GSC donates fish from Sea Grant community aquaculture tank

Guahan Sustainable Cultures (GSC) has been busy assisting farmers in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar as well as donating food to those in need.

Their community aquaponics system that UOG Sea Grant set up at Sagan Kotturan CHamoru survived the storm with its solar powered aerator pump intact. This allowed them to harvest tilapia after the storm with volunteers from the Micronesian Climate Change Alliance (MCCA) and donate the fish to families that were adversely affected by Mawar.

Like ice cream trucks, MCCA volunteers drove through impacted neighborhoods with coolers filled with over 50 pieces of freshly harvested tilapia to pass out to families along with other commodities. Families were grateful to receive this source of protein and vegetables to augment their diets.

Even though GSC’s Farm Fresh Produce sales have been interrupted due to Mawar, they are buying available produce from farmers to donate to the community. “We will continue to buy produce and eggs from farmers and distribute to families in need,” said Michelle Crisostomo, co-founder and president of GSC. “We are hoping to harvest another round of tilapia and have more fresh produce to donate soon.”

The UOG Center for Island Sustainability/Sea Grant in collaboration with their partners continues to make a difference in lives of the people in Guam and the region.