UOG Sea Grant donates fish harvest

The University of Guam Sea Grant's aquaculture program donated fresh tilapia harvest from its recirculating aquaculture system to island residents as part of recovery efforts post-Typhoon Mawar, according to a press release from the university.

The distribution was held at the Mangilao Mayor's Office on May 26.

The aquaculture system serves as a model for non-profit and community-based organizations that are interested in starting their own backyard aquaculture systems.

Director Austin Shelton UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant said while the aquaculture program was launched to increase food security on the island, program efforts are also focused on providing urgent relief for communities affected by any disaster. "After a typhoon, this is the time that the island needs food security the most. We are happy to get our tilapia fish out into the community to those who need it most, in this time of need," he said.

UOG Sea Grant aquaculture specialist Dave Crisostomo said, "Food security and resiliency have come out to be the top priorities now. So, all these projects that we are doing for aquaculture and aquaponics are geared towards this goal."

After receiving the donation, Mangilao Vice Mayor Kevin Delgado commended the program for providing food and promoting sustainability. The donation of fresh tilapia came at a time when many residents lost their refrigerated food supplies.

UOG Sea Grant started the aquaculture program to also promote practices that combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques.

The Office of the Governor and the Governor's Aquaculture Task Force are strategic partners in achieving food security and sustainability.

UOG Sea Grant's aquaculture program promotes Goal 14, which is Life Below Water, of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The goal aims to conserve and sustainably use the ocean and marine resources for development.

In addition, sustainable and long-term growth in the aquaculture industry could also contribute to achieving Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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