Triton’s Call Staff
The University of Guam Marine Laboratory was recently awarded a $6 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s Environmental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
The grant, which is one of largest grants awarded to the University of Guam, would aid the Marine Lab’s coastal ecosystems research. This involves expanding the scope of Internet connectivity in various local sites while using the program Internet2, which aims to “accelerate research discovery, advance national and global education, and improve the delivery of public services.”
Jason Biggs, Ph.D., associate professor of marine biology, said plans for the Marine Laboratory were three-fold. In addition to providing more opportunities for graduate students enrolled in the program to experience, there is a focus on coral reef systems. Biggs also added that the Marine Laboratory used some of the grant money to purchase 10 kayaks and there would be a chance to reapply for the grant after three years.
The two specific coral species being examined are acropora surculosa and porites rus. Some points of observation of these coral species include bleaching as well as environmental stressors due to climate change. The survival of these coral species is important to island sustainability and retaining biodiversity as well as preventing further erosion of local coastlines.
The Marine Lab would also have a biorepository, which enables them to store and collect biospecimens for future use. For example, if a certain species becomes endangered or extinct, it can be cryopreserved in the biorepository to examine at a later date.
Finally, community participation would be addressed through programs such as restoration and reforestation efforts. By using research that examines environmental trends that stress coral reef systems such as sedimentation and bleaching, there would be more chances for the public to be informed and implement change.
The Marine Lab’s reputation as a top research location would be further enhanced by the opportunities and possibilities funded for by the grant.