Who We Are - UOG CIS and Sea Grant

University of Guam Sea Grant Program

The University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability & Sea Grant (UOG CIS & Sea Grant) has a rich history of growth and dedication to our island’s marine resources.

Our journey began as a Pre-Extension Program in October 2002, evolving into a formal Sea Grant Project in 2004 and a Coherent Area Program by 2012.

In 2022, UOG CIS & Sea Grant reached its highest milestone when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officially designated the University of Guam as a full Sea Grant Institutional Program. This prestigious honor cements UOG’s status as both a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution, dedicated to research, extension, and education for the benefit of our community.

Our Vision

We envision a resilient Guam where the bond between our people and our oceans is preserved through sustainable living, mindful work, and a shared commitment to coastal stewardship.

Our Mission: Science & Culture in Harmony

At UOG CIS & Sea Grant, we believe that the future of the Mariana Islands depends on the integration of scientific research and island wisdom. Our mission is to protect our unique ecosystems—from our inland watersheds to our vibrant coral reefs—by empowering the people who live, work, and play within them.

What We Do: Through research, education, and outreach, we tackle the modern challenges facing our coastal health.

Advancing Knowledge: Supporting local research that drives both environmental health and economic prosperity.

Teaching Tomorrow’s Leaders: Partnering with schools to bring hands-on, science-based learning into Guam’s classrooms.

Informing Our Community: Providing the public with the clear, actionable information they need to protect our natural resources.

Building Partnerships: Uniting government agencies, businesses, and citizens to create a sustainable future for our shared resources.

Our Core Values

At UOG CIS & Sea Grant, our values are the enduring principles that guide our mission. We operate with a culture of integrity and scientific neutrality, allowing us to serve as an honest broker for the community and our partners.

Visionary: We look beyond the horizon to anticipate emerging challenges, championing creative and innovative solutions that balance science with stewardship.

Collaborative: We believe in the power of partnership. By integrating diverse expertise and respecting local knowledge, we ensure our science is both accessible and responsive to the people we serve.

Sustainability-Driven: We are dedicated to the long-term health of our island. We communicate the vital link between thriving coastal ecosystems and the cultural and economic prosperity of Guam.

Accountable: We uphold the highest standards of transparency. We are committed to excellence in our administration, ensuring our work remains relevant, rigorous, and worthy of public trust.

National Sea Grant College Program

The National Sea Grant College Program is a powerful partnership between the nation’s top universities and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), housed within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The Strength of the Network:

33 Programs: Spanning every coastal state and territory.

300+ Institutions: Bringing together over 3,000 scientists, engineers, and educators from across the Sea Grant network.

Integrated Mission: We combine research, education, and legal expertise to empower coastal communities to make informed decisions about their natural resources.

While we are part of a federal initiative, UOG CIS & Sea Grant is managed locally. This allows us to prioritize the unique challenges of the Western Pacific—such as coral reef health and island sustainability—which differ greatly from the challenges faced in the Great Lakes or the Gulf Coast.

The National Sea Grant College Program ensures that the best scientific research doesn’t just sit on a shelf—it reaches the people who need it most.

We fund critical research in areas vital to our survival and prosperity:

Coastal Resilience: Preparing for tsunamis and managing population growth and development along the island’s coasts.

Sustainable Fisheries: Advancing aquaculture (fish/shellfish farming) and ensuring seafood safety.

Human Impact: Understanding how our community interacts with the marine environment.

Once the research is complete, our communication and extension professionals translate complex data into meaningful action for fishers, business owners, and policymakers.