A ridge-to-reef framework to protect Guam's water quality and coral reef ecosystem

Abstract

Watershed pollution and fisheries exploitation are the priority, chronic stressors that impact Guam’s coral reefs. Yet, quantifying the relative contribution of individual stressors to any particular reef is difficult due to natural variations in biological assemblages across island scales and uncertain site-specific disturbance histories. A study of 26 sites in southern Guam watersheds shows the effects of pollution on coral reef and fish assemblages. Community, government, and legislative action need to take place to improve Guam’s water quality standards.