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APASEEM Organizational Synopsis

The Asia Pacific Academy of Sciences, Science Education, and

Environmental Management (APASEEM)

Organizational Synopsis and Invitation to Join Document, Updated 26 July 2013

 

            Greetings, Hafa Adai, and Tirow Wóómi:

            The Asia Pacific Academy of Sciences, Science Education, and Environmental Management (APASEEM) is a nonexclusive professional association, initially begun in April 2004 and formally established in November 2008. The group’s official US and CNMI-recognized ‘501C (3) Nonprofit Status' was accomplished in July, 2011. The Academy’s base is in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands with most meetings held on Saipan.

            The goals of APASEEM are to serve as an advocacy-neutral hosting forum for science, science education, and environmental management presentations; to promote discussions of mutual interest amongst regional science and environmental management professionals, teachers, students, and the general public; and to help sponsor grant & donation-funded noteworthy projects within these disciplines. The addition in 2008 of “Science Education” to our group’s focus areas expanded APASEEM’s encompassing scope and potential audiences considerably. In Summer 2009, as its first major project-support effort, the group helped to host the Tinian Discovery Camp. In Summer 2011, the group co-sponsored a large group training event for monitoring reef health and coral bleaching occurrences. In 2012, the group carried out a major grant activity to develop a video production depicting the first voyage to the Marianas Trench Marine National Monument. 2013 has been one of our group's most active presentations years. Presently the group is undertaking exploring a major project to articulate and display two locally preserved whale skeletons.

            To date, the Academy has completed 1 major video production, hosted/sponsored 34 formal activities/meetings--combining both special meetings and sessions of general meetings--1 summer camp, 1 organized reef monitoring training session, 2 environmental expo displays, and 101 formal and informal presentations, these delivered by 212 individual presenters. Several persons have participated in more than one APASEEM presentation/activity.

 

            The Academy serves as an islands and regional waters-focused sciences, science education, and resource management professional body with membership open to everyone--most particularly invited are all professional and amateur scientists, environmental managers, science educators, technicians and other program support staff, interns, students, and interested individuals from all sectors, including: secondary and postsecondary academic institutions; laboratories; research institutes; government agencies; and nongovernmental organizations.

            A major focus of the Academy is to promote information dissemination and active community involvement with local efforts in science, science education, and environmental management, either presently ongoing or having been recently completed. Special meetings are normally held in the evening, usually beginning around 6:30pm, to insure openness and maximize community involvement. General meetings are scheduled starting at 3:30pm, to attract more science teachers and students and government agency staff. Meetings are publicly announced as widely as practicable.

            Membership dues and agency fees are collected on an annual basis. The general public is always welcome and membership in the Academy is not mandatory to attend meetings. Members who are current in their fees are considered active members and sponsoring agencies current in their fees are considered active as well. Funds raised are used to support the financial needs of the Academy, including sponsored-project costs, hosting meetings, correspondence/postage, promotional expenses, fees, etc. As mentioned above, the Academy just recently obtained its 501C (3) Nonprofit Non-Governmental Organizational status and has recently completed establishing an Internet website, www.apaseem.org. For most jurisdictions, donations to the Academy over $250.00 are tax deductible.

            In accordance with its Bylaws, the Academy is led via a group-selected leadership with annual elections occurring on or around November/December of each calendar year. Current officers and their email addresses are listed below, along with the address of the Secretary, which is listed for all correspondence needs regarding joining, dues, receipts and other related inquiries. Meetings of the Academy are meant to be comfortable and open-discussion-oriented. As much as possible, consensus-based decision-making is used for matters of group importance.

            Scientists who plan to visit the CNMI, as well as all on-island scientists, environmental professionals, teachers, and students who wish to make a presentation at either the annual general meeting in November/December--or at a special meeting, which can be called any time--are encouraged to contact any of the current leaders to arrange for a presentation time. A ‘Call-For-Presenters’ announcement will be sent out each calendar year, usually around July. Government agencies and other institutions current in their fees, are greatly encouraged to use the Academy as an educational and outreach channel for issues of concern to the scientific community and the general public. Members who conduct a presentation at an Academy meeting become eligible for a 50% discount on their annual dues for that year. Organizations updated in their fees can identify up to five of their group’s members annually to be considered active members.

            The APASEEM organization is mostly self-funding with the majority of income derived from member fees. Members are strongly encouraged to keep their fee status updated. Records for this are kept by our Secretary and everyone is encouraged to check regularly to see if they are updated. In October 2005, the Academy membership adopted a schedule of membership types and annual fees:

            Institutional (Institutions and Agencies)            .           .           .           $ 150.00

            Professional and General.          .           .           .           .           $   30.00

            Current Student.           .           .           .           .           .           $   10.00

            Recent College Graduate who majored in science or environmental

                        management and who matriculated during the past

                        two years.         .           .           .           .           .           $   20.00

 

To become a member, simply contact directly or email one of the current officers identified below and send the applicable fee amount in the form of a check with a short advisory note about yourself or your agency and your contact information, made out to APASEEM, via the address below.

 

 

Presentations Conducted To Date:

April 2004. (Special Meeting) NMC Campus - Room D1. Saipan.

- Dr. Phillip Bruner, Ph.D., Ornithologist and Instructor of Science - Brigham Young University, Hawaii. "Introduction to Migrations of the Pacific Golden Plover (Pluvialis fulva) and Plans for Conducting a Project to Compare Eastern and Western Pacific Populations."

April 2005. (Special Meeting) - Susupe Multipurpose Center. Saipan.

- Dr. Oscar Walter Johnson, Ph.D., Ornithologist and Emeritus Faculty Member (Adjunct) - Montana State University, Montana. "Implementing Studies to Track Pluvialis fulva Migrations, Comparing DNA and Environmental Background Radionucleitide Contaminants, Applying and Monitoring Radio transmitters, and Other Project-related Activities."

November 3, 2005. (First Annual General Meeting, First Session) NMC Campus - Room D1. Saipan.

- Dr. Roger Goodwill, D.A., Marine Biologist and Science Department Chair - Brigham Young University, Hawaii; and John Furey, M.Sc., Ecologist/Resource Manager/Science Instructor, Northern Marianas College, Saipan. "Findings on the Sea Anemone, Paraiptasia radiata and its Symbiotic Association with Various Gastropod Hosts as Found over Recent Years from Studies near Managaha Island and Other Locations in the Saipan Lagoon."

 

- Ms. Stacey Philipoom-Lynn; Ms. Sandra Talbot; Ms. Judy Gust; Mr. Shane Gold; and Dr. Roger Goodwill.  2005.  - Biological Sciences Department, Brigham Young University, Hawaii. "Investigations of Genetic Markers of Pluvialis fulva, Comparing Hawaiian Avifauna Populations with those in the Northern Mariana Islands." 

 

- Mr. Daniel S. Vice, M.Sc., Wildlife Biologist - US Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services, Guam. "Invasive Species Management by Federal, Territorial, and Commonwealth Programs in the Mariana Islands."

Dr. Craig Smith, Ph.D., Agronomist and Research Scientist - NMC College Research, Extension, and Educational Services, Northern Marianas College. "Investigations of a New Methodology to Control Nutrient Impacts from Combined Aquaculture and Hydroponics Farming Systems."

- Ms. Shelley Kremer, M.Sc., Wildlife Biologist - CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, Saipan. "A Project to Protect Nesting Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Puffinus pacificus, Managaha Island, Saipan."

November 16, 2005, (First Annual General Meeting, Second Session) NMC Campus –

Room D1. Saipan.

- Mr. Simon Habegger, M.A., Mammal Anatomist, Biological Anthropologist, and Instructor of Science - Northern Marianas College, Saipan. "Evolution, Anatomy, and Physiology of the Tropical or Bryde's Whale, Balaenopterus edeni."

- Dr. Allan Sabaldica, D.V.M., Veterinarian and Research Scientist - College Research, Extension, and Educational Services, Northern Marianas College, Tinian. "An Alternative Waste Management Strategy for Subsistence and Commercial Piggeries in the Pacific Region.”

