Turtle and Fisheries Biologist defends thesis

University of Guam Sea Grant Turtle and Fisheries Biologist Leilani Sablan defended her thesis for her master’s degree recently at the UOG Marine Lab.

Sablan, who has been an important part of UOG Sea Grant’s turtle monitoring program, pivoted to include local fisheries research in her quest to earn her Master of Science in Biology degree.

For her research focus, Sablan chose to dive into the “Environmental drivers of non-commercial reef fisheries in Guam.”

“Guam’s reef fisheries are largely understudied, despite them being culturally, socially, and economically important. My study examined how environmental factors could serve as hierarchical predictors/drivers of reef landings in Guam, serving as the first predictive framework of coral reef fisheries for our island,” explained Sablan. “My results reflect local fishing knowledge that is now scientifically documented, which is needed to help inform management.”

According to Sablan, the research came just in time for application and reference in community planning that is currently be done.

“My study comes at a good time, as Guam is currently in the fish management planning process. I hope that my data and recommended management strategies can be considered during this FMP process,” said Sablan.

During her defense Sablan recognized the importance of community in her process, citing support from UOG Marine Lab faculty, other students, and the general fisher population as instrumental to the success of the study.

“Working so closely with many amazing members of the fishing community was the highlight of my thesis research,” added Sablan. “Fisheries-dependent data is largely dependent on the cooperation of the community, and I was fortunate enough to collaborate and learn from everyone involved.”

Sablan looks to use everything she has learned to continue to affect positive change for the fisheries on island.

She concluded, “As the project leader for SG’s newest fisheries project, I aim to continue the legacy of my thesis project by maintaining and growing a partnership-based data collection approach. Additionally, fisheries extension and outreach are poor in Guam, but are much needed to bridge the disconnect between science and community. I aim to address this gap as well.”