Top Stories - Guam EPSCoR

August 4, 2025August 4, 2025

Collector donates thousands of shells to UOG Biorepository

EPSCoR 20250627 RobLasley ShellsMiniBlitz 8

A retired shell enthusiast recently donated thousands of shells to the Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository, many of which were collected on Guam during the 1960s, to be added to its historical collection.

Warren B. Carah, author and engineer, spent his teenage years in Guam from 1960 to 1964, when his family relocated due to his father’s service as an officer in the U.S. military. Carah attended Tumon High School, now known as John F. Kennedy High School, and spent his after-school hours searching for shells in Tumon Bay with his friends.

“We went to our lockers, got our spear guns out, and took the old Japanese elevator that went from the cliff down to the beach and we spent the rest of the day shelling, we went to just about every beach on the island,” Carah said.

Aside from Tumon Bay, Carah and his friends also frequented Apra Harbor, Malesso’, Cocos Island, and Tarague Beach in Andersen Air Force Base.

“I used to spend many, many hours out there at night. The bottom would literally be crawling with the very large cone shells, olive shells, and cowrie shells and during the day, it would look barren but at night, everything had come out,” Carah stated.

The donated shell collection includes around 4,000 shells from Guam, the Philippines, Australia, North America, and Africa.

Carah is aware of the difference in shell conservation now compared to how it was in the 1960s. “I think nowadays, most anybody that collects shells on Guam is quite aware of the fact that they have to let that resource go after they had found it, photographed it perhaps.,” Carah said, adding, “That didn’t exist in the early 1960s, but we still practiced conservation. There was no point in us collecting dozens and dozens of the same shell. We would collect one or two and our efforts would then go to find a new species.”

The Guam NSF EPSCoR Biorepository works to consolidate and expand Guam’s natural history collections and provides state-of-the-art digitization, imaging, and mapping of local and regional marine fauna and flora.

Regarding the importance of this donated shell collection, Robert Lasley, Ph.D., assistant professor and curator of crustacea at the UOG Biorepository, describes it as “valuable for establishing a historical baseline, as well as for studying different species to better understand Guam’s biodiversity. It also allows researchers to compare what may have existed in certain localities in Guam back in the ‘60s to what is being found now.”

Carah had been sitting on his shell collection for almost 60 years before ultimately deciding to donate it to a place that can benefit from its possession.

“I sent a letter to the dean of the biological sciences group there at the University of Guam and she evidently then turned that over to Dr. Lasley, and then he contacted me via email and we’ve been corresponding ever since,” Carah said.

Lasley stated that Carah’s shell collection includes the exact day it was collected and the precise location where it was gathered. “So he not only did these collections, but he kept a lot of good data and took really good care of them. In fact, you can see how well he packaged this stuff and sent it to us in really good condition,” he said.

The Biorepository houses thousands of coral specimens, crustaceans, fishes, algae, and other organisms to serve as an archive of the biodiversity found within the Micronesian region. Lasley explained that modern tools now allow for the collection and global dissemination of data from these specimens. He added that, eventually, all of them will be photographed, and their locality data will be gathered and entered into the curatorial database

“We’re going to get all the locality data from all these, and we’ll put them into our curatorial database, but then serve them online globally so any researcher anywhere in the world can access this information,” Lasley said.

January 15, 2025January 28, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

July 23, 2024October 9, 2024

UOG scientists find new marine biological records and species

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.

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.”

June 3, 2023July 3, 2023

G3 Conservation Corps assists in campus post-typhoon clean-up

A day after typhoon Mawar left a trail of destruction all over the island, the Guam Green Growth Conservation Corps (G3CC) got down to work by helping out with on-campus cleanup at the University of Guam.

All 12 members of the current G3CC cohort collected felled branches, organic matter, and debris that littered the campus grounds. They also cleared portions of the road where cars and pedestrians pass through, opening access to areas within the university.

G3 Conservation Corps member Ciara “CiCi” Taijeron said, “Today, it is sad to see so many trees without leaves on them and all the organic matter is everywhere…I am very relieved that my team and I are safe and everybody on Guam is trying to recover from this unfortunate natural disaster.”