- Dr. Kate Moots, Ph.D., Ichthyologist and Instructor of Science and Mathematics (Adjunct) - Northern Marianas College, Saipan. "New Changes in Pipefish (Family Syngnathidae) Taxonomy.”

February 22, 2006. (Special Meeting) NMC Campus - Room D1. Saipan.

- Dr. Peter Van Beukering, Environmental Economist, Cesar Environmental Economics Consulting. The Netherlands. "Findings Report on the Economic Valuation of the CNMI's Coral Reefs and Associated Ecosystems."

August 21, 2006. (Special Meeting) NMC Campus - Room D1. Saipan.

- Ms. Lucy Harrison, Ph.D.-Candidate - Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Frazer University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. "Current Research on Monitoring Human Pollutants in the Saipan Lagoon by Isolating the Hormone Estrogen in Lagoon Waters and by Monitoring Anomalies in the Reproductive Characteristics of Lagoon Damselfishes (Family Pomacentridae)." [Note: Scheduled, but not presented due to illness. Talk title is kept as a record of earlier scheduling; when Lucy returns to the CNMI, she will conduct her presentation. Information regarding Lucy’s work can be found using a search via Google or other such service on the Internet].

- Dr. Roger Goodwill, D.A., Marine Biologist and Science Department Chair - Brigham Young University, Hawaii; and Mr. Nathaniel (Nate) Hawley, M.Sc., Herpetologist & Wildlife Biologist, CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife. "Plans for Monitoring the Potential Introduction of Avian Influenza into Pacific Islands by Regularly Assessing its Absence/Presence in Populations of Pacific Golden Plovers."

November 29, 2006. (Second Annual General Meeting. First Session) NMC Campus –

Room D1. Saipan.

- Dr. Gary Denton, Ph.D., Environmental Toxicologist and Program Director, University of Guam--Water and Environmental Research Institute; Ms. Lucrina P. Concepcion, Graduate Assistant, University of Guam--Water and Environmental Research Institute; Mr. Harold (Rick) Wood, Chemist and Laboratory Manager, University of Guam--Water and Environmental Research Institute; Dr. John Morrison, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong, NSW Australia; and Mr. Brian G. Beardon, P.E., CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, Saipan. - "Heavy Metal Surveillance Studies in Tanapag Lagoon: Program Directives and Data Highlights."

- Ms. Qamar Schulyer, M.Sc., Environmental Education Specialist (Coral Reefs); NOAA Fellows Program, NOAA/CRMO/DFW/DEQ Coral Reefs Education Program - "An Environmental Outreach Program, Incorporating Social Marketing."

- Dr. Rodger Goodwill, D.A., Brigham Young University, Hawaii, Chair, Biological Sciences Department; and John Furey, M.Sc., Ecologist/Resource Manager/Science Instructor, Northern Marianas College, Saipan.  - "Habitat and Population Density of the Sea Anemones Edwardsianthus gilbetensis and Andwakia sp. on Saipan."

November 30, 2006. (Second Annual General Meeting. Second Session) NMC Campus –

Room D1. Saipan.

- Dr. Gary Denton, Ph.D., Environmental Toxicologist and Program Director, University of Guam--Water and Environmental Research Institute; and Mr. Michael Trianni, Fisheries Division Supervisor, CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, Saipan. "Mercury and Arsenic in Popular Table Fish from Tanapag Lagoon."

- Ms. Gayle Martin, M.Sc., Natural Resources Planner, CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife. "Eradication of Goats and Pigs from Sarigan Island & Recovery of Forest Since Eradication; Surveys of Vegetation and Wildlife, Preliminary, Qualitative Results, and Plans for Eventual Translocation of Birds to Sarigan from Saipan."              

- Mr. Simon Habegger, M.A., Biological Anthropologist and Instructor of Science, Northern Marianas College - "Comments Regarding the Possibilities of Planting and Harvesting the Oily Sap from the Tree, Copaifera langsdorfii, Commonly Called ‘the Diesel Tree’, as a Potential Home-grown Biofuel Applicable to Tropical Islands, Including the Marianas.”

- Dr. David Bybee, Ph.D., University of Hawaii, Manoa, Coconut Island Marine Laboratory, and Instructor of Science, Brigham Young University; Dr. Rodger Goodwill, D.A., Brigham Young University, Hawaii, Chair, Biological Sciences Department – Hawaii; and John Furey, M.Sc., Ecologist/Resource Manager/Science Instructor, Northern Marianas College, Saipan. "Evidence of the Introduction of the Feather Duster Polychaete, Sabellastarte spectabilis, to the Mariana Islands Prior to 1991 and Its Mariculture Potential."

March 12, 2008. (Special Meeting) American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Mr. David Schofield, M.Sc., Zoologist and Pacific Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network Coordinator, Office of Protected Resources, Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, Hawaii. "Marine Mammals Ashore: What to Do During Stranding Events."

April 13, 2008. (Special Meeting) American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Ms. Jennifer McKinnon, M.Sc.-Graduate Student, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia and Jason Raupp, B.Sc., Consulting Archeologist. Australia and USA. “An Orientation for Community Volunteers to Assist with an Archeological Investigation in Advance of Planned Construction of a New Marine/Environmental Science Center at Pau Pau Beach, Saipan.”

November 25, 2008 (General Meeting) American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Ms. Haldre Rogers, Ph.D., University of Washington Biology Department. “The Impacts of Bird Loss on the Forests of Guam.”

- Dr. Roger Goodwill, D.A., Marine Biologist and Chairman, Biological Sciences Department, Brigham Young University, Hawaii. “An Update of Current Research concerning Migratory Pacific Golden Plovers, Pluvialis fulva, and certain Marine Intertidal Organisms.”

- Dr. Dilip Nandwani, Ph.D., Plant Pathologist/Agronomist. Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Service, Northern Marianas College. “Applying Tissue Culture Techniques to Improve CNMI Agricultural Crops and an Update on Recent Research of CNMI Specialty Crops, Including Medicinal Plants.”

- Ms. Kimberly Vaillancourt, M.Sc., Science Instructor; Ms. Christiane Baquiano,
Ms. Melissa Campo, Mr. John Paul Aglubat, Ms. Kimberly Ada, Ms. Allene Evallar and
Ms. Charlene Lizardo, Students; Hopwood Junior High School, Saipan. “Conducting an In-Class Debate Regarding the Proposal to Establish a National Monument in the Waters Surrounding Certain Islands of the Mariana Archipelago.”

- Dr. Gary Denton, Ph.D., Environmental Toxicologist and Director, Water & Environment Research Institute, University of Guam. Co-presenters: Mr. Brian Bearden, P.E., CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, Mr. Michael Trianni, M.Sc., CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, and Dr. Peter Houk, Ph.D., CNMI Division of Environmental Quality. "Environmental CSI Saipan: Tracking Down a Mercury Source and Delineating its Impact on Local Fisheries."

July 5th to July 12th, 2009 (APASEEM Co-sponsored Tinian Discovery Camp). Tatchonga Beach

and Other Locations, Tinian.

- Mr. John Furey, M.Sc., General Ecologist/Resource Manager/Science Instructor (retired), Saipan. “Local and Regional Dangerous Marine Organisms and Physical Environment Concerns to Watch Out for”; “Hafa Na Klasi Guihan Este?—Learning the Taxonomy, Niche, and Adaptations of Observed Marine Fishes and Invertebrates”; & “A Hands-on Orientation to the Collection and Microscopic Study of Emergent Zooplankton.”

- Officers and Staff, Department of Public Safety, Tinian. “An Orientation to Boating and Water Safety”

and “Hands-on Rapelling from a Cliff Face”     

- Mr. Mike Tripp, Mr. Harry Blailock, and Mr. Mike Ernest. “Certified Instruction: Discovery Level, Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus (SCUBA)”.

- Mr. Andre Kozij, B.Sc., Chemist/Science Instructor, Northern Marianas Academy, Saipan. “An Orientation to the Historical Development of Ecology as a Scientific Discipline.”

