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Natural Environment, Natural Resources, Sea (Tasi)

Coral Reefs in Apra Harbor

 

A well known coral reef ecosystem. Apra Harbor is one of the most well-known coral reef ecosystems found in Guam. The Harbor is adjacent to Guam’s US Navy base on the West coast of the island. During World War II, it was mainly used as a coal and petroleum fueling station, as well as a repair station for Japanese warships and submarines. During World War II, Guam was recaptured by the US from the Japanese and Apra Harbor has since been used by the US Navy to service and refuel ships.

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Art, Art, Architecture, Body Adornment, Music and Food, Body Adornment, Chamorro Culture, Creative Expressions, Division of Resources, Natural Environment, Natural Resources, Our Heritage, Resources, Sea (Tasi), Traditional Craft

Hima: Conserving a Cultural Heritage

 

Basic biology. The giant clam is a member of the Phylum Mollusca and the Class Bivalvia. These clams have two shells (called “valves”) that are hinged on what is called an umbo. Their flesh or mantle is the mechanism that secretes the clam’s shell.

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Natural Environment, Natural Resources, Sea (Tasi)

The Octopus: A Genius Among the Spineless

 

Octopuses are one of the many unique creatures that inhabit Guam’s waters. Octopuses are solitary animals ranging in size from one gram to an impressive 70 kilograms. They are commonly found in coral reefs where shelter and food are abundant. They have a diverse diet but mostly feed on crabs, clams, and worms. There is a large population all around the island and they are an important food source for many people living on Guam. In 2001 alone, over 3000 pounds of octopus were caught. Scientists do not know how many species of octopus call Guam home. Only 19 have been described but there may be many more.

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Contemporary Guam Era, Historic Eras of Guam, Natural Environment, Natural Resources, Sea (Tasi)

Staghorn Corals on Guam

 

Corals and their relatives. When people think of corals, usually the first thing they picture is not an actual coral, but a coral reef: large calcium carbonate (limestone) structures, filled with colorful plants and animals. Corals themselves are only one part of coral reefs (albeit a very important one) and while they secrete the material that makes up the reefs (calcium carbonate), they are, in fact, animals. Corals are relatives of jellyfish and anemones. While at first glance they may look nothing like their relatives, if you take a closer look you start to see some similarities.

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Land (Tano), Natural Environment, Natural Resources

Land Snails (Akaleha’) of the Mariana Islands

 

Pacific Islands, including the Mariana Islands, often have many small native snails. Many of the species in the Marianas are unique to the archipelago, or even to only one of the islands. Some of these snails live in trees in the moist and shaded forests, while others live in the moss and leaf litter of the forest floor. Guam has about 100 species of land snails, although about twenty of these have probably been introduced.

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