Snorkel Intro: Be a fun & safe snorkeler

Guam’s coral reefs are so beautiful! And we encourage all our residents to see it first-hand. A few steps in the water and you can set off a fun snorkeling adventure. But we know that not everybody has their own snorkel gear or may not feel so comfortable underwater. So we’re here to help!

Sign up for our Snorkel Intro Session happening this Saturday, October 12 at 1:30PM at the Dededo Pool.  This session is for you! These are the skills we’ll work on:

• Fit snorkel gear properly,
• Breathe with and clear a snorkel,
• Kick with fins, and
• Basic water safety.

Ages 12 and up welcome to participate. Don’t have gear? Borrow a mask, snorkel and fins from us. Space is limited. All participants must pre-register. Click here to pre-register.

For more info, contact Marybelle Quinata at gureefmonitoring@gmail.com or call 646-1905.

Register for Training/ Monitoring Event

Fill out form below to reserve your spot for training.

We’re looking for 2 interns this summer!

Summer’s is practically here! We’re excited to announce the launch of our summer internship program this year.  The Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program is looking for incoming seniors or college level students interested in marine science & education to be our summer interns!  This is a great way to explore the marine science careers, but with the added experience of  working with community to share the importance of Guam’s coral reefs.  A fun opportunity to gain some work experience and meet other people that care for coral reefs!  See below for more details.

Apply now!  GCCRMP 2015 Summer Internship Application

GCCRMP Summer Internship

When: July 13 – August 22, 2015

Objectives:
1) Gain hands-on experience in environmental education, outreach, and stewardship
2) Learn the importance of collaboration and partnerships for community-based initiatives
3) Develop communications skills among various Guam residents, visitors, and local resource managers
4) Expand networking opportunities and explore career paths in marine science and conservation

Tasks
• Prepare training and monitoring survey materials for events
• Assist participants during Classroom and In-Water Training sessions
• Participate/assist at Data Collection events
• Enter data collected from monitoring events
• Update member roster from program events
• Organize program liability release forms and sign-in sheets
• Organize/ maintain community monitoring equipment
• Attend public outreach events and engage with community to promote marine education
• Support program partners’ activities as needed
• Attend community and partner meetings with program staff
• Other duties as assigned

Required
• Willing to work flexible hours and weekends
• Reliable mode of transportation
• Complete Classroom and In-Water Training
• Complete Basic Water Safety training
• Comfortable in the water (preferred)
• Complete Intern Project (see application*)

Did you hear the Word on the Reef?

Check out the latest Word on the Reef issue!  See how different community groups are getting involved in coral reef management and conservation.  We’ve welcome a couple of new partners who are committed to protecting Guam’s marine environment by learning, exploring through different activities.  Summer is almost upon us!  In this issue, we’ve shared a few opportunities for Guam students to connect with Guam’s environment in very meaningful ways.  So there it is!  Read it for yourself and remember to Spread the Word on the Reef.  Enjoy WordontheReef_May2015! Click on link for full newsletter.  Photo below is only front page.

Reconnecting People & Nature this Science Sunday!

How do you feel after you go for a hike or snorkeling at the beach?  Don’t you just feel calm, relaxed, stress-free.  It’s that positive, serene energy that we feel when we’re experiencing (and appreciating) nature.  Now, expand on that thought..

What motivates us to volunteer to plant trees?  Or to join the Guam Community Coral Reef Monitoring Program to collect data on reef flat health?  Or just to do anything knowing that it will help our natural environment? That drive to “do something” seems natural.  Of course, the world is more beautiful with lush vegetation and amazing coral reefs, but ultimately our life depends on these natural resources.

It’s all about reconnecting people and nature this Sunday.  Guest speaker Romina King will share her thesis that examined communities’ attitudes, knowledge, and perceptions of their watershed.  Conservation and natural resource management isn’t just about protecting animals in this or that ecosystem.  The bottom line is that it’s about PEOPLE and their well-being, long-term. Sometimes the connection between natural resource management and community needs are blurry or confusing.  But the more we “connect the dots” between human benefits and natural resource management efforts, coastal management can be more effective to ensure communities’ are prepared for long-term challenges, like climate change.  It will lead to more public awareness, understand, support, and even more active community participation that will help make Guam’s people mature and grow as the natural stewards of our environment.

Adopt-A-Reef Initiative Begins on Guam

We did a guest blog on the All Islands Coral Committee featuring our Adopt-A-Reef initiative to help community and school groups start coral reef monitoring in their village.  Then later, expand their village/ school activities to promote environmental stewardship that they think are best to spread their message.

Check it out:  Adopt-A-Reef Initiative Begins on Guam.

Explore the All Islands Coral Reef Committee’s blog to see how other areas in the Pacific are protecting their coral reefs and spreading awareness.

Members attend Learning Exchange in Hawaii

 

In this video, GCCRMP members share what they hope to gain from the Learning Exchange that takes them to Hawaii.  Main goal of the Learning Exchange: to explore different ways of working with their communities to promote environmental stewardship through conservation and education. Check out these other videos of experiences from Hawaii here.

Science Sunday for November!

Check out the details for Science Sunday! This month’s Science Sunday features Marine Preserve Areas across Micronesia and an update on Guam’s MPAs.

Becoming A Member

Want to learn more about Guam’s waters? Need Service Learning hours? It’s easy to become a member.

1) Register and attend Coral Reef Monitoring Training. Check our upcoming events and sign up for a training session here.
2) Participate in future Monitoring Events to do coral reef monitoring.

Check out what it’s like to be part of the GCCRMP team at our Photo Gallery.

Learn more about our Coral Reef Monitoring training sessions, the rewards of joining, and why it’s important to monitor coral reefs. Check out the details here: Become a Member

Meeting the residents of Fouha Bay