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Description:
Project Manager:
Jonathan Brown
Project Years:
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
Project Summary:
FOR-Guam supports local agencies by contributing to coral reef management through community engagement. Capacity will be built among local community members, through a citizen science approach using volunteers referred to as members of FOR-Guam. A key component of this project is the Program Coordinator. The Program Coordinator will develop, facilitate, and coordinate all activities of this project. Due to the social and workplace constraints and limitations of the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), this project will conduct capacity building among stakeholders and community members in remote/ virtual settings. These approaches will change accordingly as social and workplace constraints evolve with COVID-19 restrictions. In FY21, this Project will continue environmental education and outreach by building local capacity through a citizen science approach. The objectives for FY21 include the following: 1) update the project website with current and future FOR-Guam activities and products for maintaining public awareness; 2) develop two Newsletters informing the public of FOR-Guam activities; develop three web-based training modules that are consistent with the identified strategies or greatest knowledge gaps detailed in the Guam Coral Reef Resilience Strategy; and 4) develop four Quick Response (QR) codes that provide relevant site-specific information to the public for each of the predetermined priority areas such as; Marine Preserves, Habitat Focus Areas, community managed Bays, and NOAA Habitat Blue Print Areas by.
Expected Outcome:
Online training materials will provide a safe and interactive working environment for knowledge acquisition among the public in preparation for becoming citizen scientists. Site Scorecards will be available online in summarizing data collected from our program.Current web-based learning modules exist, but do not provide a participatory learning experience through an interactive learning environment. To maintain learning and capacity building this deliverable will develop modules that address the greatest identified knowledge gaps (GRRS 2018). Each module will contain two difficulties; novice and intermediate. Upon completing each module a test will be administered and, if passed (80% or above), a certificate will be awarded. To determine the amount of knowledge gained, a survey will be administered in providing a measurable metric of knowledge acquisition.Newsletters will be available for promoting information exchange and maintaining public engagement. Newsletter topics may include current and/or new research being conducted in Guam, upcoming FOR-Guam activities, ways to get involved, emergent issues, and environmentally friendly practices for outdoor activities. Past, current, and upcoming activities are made available on the website in maintaining public awareness. Additionally, a scanning tool will be developed to provide relevant site-specific information to the public of a particular area via a QR code. This tool will increase recognition of web-based material in public areas of high social value, e.g. popular beaches, coffee/tea shops, etc. and to allow for public interaction of FOR-Guam products. Information provided may include the demarcation of MPA boundaries, do’s & don'ts, hazards, fauna, tide chart, etc.We will continue to facilitate opportunities for the community to connect with local scientists and managers to learn about current research and management efforts on Guam through our Science Sunday program in collaboration with the National Park Service. The venue may change from a physical to a virtual platform to maintain safety among participants.As the FOR-Guam Project continues to meet its original intent and purpose of building local capacity among the community, its future must reflect the needs and wants of the local agencies charged with the jurisdictional mandates of natural resource management and protection. By maintaining communication among local agencies, NOAA Fisheries may continue to provide capacity in meeting its priorities.This project directly addresses a number of Climate Change, Fisheries, and Land Based Sources of Pollution objectives including NMFS Pacific Priority Objectives C2.1, C2.2, F3.1, L1.5, CRCP National Objectives F2.4, L3.2, and C2.2, emerging CRCP reef restoration objectives, Guam Priority 2.2, 2.3, 5.2, the 2017 Guam jurisdictional priorities, and directly supports the Manell-Geus Habitat Focus Area. It also may provide support for Endangered Species Act listed species recovery.Guam Coral Reef Initiative. 2018. Guam Coral Reef Resilience Strategy. 58 pp
Project Locations:
Jursdiction Priority Sites:
- Manell-Geus Watershed
- Piti-Asan Watershed
Project Category:
Fishing
Project Type:
Closed
Project Status:
Completed
Associated Products:
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