- John A. Starmer, Ph.D.-candidate Graduate Student and Marine Biologist; Mr. David Benevente, B.Sc., and Mr. Rodney Camacho, B.Sc.; Coastal Resources Management Office, Saipan. “An Orientation to and Hands-on Demonstration of the Application of Line Transect Studies of Substrates, Fishes, and Macro-invertebrates as a Practical Method for Coral Reef Ecosystem Monitoring”.                                                                                                                   

- Ms. Kathy Yuknavage, M.Sc., Executive Director. Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, Saipan. “Walk It, Don’t Drive It, A Beach Recovery Story”. & Climate Change, Micronesia’s Challenge.

- Mr. Takeji Hagashima, Retired Utilities Technician and Tour Guide, Tinian/Saipan. “A ‘Jungle Stomp’, an Exploration of Caves which served Japanese Citizens as Refuges during the Battle of Tinian, and a Visit to the North Field Runways and the two Loading Pits for the Atomic Bombs used during World War II.

- Ms. Haldre Rogers, Ph.D.-Candidate Graduate Student, University of Washington Biology Department, and Ms. Leanne Obra, M.Sc., Environmental Science Research Assistant, University of Guam. “Introduction to Native Forest Tree Identification and an Experiment on Seed Predation by Hermit Crabs”.

- Mr. Joe San Nicolas, Community Worker, Tinian Mayor’s Office and a Traditional Handicrafts Artist. “A Hands-on Demonstration on the Weaving of Hats and other Handicraft Artwork using the Leaves of the Beach Strand Tree, Cocos nucifera”.

- Dr. Marisol Quintanilla, Ph.D., Research Entomologist-Nematologist, and Arnold Route, CREES, Saipan, and Lawerence Duponcheel, Extension Agent and 4H Program Coordinator, CREES Tinian. “Insect Management & Sustainable Agriculture, Eutrophication Concerns, and BioAccumulation Concerns”; “Sustainable Fisheries Management”; “An Observation of the Aquaculture of White Tilapia--a True breeding Variant of the Commonly Cultured Blue Tilapia, (Oreochromis aureus, a.k.a. Tilapia aurea)”; and “A Hands-on Demonstration on the Method of Air-Layering as a Method of Desirable Fruit Tree Propagation”.    

- Mr. Morito Asai. SCUBA Instructor. “A Hands-On Free Diving Orientation to Effective Breath-holding and other Snorkeling Methods for Deeper Water Reef Exploration and Spear Fishing”.

- Mr. Don Farrell, M.Sc., Historian (retired). “A Brief Discussion on the History and Significant Turning Points of Human Settlement and Cultures in the Mariana Islands”.

- Ms. Laurie Peterka, B.S.M., Owner-Business Consultant. Practical Solutions. President, Northern Marianas Volleyball Association & FIVB Certified Coach. “A Training Workshop on Competitive Beach Volleyball as a Non-Consumptive Recreational Use of Sandy Island Beach Resources”.

- Mr. Angelo Villagomez, M.Sc., Environmental Conservationist. Beautify CNMI Program and Friends of the Mariana Islands National Marine Monument. “A Discussion of the Pro’s and Con’s of Establishing Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) as a Method to Support Government Efforts towards Achieving Sustainable Fisheries Management”.

November 24, 2009 (General Meeting) American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Mr. Michael Trianni, M.Sc., Natural Resources Management, Fisheries Program Supervisor & Michael Tenorio, Environmental Science, Fisheries Biologist, B.Sc.; CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, “Evaluation of the Recovery of Surf Redfish (Actinopyga mauritiana) in Harvested Areas on Saipan”.

- Mr. Ronnie Rogers, B.A., Anthropology, M.A. Geography, CNMI Archeologist, CNMI Division of Historic Preservation, "Development of Underwater Archaeology Capabilities at HPO: Recent Accomplishments and Planned Projects".

- Mr. Valrick Welch, Project Manager, Aquaculture Science and Self-Reliance Project, San Vicente Elementary School; Rick Gramlich; TeMary Gramlich (Horticulture Science); Justin Benson; Erik Engelskjen; Theresa Camacho (Media/Computer Science); Alex Mercado; Liz Van Dell (Physical Science); Carleen Saures; Rufina Seman (Chemistry); Rhonda Camacho, and Marsha Arriola (Drawing Science); Dr. Manny Borja; Rose Adams; Lino Olopai; Rosa Warakai; Jose S. Roppul; Valerio Mality; John Peter Lisua (Native Medicine); Alan Davis; Fe Davis; Barbara Macduff; John Furey; Resne Wong; and Arthur Welch (Marine Science). “2008 Summer Science Camp Activities and School Site Mariculture Project”.

- Dr. Gary Denton, Ph.D., Environmental Toxicologist and Director, Water & Environment Research Institute, University of Guam; and John A. Starmer, Doctoral-candidate Graduate Student and Marine Biologist, CNMI Coastal Resources Management Office. "What’s in Your Storm Drain?"

- Mr. Don A. Farrell, B.A., Biology, with an Emphasis in Marine Biology. “A Discussion on the Influence of Island Natural History Elements on the Arrival of our Island’s First Indigenous Population, the Chamorros”.

- Dr. Roger Goodwill, D.A., Marine Biologist and Chairman, Biological Sciences Department, Brigham Young University, Hawaii, “A Brief Update on Current Biology Projects in the CNMI”.

- Mr. Mike Tripp, Pharmacist, PADI Instructor, and President, Mike Tripp Productions. “Tinian Discovery Summer Camp, 2009”.

August 07, 2010. (Special Meeting) Multipurpose Center (Scheduled), Coastal Resources Management Office Conference Room (Actual). Saipan.

- Mr. Charles W. Potter, B.Sc. Zoology, B.Sc. Biology. Collection Manager, Marine Mammals. Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Washington DC; and Dr. Kristi West, Ph.D., Biomedical Science. Ph.D., Marine Ecology. Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Marine Sciences and Biology, Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii. “Why Respond to Stranded Marine Mammals? (Why Bother?); Lessons Learned from 30 Years’ Necropsies/Skeletal Analyses re: Marine Mammal Strandings: Responder Contagion Prophylactic Recommendations and Monitoring for Epizootic Events; Current Cetacean Taxonomic Focuses; and General Suggestions re: How to form a Local Stranding Response Network”.  

December 08, 2010 (General Meeting-First Session) American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

 - Dr. Gary Denton, University of Guam Water and Environment Research Institute, “Mercury and Lead Contamination Case Studies in Saipan Lagoon: Good News, Bad News!”                     

 - Mr. James Stanford, US Geological Survey Biological Resources Division, “Preliminary Report on Small Non-Volant Mammals Surveys, Pagan Island.”

 - Mr. Dave Bucher and Kagman High School Advanced Biology Organization, in cooperation with Dr. Robert L. Schlub, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Guam and Dr. Dilip Nandwani, Plant Pathologist/Agronomist, NMC CREES, “Studies on the Decline of the Tree Species Casuarina equisetifolia  in the Marianas Archipelago.”

 - Ms. Judy Amesbury, Micronesian Archaeological Research Services, Inc., Guam, "Pelagic Fishing in the Mariana Archipelago: From the Prehistoric Period to the Present."

 - Ms. Andrea Bruner and Dr. Phil Bruner, Brigham Young University (BYUH), “Who's Your Daddy? Extra-pair Paternity in Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres) and Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) at Woolley Lagoon, Nome, Alaska.”

 - Mr. Richard Seman, “A Report on Three Year’s Work Re: Conducting Summer Camps on Marine Fisheries and Resources at Marianas High School.”

December 09, 2010 (General Meeting-Second Session) American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Mr. Michael Trianni, Mr. Michael Tenorio, CNMI DFW Fisheries Program and Mr. Steven McKagan, NOAA Pacific Islands Regional Office, “Evaluation of the Gill Net Fishery in the Saipan Lagoon”.                                                                                                                

 - Ms. Amanda Hansen, Mr. Daniel Scott, Mr. Mark Cannon, Dr. Roger Goodwill, BYUH. 2010. “Trace metal contamination in the sea anemone, Edwardsianthus gilbertensis (Carlgren, 1931).”

 - Mr. Valrick Welch, San Vicente Elementary School, “A Short Report with Graphs of the Science and Math Improvements for San Vicente School as Well as the Specific Improvements from the Students Who Participated in the Summer Camp and the Highly Involved Students from the Young Farmers Club.”

