May 17, 2003

A student and an employee at the University of the Virgin Islands spent five weeks in Guam studying coral reef management. Junior marine biology major Emily Broderick and Geographic Information Specialist Christy Loomis completed an "Assessment and Management of Coral Reefs," course at the University of Guam this summer. Taught by top scientists from the University of Guam, the University of Hawaii, the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Florida, the graduate course is designed to explore techniques for coral reef monitoring given problems brought about by development in economies, technologies and populations.

"Despite the fact that Guam and the Virgin Islands are literally islands across the world from each other, we all share the same concerns and issues when it comes to marine management," Broderick said.

"The imminent need is for everyone to start working together towards real solutions for today's issues," said Broderick, a UVI honor student and one of the two undergraduates to take the course.

Loomis said that the class experienced plenty of hands-on learning, spending most of their time in the sea identifying coral, fish, pollution and environmental issues. The group surveyed coral around Guam, several Hawaiian islands and the Marshall Islands.

Loomis and Broderick said that they were awestruck by the numerous fish and coral species in the Pacific.

"The first day of diving was like being in a candy store," Loomis said. "I came out of the water on the first day dazed. They have so many colors," she said, noting the near-perfect visibility of Pacific waters.

Both women were thankful for their experience and exposure. Loomis, who works at the Conservation Data Center at UVI's Eastern Caribbean Center, hopes to one day have a more managerial role in marine conservation.

Broderick also plans to play a role in marine conservation.

"An entirely new management and preservation system needs to be implemented, one that allows those who hold the ocean and its life sacred needs to be included in the processes," Broderick said.

Both students completed a Marine Ecology course at UVI which helped to prepare them for the course in Guam.

Loomis' and Broderick's room and board, air fare and tuition, were paid for from funds from the University of Guam's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) grant. They were recommended for the program by UVI Marine Biology Professor Dr. Teresa Turner.