Every Friday, G3 Conservation Corps members usually assist in village beautification activities. With post-typhoon recovery in full swing all over the island, the team recognized the need to refocus their energy and contribute to these ongoing efforts.

UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Sustainability Coordinator Phil Cruz said, “The G3 Conservation Corps is our workforce development program, where participants are exposed to jobs related to sustainability. We are shifting gears a bit, focusing on beautification of our island in terms of post-typhoon cleanup.”

Cruz added, “Because Guam Green Growth is a community-based organization, it is essential to our G3 Conservation Corps to engage with the community in such a time where we need so much assistance as possible.

According to UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant Director Austin Shelton, PhD, the G3 Conservation Corps will also contribute to other aspects of the recovery efforts.

“Right now, we are clearing roads in the Mangilao area and the University of Guam campus. We will get moving around the island and help with some of our response activities,” he said.

Shelton also encouraged the community to reach out to the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.

“If there is any way that you think we can assist, please feel free to reach out to us. We are looking forward to getting through this together and helping out as much as we can,” he added.

Guam NSF EPSCoR is the catalyst for Guam Green Growth.

For more information about the G3 Conservation Corps’ post-typhoon recovery activities, follow us on social media @guamgreengrowth

What is G3 and the G3 Conservation Corps?

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability facilitates Guam Green Growth, or G3, in cooperation with the Office of the Governor of Guam and the G3 Working Group, whose members represent all sectors of society. With the SDGs and G3 Action Framework as a guide, G3 develops tangible solutions to sustainability challenges and contributes to a green economy for the island region.

The G3 Conservation Corps program prepares the community for the emerging green economy. For the duration of the program, the 12 conservation corps members participate in workforce development training covering various sustainability topics, such as agriculture and aquaculture, island beautification, invasive species removal, reforestation, circular economy, recycling, to renewable energy.

October 30, 2022November 7, 2022

UOG researcher delivers keynote address at marine sciences conference

UOG Senior Research Associate Ciemon Caballes delivered the keynote address at the “The Biology, Ecology, and Management of Marine Nuisance Species” symposium at the 58th Annual Conference of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA) in Cairns, Australia.

Caballes talked about key knowledge gaps in crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) research as well as recent advances the field of study has achieved.

As part of his keynote address for the “The Biology, Ecology, and Management of Marine Nuisance Species” symposium at the 58th Annual Conference of the Australian Marine Sciences Association (AMSA), UOG Senior Research Associate Ciemon Caballes talked about key knowledge gaps in crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) research as well as recent advances the field of study has achieved.

The event was held from August 7 to August 11, 2022, in Cairns, Australia, and was the biggest AMSA conference in history. It was also the first face-to-face AMSA meeting since 2019.

Caballes is an executive committee member of the North Queensland Branch of the Australian Marine Sciences Association and was also part of the organizing committee for this conference. As part of his work funded by the University of Guam’s National Science Foundation EPSCoR grant, his research focuses on ecophysiology as well as echinoderm and coral ecology.

Crown-of-thorns starfish are marine invertebrates that feed on coral and occur naturally on reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific region. These starfish are one of the largest and most efficient coral predators, and when conditions are right and if left unchecked, outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish can devastate hard coral communities.

Caballes’ presentation was based on a study in which 38 expert participants proposed research questions regarding areas such as the feeding ecology of COTS, predation, settlement, and environmental change. According to Caballes, this research is based in the Great Barrier Reef, but is applicable to everywhere there is COTS.

“It is basically a roadmap for future research and what the recent advances are regarding crown-of-thorns-starfish,” said Caballes.

Advances in crown-of-thorn starfish research include new survey methods which can cover large areas of reef and allow divers to find hidden starfish that would not have been found before using conventional survey methods.

Another novel survey method involves taking water samples to detect DNA shed by COTS and larval traps to determine where and when these starfish are settling onto the reef after their planktonic larval stage.

“It’s very important to study crown-of-thorns starfish especially here in Guam because we’ve been getting COTS outbreaks ever since they were first observed in the late ‘60s,” said Caballes. During this time, massive outbreaks of COTS on Guam killed over 90 percent of the corals from Tumon to Double Reef.”

Recent surveys have also identified hotspots of high COTS densities with associated coral mortality around Guam.