in one of the most diverse areas and has this rich tradition of looking at organismal diversity. As a result, this institution is one of the centers of this work,” said Paulay. “We know what we know now fairly well because of a lot of effort done by a lot of people who have documented what they have described.”

As part of the University of Guam’s first Bioblitz, an event focused on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a place over a set period, a team of international scientists engaged the island’s local community through a mini research symposium held on Friday, February 16, 2024.

Due to climate change, development, pollution, and other factors that contribute to habitat loss, the world is facing a biodiversity crisis. The first step in addressing this issue involves developing an understanding of what lives in the biosphere, the parts of the world where life exists, and how they function.

These scientists, who hail from the United States, Italy, and Japan, held a series of presentations concerning organisms such as mollusks, worms, shrimps, and other invertebrates to increase local research capacity and generate interest in these under-studied fields.

One of the presenters was Florida Museum Curator of Invertebrates Gustav Paulay, Ph.D., who formerly served as the director of the UOG Marine Laboratory.

“It can be disheartening to get into the water after a couple of decades and see what has happened to the reef,” said Paulay.” Some parts are great, some parts not so much. We are going through a biodiversity crisis and one thing that scientists can do about is at least get an idea of what the biosphere is like before it changes any further.”

During his time at UOG, Paulay spent years cataloging the diversity of invertebrates around Guam. The Bioblitz, supported by Guam NSF EPSCoR, was meant to expand the existing knowledge of Guam’s marine ecosystems to inform future management efforts and apply that knowledge to other kinds of studies.

“UOG sits in one of the most diverse areas and has this rich tradition of looking at organismal diversity. As a result, this institution is one of the centers of this work,” said Paulay. “We know what we know now fairly well because of a lot of effort done by a lot of people who have documented what they have described.”

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UOG scientists find new marine biological records and species

Bioblitz Overview Photo 1
Following a three-week series of biological surveys, scientists from the University of Guam Marine Laboratory along with an international team of researchers estimate that they have collected hundreds of new marine biological records and species combined from around the coasts of Guam.
Following a three-week series of biological surveys, scientists from the University of Guam Marine Laboratory along with an international team of researchers estimate that they have collected hundreds of new marine biological records and species combined from around the coasts of Guam.
From the southern coast of Guam almost up to Ritidian, the researchers surveyed around 50 sites through dives, intertidal walks, and snorkeling from February 2 - 22, 2024 and collected organisms such as crabs, shrimps, worms, and mollusks.
From the southern coast of Guam almost up to Ritidian, the researchers surveyed around 50 sites through dives, intertidal walks, and snorkeling from February 2 - 22, 2024 and collected organisms such as crabs, shrimps, worms, and mollusks.
One of the notable findings from the Bioblitz includes a new record of a false spider crab found near the UOG Marine Laboratory. (Photos courtesy of Dr. Robert Lasley and Diana Noto)
One of the notable findings from the Bioblitz includes a new record of a false spider crab found near the UOG Marine Laboratory. (Photos courtesy of Dr. Robert Lasley and Diana Noto)

Following a three-week series of biological surveys, scientists from the University of Guam Marine Laboratory along with an international team of researchers estimate that they have collected hundreds of new marine biological records and species combined from around the coasts of Guam.

A Bioblitz is an event focused on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a place over a set period. This Bioblitz was supported by the university’s Guam National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant, which focuses on studying the biodiversity of marine life in Micronesia and how climate change affects the region.

From the southern coast of Guam almost up to Ritidian, the researchers surveyed around 50 sites through dives, intertidal walks, and snorkeling from February 2 – 22, 2024 and collected organisms such as crabs, shrimps, worms, and mollusks.

Over a thousand species were collected. According to UOG Biorepository Curator of Crustacea, Dr. Robert Lasley, an estimated 10 to 15 percent are new species or new records for Guam. A new biological record refers to an organism that has never been recorded within a geographic area.