 - Mr. James Stanford, USGS, “Focus on the Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis) Issue in the NMI (Causes for Concern, Recent Developments, Etc.).”

 - Dr. Roger Goodwill. Ms. Lael Prince. BYUH 2010. “Monsters without Backbones - the Strange Invertebrates Inhabiting the Saipan Reefs.”

 - Ms. Lael Prince, Ms. Mollika Graham, Mr. Michael Schsenbaugh, Dr. Dave Bybee, and Dr. Roger Goodwill, BYUH, “Reproductive Studies on a Sabellid Polychaete (Sabellidae: Fabriciinae) from the Kahuku Reef Flat, Oahu Hawaii, 2010.”

- Ms. Lauren Fielding, Dr. Oscar Johnson (Montana State University), Dr. Roger Gold, Dr. Roger Goodwill, Ms. Lael Prince, Ms. Patricia Johnson, Mr. Paul Brusseau, and Ms. Nancy Brusseau, BYUH. 2010. “New Insights of the Migration Patterns of Pacific Golden-Plovers.”

April 21, 2011 (Special Meeting). American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Dr. Jennifer McKinnon. - Faculty Instructor and Consulting Archeologist. Flinders University, South Australia, Australia. “Recent Underwater Archaeological Research and Discoveries in the CNMI.”

August 08, 2011 (Special Meeting). Saipan Hyatt Regency Sandcastle Room. Saipan.

- Mr. Steven Johnson and Mr. Steven McKagan. “Introduction and Training for ‘Coralwatch’ Coral Bleaching Monitoring Method, with Introductory Notes on Global Climate Change and Coral Biology.”

August 26, 2011 (Special Meeting). American Memorial Park Auditorium. Saipan.

- Dr. Kristi West, Ph.D., Biomedical Science. Ph.D., Marine Ecology. Assistant Professor of Biology, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Hawaii Pacific University, Hawaii, and Mr. David Schofield, M.Sc., Zoologist and Pacific Regional Marine Mammal Health and Response Program Manager, Office of Protected Resources, Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, Hawaii. “Regional Findings from Cetacean Strandings and Response and Necropsy Efforts Undertaken over past few days for Two Stranded Whales, both tentatively identified as Cuvier’s Beaked Whales, Ziphius cavirostris.”

November 22, 2011 (Special Meeting). American Memorial Park Auditorium, Saipan.

- Dr. James E. Quick, Ph.D. Geology. Associate Vice President for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas. “Saipan and our Mariana Archipelago’s Geo-Energy Resources: Current Review: 2011 Update”.

November 29, 2011 (General Meeting – First Session). American Memorial Park, Saipan.

- Dr. Roger Goodwill, Dr. Shane Gold, Mr. John Furey, and Mr. Andre Kozij. “Japan, the Pacific Golden-Plover Crossroads”.

- Dr. Judy Amesbury, Mr. Leonard Iriarte, Mr. Ray Topasna, Mr. John Ray Aguon, and Mr. Bobby Alvarez. "Traditional Fishing on Guam: Chamoru Chenchulu Fishermen". 28 minute movie.

- Mr. Michael Trianni. “Biological Characteristics of the Spotcheek Emperor, Lethrinus rubrioperculatus, in the Northern Mariana Islands”.

- Ms. Kalie Johnson, Dr. Roger Goodwill, and Dr. Dave Bybee. “The reproductive cycle of Lissocarcinus orbicularis observed on North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii with observations from Tahiti & Saipan”.

- Dr. Shahram Khosrowpanah, Dr. Leroy Heitz, and Mr. Mariano Iglecias. “Development of Junction Water Demands for the Saipan Water Distribution System Numerical Model”.

November 30, 2011 (General Meeting – Second Session). American Memorial Park. Saipan.

- Dr. Gary R.W. Denton, Michael S. Trianni, and Michael C. Tenorio. "PCB Status of Popular Table Fish from Northern and Central Sections of Saipan Lagoon."

- Ms. Bobbie Hanohano and Dr. Roger Goodwill. “Reproductive characteristics of the crab family Xanthidae observed on North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii with observations from Saipan”.           

- Mr. John Raulerson and course students, Jill Ann Arada, Ann Jeline Manabat, Kimberly Edquiba, David Kim, Justin Cayading, Katrina Caragay,  Jonavelle Cuerdo, Marjorie Cuerdo, Braylan Floresca, Ivan Sanarez, Lean Teodoro, Lea Teodoro, Nino Feria, Jennycka Bery, Clariza Magat, Kathleen Ann Dantic, Ajette Manabat, and Kaiza Lucido. “Learning about Sciences and Mathematics through the Study of Aviation, a new Curriculum at Marianas High School”.

- Mr. Michael Trianni and Mr. Eric Breuer. “An Introduction to the Presently Being Developed Mariana Islands Marine National Monument Science Plan”.

- Mr. Trey Dunn and Mr. John Gourley. “The CNMI Bio-sampling Program: An experiment in Federal, CNMI Government, and private sector cooperative fisheries research”.

March 01, 2012. (Special Meeting). American Memorial Park. Saipan.

- Mr. Josh DeMello. “Who is the Western Pacific Fisheries Management Council? Working on Annual Catch Limits (ACL’s) in the Marianas Archipelago.”

- Mr. Andrew Torres. “Management of Annual Catch Limits (ACL’s); How We Got Here. The Western Pacific Annual Catch Limit Specification Process.”

- Mr. Marlowe Sabeter. “Science Behind the Annual Catch Limits (ACL’s). From Allowable Biological Catch (ABCs) to Annual Catch Limits (ACL’s). Improving the ACLs and Data Needs.”

April 17-19, 2012. (Special Activity), American Memorial Park, Saipan.

Mr. Andre Kozij, Mr. John Furey, and Northern Marianas College Environment and Natural Resources Organization (ENRO Club), Mr. Tom Pangelinan, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Mr. Lee Roy Sablan Jr., A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Mr. Robert Deleon Guerrero, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Ms. Christine Pamfilo, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Ms. Maryln Naputi, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Ms. Shirley Ann Taitano, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Ms. Aries Villagomez, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Mr. Anthony Deleon Guerrero, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Ms. Christina Tudela, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Mr. Edward S. Dela Cruz, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Mr. Albert Duenas, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Ms. Jolly Ann Cruz, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; Mr. Julius Reyes, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC; and Ms. Zeralyn Omar, A.S. Student, Natural Resources Management, NMC, in cooperation with DEQ, NPS, NMC, and NOAA. “Display of the Entire Bryde’s Whale (Balaenopterus edeni) Skeleton and ENRO Club Activities at Environmental Expo as part of CNMI celebration of Earth Day/Environmental Awareness Week.”

June 20, 2012. (Special Meeting). American Memorial Park. Saipan.

-  Dr. Erin Oleson, Marie Hill, Allan Ligon, Dr. Mark Deakos, Adam U, Erik Norris, Dr. Simone Baumann-Pickering, Dr. Ana Sirovic, and Dr. Lisa Munger. “Acoustic and Visual Surveys for Cetaceans in the Northern Mariana Islands.”

 

November, 13, 14, and 15 2012. Annual Conference. American Memorial Park. Saipan.

Conference Day One, Tuesday, November 13, 2012

3:30pm.

Presenter: Fielding, Ms. Lauren; Goodwill, Dr. Roger. D.A.

Title: “New insight on Pacific Golden-Plover Migrations”

Affiliation: BYUH Biological Sciences Department

Contact email: roger.goodwill@byuh.edu

Abstract:

In the summer of 2009 Pacific Golden-Plovers (Pluvialis fulva), were tagged and loggered in Nome, Alaska to provide insight on the yearly migratory routes, flight speeds, water contact, and wintering grounds. Using Geolocators, previous connections between Southern Alaska nesting grounds and Oahu, Hawaii wintering grounds had been observed in 2009 and 2010 Hawaii based study groups comprised of 12 Plovers each. The Nome, Alaska study group gave new insights on the Pacific flyways of this midsized shorebird, producing wintering grounds in Fiji, the Marshall Islands, and Christmas Island. Strong elliptical flight paths, which included connections to return flight stops in southeastern Japan, were additionally observed. A following study of Plovers in Samoa from 2010 to 2011 supported the strong elliptical pattern as well as this Japan stop over correlation. A 2010 to 2011 Saipan study observed migrations through East Asia on through Siberia and Western Alaska as well as one elliptical Pacific flight and more strong connections to Japan as a stopover area. A new connection to Frasier Island, Australia and Taiwan and additional elliptical flight was observed in a late recapture from the previous Nome, Alaska study group. More late Alaska recaptures are being analyzed and a new 2011 to 2012 study in Chukotka in Northeast Russia brings new insights to migratory pathways through the Philippines and East Asia.