“The findings from this Bioblitz are a testament to the University of Guam’s status as a premier research hub serving the Micronesian region,” said UOG President Anita

Borja Enriquez. “Through collaboration, dedication, and their commitment to discovery, these researchers have helped uncover the vast biodiversity living in the waters and sands of our island.”

Notable findings from the Bioblitz include:

  • A new record of a false spider crab found near the UOG Marine Laboratory
  • 71 new records of amphipods, a small shrimp-like crustacean
  • An estimated 46 new records of ribbon worms
  • Rare species of mollusks and gobies that live in symbiosis with a shrimp that inhabits underground burrows in the reef flats of Guam

Representatives of each species collected during the Bioblitz will be housed at the Guam NSF EPSCoR Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium for Corals and Oceans Biorepository, a collection of marine fauna and flora that serves as an archive of the biodiversity found within the Micronesian region.

“After many long nights at the marine laboratory carefully processing specimens, these scientists have contributed immensely to our knowledge of this region’s ecosystems,” said Guam NSF EPSCoR Principal Investigator Dr. Terry Donaldson. “Through the Biorepository, we are able to share these findings with fellow researchers and work together to learn more about the world around us.”

Some specimens may be loaned to other scientists so that they can be examined further. The Biorepository team is partnering with Dr. Christopher Meyer from the National Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian Institution to get all of the species DNA barcoded for identification.

Due to factors that impact marine ecosystems such as climate change, pollution, changing currents, and development, biological surveys serve as the first step towards preserving these ecosystems and the organisms that call them home.

“Right now, we’re experiencing a biodiversity crisis. We’re losing organisms and species very fast,” said Lasley. “How can you protect what you don’t know exists? It’s important to do this kind of work to capture this baseline data of what organisms are out there and where they live so we can try to build a foundation of knowledge that we can use to protect them.”

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UOG launches its first international marine biological survey

Bioblitz Photo 3
The University of Guam launches its Bioblitz, an international collaboration to catalog the diversity of marine organisms along the coasts of Guam from February 2 to 22, 2024. Marine scientists Diana Noto; David Burdick, Dr. Gustav Paulay and Dr. Robert Lasley are joined by Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, Sen. Amanda Shelton, Sen. Roy Quinata, Dr. Terry Donaldson, Kyle Mandapat, Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Kelsie Ebeling-Whited, and John Paul Labadan.
The University of Guam launches its Bioblitz, an international collaboration to catalog the diversity of marine organisms along the coasts of Guam from February 2 to 22, 2024. Marine scientists Diana Noto; David Burdick, Dr. Gustav Paulay and Dr. Robert Lasley are joined by Vice Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, Sen. Amanda Shelton, Sen. Roy Quinata, Dr. Terry Donaldson, Kyle Mandapat, Associate Director for Communications and Community Engagement at the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant, Kelsie Ebeling-Whited, and John Paul Labadan.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, speaking on Thursday, February 1 at the University of Guam, welcomes the scientists and says she looks forward to the research’s outcome to help Guam prepare for the future.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, speaking on Thursday, February 1 at the University of Guam, welcomes the scientists and says she looks forward to the research’s outcome to help Guam prepare for the future.
Dr. Robert Lasley, Biorepository Curator of Crustacea at the University of Guam, expresses thanks to everyone interested in protecting and restoring Guam’s incredible marine ecosystems. Photos courtesy of University of Guam, Guam NSF EPSCoR
Dr. Robert Lasley, Biorepository Curator of Crustacea at the University of Guam, expresses thanks to everyone interested in protecting and restoring Guam’s incredible marine ecosystems. Photos courtesy of University of Guam, Guam NSF EPSCoR

The University of Guam launched its first Bioblitz, an international collaboration to catalog the diversity of marine organisms found along the coasts of Guam from February 2 – 22, 2024.

In a ceremony held Thursday, February 1, at the UOG cliffside, eight visiting marine scientists were welcomed by UOG staff, faculty and some of the island’s elected officials.

“I look forward to what your research says and whatever recommendations and outcomes come forward so that we can continue our own food sustainability and preservation for our future and our children,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

A Bioblitz, also known as a biological inventory, is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area within a short time. Due to climate change, many species around the world are at risk of extinction and Bioblitzes provide an opportunity to inform future conservation efforts of at-risk species.

“We have the most diverse coral reefs in the U.S. We have more species of corals and more species of fishes, and we have a lot of stuff that we don’t even know we’ve got yet. That’s up to the people who have come to participate in this Bioblitz to find out what those things are,” said Guam NSF EPSCoR Principal Investigator, Dr. Terry Donaldson.

The Bioblitz is supported by the university’s National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant, which aims to employ cutting-edge methods to determine solutions that address

the challenges imposed by climate change on coral reefs and associated ecosystems.

The visiting scientists include:

· Dr. Gustav Paulay, Florida Museum

· Dr. Justin Scioli, Smithsonian Marine Station in Florida

· Dr. Kristine White, Georgia College & State University

· Dr. Barbara Mikac, University of Bologna

· Dr. Svetlana Maslakova, University of Oregon

· Dr. Ryutaro Goto, Kyoto Museum

· Shawn Wiedrick, Los Angeles County Museum

· John Slapcinsky, Florida Museum

Along with researchers from the UOG Marine Laboratory, the scientists will collect specimens such as crustaceans, worms, and mollusks through dives, intertidal walks, and by snorkeling. For this event, local community members, scientists, and fishers were consulted to develop a list of locations to collect specimens.

“I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who is interested in protecting and restoring Guam’s incredible marine ecosystems and those who just appreciate it and value it,” said UOG Biorepository Curator of Crustacea, Dr. Robert Lasley. “All forms of knowledge are important and play a role in our endeavor to protect and restore this biodiversity.”

Once the specimens collected during the Bioblitz have been processed, they will be placed in the Guam NSF EPSCoR Guam Ecosystems Collaboratorium for Corals and Oceans Biorepository, a natural history collection of marine fauna and flora that serves as an archive of the biodiversity found within the Micronesian region.

“This island has been inhabited for thousands of years and it was made habitable by the ocean around us,” said Dr. Paulay, curator of invertebrates at the Florida Museum and a former director of the UOG Marine Laboratory. “The CHamoru people relied on the marine resources to keep going in a place like this. For an island community, there’s nothing more important than the ocean, so understanding the ocean is absolutely fundamental to island culture and to maintain life on the island.”

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UOG grad student represents Guam in international fish conference

Fish Conference 2023 Photo 2
Fish Conference 2023 Photo 2

Karina Mejia, a Guam NSF EPSCoR Graduate Research Assistant in the University of Guam’s Master of Science in Biology program, presented her research at the 2023 Indo-Pacific Fish Conference which was held at the University of Auckland in New Zealand.  

The Indo-Pacific Fish Conference, which happens every four years, is one of the world’s premier ichthyological conferences and is highly anticipated by marine, estuarine, and freshwater specialists. The event is organized by the Australian Society for Fish Biology, which aims to promote research, education, and management of fish and fisheries across the Indo-Pacific.  

Mejia’s presentation was entitled, “Population Genetics of the Catadromous Eel, Anguilla marmorata, in Guam and the Indo Pacific.”  

Giant mottled eels (Anguilla marmorata) are the most common eels in the Indo-Pacific and Guam. They are an important food fish and an apex predator in many tropical islands and continental streams of the Indo-Pacific, according to the study’s abstract. Determining the eel’s geological and oceanographic location and temporal spawning patterns will provide information key to effective conservation.  

 During the event, Mejia found it exciting to meet people within her field. She connected with a doctoral student named Yusuke Amai who invited her to explore doctoral programs at the University of Tokyo, which she was able to visit in December. While she was in Japan, Mejia met with Nina Yasuda, Ph.D., a professor at the University of Tokyo who has been helping her with the genetic portion of her research.  

“At first, I was intimidated since I was surrounded by experts, but I learned to not be scared and shy to interact with fellow scientists,” said Mejia. “I am glad I learned to overcome my nervousness since I was able to meet a variety of wonderful people and interact with potential mentors for a Ph.D.” 

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