 

4:00pm.

Presenter(s): McKagan, Mr. Steve(a); Johnson, Mr. Steven(b).

Affiliations:

a. NOAA/NMFS PIRO Habitat Conservation Division

b. CNMI DEQ

Contact email(s):

a. steven.mckagan@noaa.gov

b. steven.johnson670@gmail.com

Title: “Findings from the 2012 Saipan Reef Resiliency Study, A Comparison of Reef Health and The Variables That Impact Them”

Abstract:

In the spring of 2012 a group of local, federal and private researchers surveyed 35 fore reef and lagoon sites measuring 9 different parameters to establish the relative resiliency of Saipan's reefs to disturbance and more specifically to the risk of bleaching from climate change. In this talk we will look at study findings, revealing both the most and least resilient locations and explore the parameters driving those differences.

Note: N/A

4:30pm.

Presenter: Kremer, Ms. Shelly R.

 Authors: Cruz, Justine B.; Kremer, Shelly R.; Berger, Gayle M.; Williams, Laura L.; and Camacho, Vicente A.

Affiliation(s): Micronesian Bird Conservation

Contact email: srkremer@gmail.com

Title: “Relative Abundance and Distribution of Mariana Swiftlets (Aves: Apodidae) in the Northern Mariana Islands”

Abstract:

The endangered Mariana Swiftlet (Aerodramus bartschi) occurs in its native habitat on only three islands worldwide–Guam, Saipan and Aguiguan.  It is locally extinct on the islands of Rota and Tinian and numbers have declined on Guam.  On Saipan and Aguiguan, the bird remains common.  We present previously unpublished data from reports lodged with the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ Division of Fish and Wildlife combined with an analysis of arrival count data from surveys conducted regularly on Saipan (1985 – 2005) and opportunistically on Aguiguan (1985 – 2002).  Arrival counts did not permit island-wide population estimates but provided a direct count index useful for assessing population trends.  On Aguiguan, swiftlets occurred only in a small number of potentially available caves; the population was small, more densely concentrated than on other islands, and relatively stable.  On Saipan, swiftlet numbers declined for the first part of the monitoring period (1985-1992), then increased significantly (1998-2005), and now stand at their highest historic levels (> 5,000 birds).  Large between-year fluctuations, high variation in colony attendance patterns, and occasional abandonment and re-colonization of some caves marked the 21-yr monitoring period.  Of the potential constraints to the population, we found no correlation between typhoon frequency and population trends over the study period.  Pesticide use, habitat alteration by feral animals, human disturbance in the nesting caves, and predation remain areas of concern.  Conservation measures may have lessened some disturbance events and cockroach predation, while other measures, such as translocation, may improve the species’ chances of persistence.

5:00pm

Presenter(s) Schafer, Ms. Nicole.

Affiliation: CNMI Coastal Resources Management Office

Contact email: nicschafer@bellsouth.net

Title: “Beyond the Blood”

Abstract:

Cold-blooded man-eater, a phrase the media loves to use when describing lions, bears, sharks, and any other predator. The media more often than not damages conservation efforts led by activists and scientists alike, but in Dunedin, New Zealand the media came to the rescue and promoted their largest predator, the great white shark. Learn what the media can do for you and hear the story of New Zealand's shark net removal.

Note: N/A.

5:30pm.

Presenter: Zarones, Ph.D., Dr. Lainie

Authors: Lainie Zarones, Adrienne Sussman, John Morton, Sheldon Plentovich, Sarah Faegre, Celestine Aguon, Arjun Amar and Renee Ha.

Affiliation(s):

Contact email: lainiezarones@gmail.com

Title: "Population status, breeding biology and causes of decline of the critically endangered Mariana Crow or Aga on the island of Rota"

Abstract:

The Aga or Mariana Crow (Corvus kubaryi) is a critically endangered species found only on the island of Rota, Northern Mariana Islands. It was extirpated from the neighboring island of Guam by the introduced brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) and the Rota population has been in decline since at least 1987. We identified only 60 pairs present on the entire island in 2007, a decline of nearly 50% of pairs in 9 years. Losses have not been uniform across the island, with more pairs lost in areas with greater levels of human disturbance. We found and monitored 204 Aga nests during the 1996–2009 breeding seasons. Aga initiate clutches from August to April. The mean number of fledglings per pair per breeding season varied from 0.3 to 1.0. The overall rate of nest success was 26%. Predation appears to be the primary cause of nest failure. However, with a breeding season of up to nine months, combined with a proclivity to renest after failure, nest failure does not appear to be as important as juvenile and adult mortality in the population decline. Predation of juveniles and nests by introduced predators such as cats, combined with possible inbreeding depression, habitat disturbance and human persecution appear to be pushing the Aga to extinction.

6:00pm

Presenter: Morreti, Mr. Greg.

Affiliation: Pacific Marine Resources Institute

Contact email: director@pacmares.com

Title: Science “Communication: Bridging the gap between science and stakeholders”
Abstract:

The results of scientific research often fail to reach decision-makers and other stakeholders in a useful and meaningful way, missing a valuable opportunity to use the results of research to advance the public's understanding of the state of our natural resources. Unfortunately, many scientists do not communicate effectively with non-scientific audiences, and when they do, these outreach efforts are likely to represent a minor part of their professional workload. Armed with the most up-to-date scientific insight we believe that management planning can best proceed, human perceptions can best adapt, and informed community decisions can best be made, especially when the decisions at hand may be controversial. Whether fishermen deciding where and how to fish or a lawmakers deciding how to vote on proposed legislation, all decision-makers have a need for, credible, science-based information in order to make good choices that will lead to tangible conservation results.

Conference Day Two, Wednesday, November 14, 2012

3:30pm.

Presenter(s): Denton, Dr. Gary R.W. Ph.D.(a); Namazi, Ms. Sara, B.A.(b).

Affiliation(s):

a. Water and Environmental Research Institute, University of Guam

b. Health Center, University of Connecticut

Contact email(s): gdenton@uguam.uog.edu

Title: “Indoor Radon Levels and Lung Cancer Incidence on Guam: An Interesting Paradox Emerges”

Abstract:

Radon (Rn) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, noble gas and natural product of the uranium (²³⁸U) decay chain to stable lead (²⁰⁶Pb). The most stable radon isotope, ²²²Rn, is an α emitter with a half-life of 3.8 days. ²²²Rn accounts for most public ionizing radiation exposures and impacts indoor air quality world-wide. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), ²²²Rn is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind tobacco smoking, and kills an estimated 21,000 people annually in the USA alone. Most global indoor ²²²Rn exposures are derived from the decay of ²³⁸U and ²³⁴Th in granitic bedrocks. While such rocks are absent from the basaltic clasts that exist in Guam and the CNMI, the overlying karstic limestone formations derived from ancient coral reefs are a significant source of this gas because of living corals’ marked propensity to accumulate ²³⁸U from seawater. In a recent multi-year survey conducted by the Guam EPA, indoor ²²²Rn levels on the island exceeded the US EPA air quality standard of 4 pCi/L in approximately 40% of all buildings tested, with the levels exceeding 300 pCi/L in some instances. Weighted average indoor ²²²Rn levels were generally much higher in villages from the northern half of the island where surface limestone formations predominate. The relationship between these data and that collected by Guam’s Division of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) for smoking prevalence and lung cancer incidence on Guam was examined and yielded unexpected results.

Note. N/A.

4:00pm

Note: N/A.

Presenter: MacDuff, Mr. Sean.

Affiliation: CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife

Contact email: macduff.cnmidfw@gmail.com

Title: “A new way of measuring coral reef health at Laolao Bay, Saipan”

Abstract:

Coral Reefs in Laolao Bay, Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have deteriorated over the past several decades. However, the Bay still contains a highly diverse, culturally significant and economically important coral reef community. Corals, in response to stressors, will up-regulate various proteins (biomarkers). Heat-shock proteins and detoxification enzymes are examples of molecular biomarkers used to evaluate coral health. Local government agencies have begun to restore the Laolao Bay watershed in hopes of improving coastal water quality and associated coral reef health in the Bay. My research investigates the response of corals before and after the Laolao Bay restoration project. The results of this study will 1) provide resource managers with key information on the specific stressors affecting the coral reefs studied and 2) provide baseline information for future comparison and for tracking the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Knowing the causal effects of coral stress is an important element in the conservation and management of Laolao Bay for current and future generations.

Note: (None).

4:30pm.

Presenter: Gubler, Ph.D., Dr. Daniel.

Affiliation: BYUH

Email contact: via Goodwill, Roger (above)

Title: “Total Synthesis of Farylhydrazones A and B – Unique Natural Products Isolated from Chinese

               Caterpillar Fungus”

Abstract:

Herein is presented the concise total synthesis of farylhydrazones A and B, naturally occurring phenylhydrazones recently isolated from cultures of the Cordyceps-colonizing fungus Isaria farinose (Chinese Caterpillar Fungus), completed in six and five steps respectively starting from 2-nitrobenzoic acid. The synthesis is completely scalable, and highly convergent – making it adaptable for the preparation of analogues. Chinese Caterpillar Fungus has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine due to its remarkable curative effects for a wide range of ailments. With large amounts of farylhydrazones A and B currently in hand, investigation into the biological activity of these promising natural products is currently in progress.

Note: BYUH Professor

5:00pm.

Presenter: Kinghorn, Mr. Michael J.

Affiliation: Brigham Young University, Hawaii

Contact email: via Goodwill, Roger (above)

Title:  “GC-MS Analysis of Traditional Medicines”

Abstract:

Ciguatoxins are some of the most deadly toxins created by marine organisms. Over 100,000 cases of severe symptoms from ingestion of toxic fish occur annually. These symptoms can range from gastrointestinal distress to severe neurological symptoms and last anywhere from several days to over a year in extreme cases.  There are very few medications that have shown activity against these toxins. However, several traditional remedies have been analyzed and some have been found to have good activity against these toxins as well as other marine toxins. Rosmarinic acid and its derivatives have also shown especially good antitoxic activity. This presentation includes the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis of the small organic molecules found in four traditional Tahitian medicines: Naupaka (Scaevola taccada), Tamanu (Calophyllum inophyllum), U’U’ (Suriana maritime) and Geo Geo (Heliotropium foertherianum). These samples were also analyzed to determine whether they contain rosmarinic acid and any derivatives thereof.

Note: BYUH Student

5:30pm

Presenter, Martin, Mr. Clayton, Jr.

Affiliation: BYUH

Contact email: via Goodwill, Roger (above)

Title: “Elucidation of Lichen Volatile Organic Compounds and Analysis of the Environmental Interactions

               They Mediate”

Abstract:

Lichens make up a significant portion of the world’s biomass and are a very successful symbiotic organism. Their symbiosis confers on them a novel and complex biochemistry. There has been little study into how their volatile organic compounds (VOC) mediate interactions between them and their environment. VOC’s from multiple lichens were determined by GCMS analysis. These compounds were confirmed by the extraction and analysis of essential oils. The results of this research challenge the misconception that lichens have only survived by filling a niche that no other organism can survive in. It shows the possibility that lichens succeed by mimicking pheromones to misdirect predators, and making antimicrobial compounds to outcompete other organisms.

Note: BYUH Student.

6:00pm

Presenter: Kozij, Mr. Andre.

Affiliation:

Contact email: akaspn@hotmail.com

Title: “A Discussion on the Scarlet Gourd, Coccinia grandis”

Abstract: To be Determined

Note: Follow up research with NMC CREES ongoing.

Conference Day Three, Thursday, November 15, 2012

3:30pm.

Presenter(s): Dunn, Mr. Trey.

Affiliation(s): CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Section

Contact email: tdunn.dfw@gmail.com

Title: “Exploring Fish Use of Managaha Marine Conservation Area”

Abstract:

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are an important tool in marine conservation.  MPAs are established for a variety of reasons. They are often used to protect fish, corals, algae, birds, turtles and other marine life. They can be used to protect cultural areas or other important areas. Often when established it is assumed that the MPA will equally protect all things that are found within them. For stationary organisms like corals this may be true but this is not always the case. Fish are motile and are not restricted to arbitrary political or regulatory boundaries. To access the protection an MPA provides to certain types of fishes, fish movements and habitat use must be studied. Ideally this would be studied before the establishment of the MPA, but often MPAs are designated by managers and politicians and not scientists. Accessing the use of important fishes within and near an MPA allows scientists to make recommendations about how to improve existing MPAs to better serve fishes. DFW is beginning a project investigating fish use within and near Managaha Marine Conservation Area (MMCA). DFW will tag several specimens of one of the most common fish in the lagoon the thumbprint emperor Lethrinus harak and set up a monitoring grid to follow fish movements. The study will give a picture of how L. harak uses MMCA and be a starting point for similar studies on different fish.

4:00pm.

Presenter(s): De Torres, Ph.D., Dr. Alfredo.

Affiliation: Dept of Sciences, Mathematics, Health, & Athletics, Northern Marianas College

Contact email: alfredod@nmcnet.edu

Title: "Strategies for Aquaculture Development in the CNMI: The Role of the Northern Marianas College"

Abstract:

Not Yet Determined.

Note: Prefers to speak on 15 November

4:30pm.

Presenter: Crane, Mr. Matthew.

Affiliation: Dept of Sciences, Mathematics, Health, & Athletics, Northern Marianas College

Contact email: matthewc@nmcnet.edu

Title: "Plight of the Sharks"
Abstract:

Come along on a journey that follows the unfortunate, difficult, and sometimes dangerous path of sharks around the world. How their oceanic colleagues are afforded extra rights and protection, while they are left to struggle through an existence of vital importance to nature and humans. Along this path some much needed help is trying to be offered, but it is unsure how to best help. Find out just how big a loss the decline or extinction of sharks will be to the environment and humans. This will be a journey into the role sharks play, the research methods that can close the knowledge gaps, the benefits a healthy shark population offer, and what can be done to help.

Note: N/A

5:00pm.

Presenter(s): Trianni, Mr. Michael.

Affiliation: NOAA/NMFS Pacific Fisheries Science Center

Contact email: mtrianni@ymail.com

Title: Comparison of life history parameters for the Thumbprint Emperor Lethrinus harak (Forsskål 1775) from different jurisdictions, and the use of differing life history parameters in a yield-per-recruit model
Abstract:

Life history parameters for the thumbprint emperor estimated from Indo-Pacific jurisdictions are compared to estimates derived from Saipan Lagoon. Additionally, differing life history parameters from the jurisdictions are used in a yield-per-recruit model, to assess the impact of those parameters on fishery reference points. Life history parameters were most consistent between Guam and Saipan. Fishery reference points were found to be sensitive to parameter input.

Note: N/A.

5:30pm.

Presenter(s): Gourley, Mr. John.

Affiliation: Micronesian Environmental Services

Email contact: john.e.gourley@gmail.com

Title: "Characterization of the Saipan Commercial Spear Fish Industry"

Abstract:            

Presenting findings from a large fisheries study conducted this past year.

6:00pm

Presenters: Furey, Mr. John; Schofield, Mr. David; West, Ph.D., Dr. Kristie and all others involved with recent three recent whale strandings (Tinian/Saipan), responses, and necropsy results on one.

Affiliation(s): Several

Contact email: jfurey@saipan.com

Title: “Recently Stranded Whales (one baleen, two beaked) on beaches and reefs of the CNMI-inhabited

               islands of Saipan and Tinian”

Abstract:

                    This presentation will cover stranding responses for a single stranding of an adult Bryde’s whale on Tinian in 2005 and a dual stranding of two Cuvier’s Beaked Whales on Saipan in 2011. J. Furey agrees to present the PPT on behalf of all the community and agency responders involved.

               Note: due to time expiring, presentation was conducted by J. Furey and A. Kozij to students at Southern High School during following week.

 

March 22, 2013. American Memorial Park, Saipan.

Northern Arizona University Field Experience in Conservation Biology Conservation Research Symposium.  Dr. Nashelly Meneses, Dr. Russell Benford, leads.

1:15pm

                              "Factors affecting the species abundance and richness of fish in sea grass beds in the Saipan lagoon" Alling, Rosie. (era43@nau.edu)

Seagrass ecosystems are among the most productive in the world. Their role as fish nurseries has been described throughout their range, but a notable omission is fisheries-dependent Saipan. In Saipan, two species of seagrass (Halodule uninervis and Enhalus acordoides) could contribute to fish nursery productivity but are susceptible to fragmentation from algae and sand. To address this, I quantified the number of fish species and individuals and the level of fragmentation along transects at sites where each species of seagrass was abundant. I report the following main findings: 1) Higher species richness and abundance of juvenile reef fish (N = 32, X² = 9.40, P = 0.002; N = 32, X² = 14.26, P = 0.0002; respectively) and all fish (N = 32, t = 5.59, P = 0.0001; N = 32, F = 77.75, P = 0.0001; respectively) in H. uninervis meadows. 2) The abundance of juvenile reef fish and all fish in H. uninervis meadows decreases with higher fragmentation (N = 16, R² = 0.62, P = 0.0003; N = 16, R² = 0.44, P = 0.002; respectively). Species richness and abundance of fish is higher in H. uninervis meadows, but it is negatively affected by habitat fragmentation.  This suggests that management for increasing size and abundance of H. uninervis seagrass meadows and reducing sand and algae fragmentation would benefit fisheries in the Saipan lagoon.                           

1:30pm

                              "Contemporary medicinal trees: Diversity and use across the island of Saipan". Marshall, Michael. (mrm374@nau.edu.

                                        Tropical island ecosystems are a reservoir of medicinal plant species and local ethnomedical knowledge.  My study examines the current distribution and the public’s knowledge of medicinal trees on Saipan. I assessed the abundance and diversity of 40 medicinal trees within six defined vegetation zones (urban edge, native limestone, mixed introduced, coastal complex, savanna complex, tangantangan thicket). I quantified local knowledge and use of these trees using public surveys with Likert-scale responses. Results indicate that: 1) The coastal complex is most abundant and diverse in medicinal trees (N=42, F=9.54, p=0.0001; N=42, F=11.52, p=0.0001; respectively)  2) There is a positive correlation between medicinal use and knowledge (N=40, Spearman ρ=0.83, p=0.0001)  3)  The vegetation zone with the highest potential for use is urban edge (N=42, F=7.25, p=.0001).  While the most abundant and diverse vegetation zone is coastal complex, the zone that people use most frequently is urban edge. This discrepancy suggests that the accessibility and common knowledge of each medicinal species outweigh their perceived intrinsic medicinal value. Disruption of intergenerational teaching and the adoption of Western medicinal practices could be causing a shift in use patterns from knowledge to convenience.

1:45pm                 

                              "Variation in luminescence and insect abundance on bioluminescent fungi." Pletzer, Jordan. (jsp88@nau.edu)

Bioluminescence is common in deep-sea organisms but rare on land.  Fungi are one of the few organisms on land that are bioluminescent.  The ultimate cause of bioluminescence in fungi is not fully understood.   I tested two hypotheses that might explain bioluminescence in fungi:  1) attraction of spore dispersers and 2) attraction of predatory insects as a defense against fungivorous insects.  I collected insects from glowing and non-glowing fruiting bodies of Mycena chlorophos, Filoboletus manipularis, and an unidentified species.  Preliminary results of insect abundance on M. chlorophos and F. manipularis showed insects favoring glowing fruiting bodies.  Insect abundance on the unidentified species suggests strong support for the attraction of insects as well (N = 62, F = 12.38, P = 0.002).  In addition, I observed stem, cap, and gills of F. manipularis glowing at different times.  This suggests bioluminescence is related to spore maturation of the fruiting body.

2:00pm

                              "Factors affecting green sea turtle nesting preference in Saipan." Brown, Monique. (mab445@nau.edu)

Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are a keystone species in marine ecosystems. However, the population has been declining for decades. Previous research has shown that human impact, beach width and length, sand characteristics, and slope significantly affect nest selection. Factors such as these are not known in the Mariana Islands, a key migration point for green sea turtles in Japan and the Philippines. To determine which factors affect nesting beach selection on Saipan, I characterized human impact, vegetation, substrate, site accessibility, beach width, and predation levels on nesting and non-nesting beaches. Of the six factors that I investigated, human impact evaluated by visitor counts (N = 16; t = 2.79; p = 0.008) and vehicles present at the beach (N = 16; t = 2.87; p = 0.0064), and species richness of dune vegetation (N = 16; t = -2.22; p = 0.02) showed the greatest effect on nesting beach selection. Nesting beaches are characterized by lower human impact and a higher species richness of vegetation. Focusing on these factors in future management programs could relieve environmental pressures on the species and assist in their recovery.

2:15pm

                              "Erythrina gall wasps on gaogao trees, and their effect on birds in Saipan." Watson, Zachary. (zdw4@nau.edu)

Galling insects are considered ecological pests worldwide. Heavy infestations of these insects can negatively impact plant communities and therefor may be detrimental to local fauna. In Saipan, we identified the galling insect infesting native coral trees (Erythrina variegata var. orientalis) and tested the potential effect this insect has on bird visitations. To identify the insect, we reared insects from five leaves of five haphazardly selected Erythrina trees and taxonomically identified them. To quantify differences in gall abundance amongst trees, we counted gall abundance on 32 trees. To evaluate the potential effect galls have on birds, we quantified bird visitations to trees with high and low gall abundances.  Insects reared from leaf samples fit the description of the introduced Erythrina gall wasp (Quadristichus erythrinae). A Wilcoxon analysis showed significant differences in gall abundances amongst trees (n = 32, χ² = 296.87, p < 0.001). A Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant increase (n = 14, χ² = 18.23, p < 0.001) in bird visitations to trees with high gall abundances.  The endemic bridled white-eye, a species of conservation concern, comprised around 90% of all bird visitations. These data suggest that the Erythrina gall wasp, though considered a pest in other tropical communities, may be a source of food for bridled white-eyes and other birds in Saipan.

 

2:45pm

                              "The effect of enrichment strategies and environmental factors on the behavior of captive Mariana fruit bats (Pteropus mariannus)." Eilers, Johnna. (jee66@nau.edu)

                                        Mariana fruit bats are endemic to the Mariana archipelago and play a vital role as pollinators and seed dispersers; however, their population is in decline. A captive breeding program with an environment that promotes natural behavior could help boost their population numbers. Enclosure enrichment has shown to promote natural behavior of captive animals by increasing their activity. On the other hand, some species of bats are less active during the full moon. I tested how enclosure enrichments (novelty, scent, and forage) and the lunar cycle affect the activity levels of captive Mariana fruit bats. When comparing inactive, active, and exploratory behaviors before and during each enrichment treatment, novelty and scent showed no effect. However, forage enrichment significantly decreased inactive behavior (N = 11, F = 10.2, p = 0.01), and increased exploratory behavior (N = 11, F = 14, p = 0.004). As the percent full moon increased, the frequency of inactive behavior increased (N = 21, R² = 0.26, p = 0.02). In conclusion, foraging enrichment and the lunar cycle affect the behavior of captive Mariana fruit bats. The lunar cycle affected the results from enrichment treatments, therefore further research should take the lunar cycle into account.

3:00pm

                              "Effects of sewage effluence on coral reef diversity, richness, and recruitment." Senini, Natalie. (ns267@nau.edu)

Sewage effluence negatively affects organisms and environments, including coral reefs.  Healthy coral reefs are key in the success of coastal marine ecosystems in tropical areas. On the island of Saipan, a sewage outfall pipe dumps treated sewage effluence into the Saipan lagoon, a marine habitat surrounded by fringing and barrier reefs.  To determine the effect of sewage effluence on fringing reef diversity, richness, and recruitment, I measured these factors at seven sites around the lagoon. I compared those values to the percent days of Enterococci violations, an indicator of the presence of sewage effluence.  My results showed a significant relationship between richness (N = 21; Kendall's τ = -0.61; p = 0.003) and recruitment (N = 112; Kendall's τ = -0.24; p = 0.001) and the percent days of Enterococci violations only.   Sewage effluence does not seem to affect the diversity of fringing reefs in Saipan, it has a negative effect on fringing reef richness and recruitment, which can eventually cause an overall decline in diversity.   A decline in coral reef richness and recruitment could be prevented by 1) using alternative water treatments, 2) creating a buffer zone when planning sewage outfall pipes, or by 3) having sewage outfall pipes located in areas where they would not affect coral reefs.

3:15pm

                              "Demographics, distribution, and public perceptions of free-ranging dogs on Saipan." Nimer, Adrianna. (an429@nau.edu)

As a result of World War II, there is an overpopulation of free-roaming dogs on the island of Saipan, which pose a threat toward the humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. However, information is lacking regarding the demographics, distribution, and public perception of this population. I documented the age, gender, sociality, and behavior of the free-roaming dogs. To test how human land use (rural, coastal, urban) and urbanization level (0-100%) affect their abundance, I surveyed dogs within rural, coastal, and urban areas. Using public surveys, I investigated how the public views this population. I found that: 1) The majority of dogs were adults, males, in a group, and generally aggressive toward humans. 2) Dogs were more abundant in urban areas (N=21, F= 9.5, p=0.0001) and in areas with highest urbanization levels (N=20, F=14.85, p=0.0001). 3) The public views the dogs as a safety hazard. To better manage the free-roaming dog population, spay-and-neuter campaigns, leash laws, and dog collection operations should be focused in highly urbanized areas.

3:30pm

                              "Predation of the small giant clam (Tridacna maxima) in Saipan." Roof, Karah.

                              (ker257@nau.edu)

Giant clams are keystone species that are being overharvested in Saipan. Many of them have brightly colored mantles, which may make them more vulnerable to predation. To determine if small giant clams (Tridacna maxima) are harvested in a sustainable manner, I compared the sizes  (an indicator of age class/sexual maturity) of live clams in the Saipan lagoon and dead clams in harvest piles.  Also, to determine if mantle coloration has an effect on survivorship, I looked for a significant association between mantle coloration and age class, an indicator of survivorship. A Wilcoxon Test showed that the size of harvested clams is significantly different than the sizes of live clams (N = 173, Z = -3.66, p=0.0002). Clams are being harvested before they are sexually mature. In addition, a G-Test showed that there are significant differences in the age classes between mantle patterns (N=60, G=35.95, p=0.01). The more brightly colored clams are not surviving to sexual maturity. Giant clams are not being harvested in a sustainable manner. This could be detrimental to the viability of the population. Implementing size and quantity harvest restrictions, and reinstating an aquaculture program are ways that Saipan can help recover its clam population.

3:45pm

                              "Evidence of selective breeding and habitat use in Lambis lambis." Raber, Sarah. (sr525@nau.edu)

Spider conchs (Lambis lambis) play an ecological role in controlling macroalgal growth. Unfortunately on Saipan, overharvesting of L. lambis has negatively impacted their population. Little is known about their life history concerning sexual dimorphism and habitat preference. To characterize sexual dimorphism, I measured shell size, digitation length, digitation angle, and presence or absence of curved digitations. In addition, to determine if spider conchs prefer a specific substrate, I quantified their abundance on seagrass, coral reef flats, and reef rubble. Female shells were larger than male shells (N=41, F-ratio=8.15, P=0.007). They also had longer (N=29, F-ratio=5.61, P=0.02) and curved anterior digitations compared to males (N=41, X²=7.3, P= 0.007). Spider conchs were significantly more abundant on coral rubble substrate (N=12, X²=7.49, P=0.02). These findings suggest L. lambis exhibit reverse sexual dimorphism and reef rubble is the preferred substrate. This information might be beneficial for habitat management and implementation of captive breeding programs.

4:00pm

                              "Factors influencing metallic blue ladybird beetle abundance." Hottel, Sarah.

                              (seh263@nau.edu)

Heteropsylla cubana is a sap-sucking psyllid that attacks tangan-tangan (Leucaena leucocephala), an economically important tree. To control this psyllid, a natural predator, the metallic blue ladybird beetle (Curinus coeruleus), was introduced in different regions. Yet, few studies have been conducted to understand factors impacting beetle abundance within tangan-tangan habitats, which could influence their effectiveness as a control. I studied how geographic location, edge composition, time of day, and prey abundance affect beetle abundance. I recorded these factors and counted for five minutes the number of beetles present on each tree at seven randomly selected tangan-tangan edge habitats across the island of Saipan. I tested the effect of: geographic location and edge composition on beetle abundance using a Wilcoxon test, time of day on beetle abundance using a Mann-Whitney U Test and the effect of prey abundance on beetle abundance using a Spearman test. Beetle abundance was significantly affected by geographic location (N=130, X² =65.45, P=0.0001), edge composition (N=150, X² =62.8, P=0.0001), time of day (N=80 X²=18.02, P=0.0001), and prey abundance (N=310, r =0.45, P=0.0001). These results may inform more efficient management strategies for metallic blue ladybird beetle populations in tangan-tangan edge habitats.

4:15pm

                              "Shell use and abandonment in hermit crabs (Coenobita spp.)." Bulger, Brittani.

                              (bb522@nau.edu)

The shell shortage caused by a large decline of native gastropods over the years has increased pressures on hermit crab populations worldwide. This could negatively impact nutrient cycling because of their role as detritivores. However, on Saipan, the decline in the population of an introduced invasive gastropod, the giant African land snail (Achatina fulica), has led to an increase in gastropod shells available for hermit crab use. To test whether the increased shell availability has had a positive influence on the hermit crab population, I surveyed hermit crabs at six locations on the island. I recorded size, shell type, and species of each crab found. I evaluated how shell size varies among locations and how it varies among location types (beach and inland,) using a Wilcoxon test. Shell size varied among locations (N=257, X²=154.19, P<0.001) and shells found at inland sites were larger than those found at beach sites (N=6, X²=54.25, P=<0.001). Native hermit crab species can benefit from the decline in the invasive giant African land snail.

April 16-18, 2013. (Special Activity), American Memorial Park, Saipan.

“Display of the Entire Bryde’s Whale (Balaenopterus edeni) Skeleton and Entire Cuvier's Beaked Whale (Ziphius cavirostris) Skeleton at Environmental Expo as part of CNMI celebration of Earth Day/Environmental Awareness Week.” APASEEM and ENRO club presentation of whale skeleton during Environmental Awareness Week. Same details as 2012 information above.

May 2, 2013. American Memorial Park, Saipan.

"Mariana Avifauna Conservation Activities Update." CNMI Ornithologist Mr. Paul Radley, together with visiting scientists Mr. Herb Roberts of the Memphis Zoo, and Ms. Ellen Gorrell, Toledo Zoo. Details provided in press release per www.apaseem.org website.

June 19, 2013. American Memorial Park, Saipan.

"The Science of the Sting: Field Ecology and Venoms of Box Jellyfish." An update on local research efforts and toxicology and response protocols for box jellyfish, Phylum Cnidaria, Class Cubozoa. Dr. Angel Yanagihara, Research Professor. University of Hawaii at Manoa. Details provided in press release per www.apaseem.org website.

July 18, 2013. American Memorial Park, Saipan.

"Findings from Acoustic and Visual Surveys of Cetaceans in the Northern Mariana Islands". Dr. Erin Oleson, NOAA and team. An update from last year's surveys. Details provided in press release per www.apaseem.org website.

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Finally we take this opportunity to express our deepest thank you for your significant contribution to our region’s sciences, environmental management, and science education understanding.]