Corals are vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as increases in temperature and ocean acidification.
During the 1997-1998 El Niño event, reefs in Palau, the Great Barrier Reef, and other locations experienced wide scale coral bleaching due to increased water temperatures.
In some of these places, the reefs have started to recover, but other reefs have not.
The participants in the Reef Resilience and Climate Change Workshop discussed the factors that helped reefs recover and incorporate those into coral reef management.
Through this workshop, managers learned how to use tools to predict coral bleaching events developed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s coral reef watch, discussed factors that helped reefs recover during past bleaching events, learned about ecological and socioeconomic monitoring, and developed strategies for reef management that will help the region’s reefs be more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
Reef managers around the world are engaged in activities to help coral reefs survive climate change. This workshop also helped integrate managers from this region into a network of global practitioners working to incorporate resilience at their sites.
The Guam Reef Resilience and Climate Change Workshop is part of a series of resilience and climate change workshops that haves been running for the past five years and was sponsored by NOAA, the Guam Coastal Management Program, the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, The Nature Conservancy, the University of Guam Marine Laboratory and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
DFS honors employees of the month
(DFS Saipan Ltd) — DFS Saipan Ltd. recently recognized Teresita Dela Cruz and Vincent Camacho as June employees of the month.
Teresita Dela Cruz was nominated by her manager, Tessie Duenas.
According to Duenas, “Dela Cruz knows her products like the back of her hand, and she explains her products to customer with pride and confidence.”
Her customer service is of a high grade, like a flawless diamond, and satisfies each customer who enters the Tiffany Boutique.
In addition, she is a super team player, and her motto is “All for one and one for all.”
Dela Cruz was hired in July 1999.
Vincent Camacho was nominated by his boss, Mariano Fajardo.
Camacho is still new to the loss prevention department, but he is a fast learner, and he mastered his job area in a short period of time.
He is very dependable and aware of the operations and is constantly seeking better ways for trouble shooting.
Whenever his attention is needed on the sales floor, he is extremely quick to assist other employees. Camacho has been with DFS since April 2008.
Both employees received a framed employee of the month certificate, a $100 cash award, and VIP parking for one month.
They are now eligible candidates for the 2009 DFS Employee of the Year Award in their categories.
On the same day, Wantha Aldrich, Salvatore Ferragamo sales associate, received a very special award called “Ferragamo Primo Award.”
Her positive attitude and ownership of her job area was deeply appreciated.
Aldrich’s elegant customer service, visual presentation ability, constant studious attitude and passion toward her brand resulted in high sales and productivity.
Bank of Guam donates $5K to NMC library
(NMC) — In support for the advancement of educational opportunities and resources for students in the CNMI, the Bank of Guam recently presented a $5,000 donation to Northern Marianas College’s library services department.
“We are proud to support NMC and their mission of providing the best learning environment possible for the students of the CNMI,” said Bank of Guam senior vice president Marcie Tomokane.
The donation was made as part of Bank of Guam’s many contributions to the community, especially towards educational institutions.
“We are extremely thankful for the Bank of Guam’s generosity and interest in the services we provide to our students and the CNMI community,” said Janice Tenorio, dean of student services. “Their contribution will go a long way in ensuring that our library is equipped and supplied with up-to-date and modern equipment and periodicals.”
The library services department is composed of the Olympio T. Borja Memorial Library, the Pacific Collection, the CNMI Archives, and the Curriculum Resource Center, which is the primary resource facility for NMC’s School of Education students.
“Bank of Guam’s contribution and support reflect the company’s commitment to community, especially our students,” said NMC President Carmen Fernandez. “We are thankful for their contribution.”
(Department of Commerce) — The Central Statistics Division of the Department of Commerce is conducting the Behavioral Risk Factors Surveillance System from Aug. 22 to Oct. 31 for the Department of Public Health.
The purpose of this survey is to collect health behavioral information of the community for public health planning and prevention program.
The survey will be carried out by 35 highly trained enumerators who will be visiting households during the survey period and will be wearing their identification tags at all times.
A household/dwelling unit is selected for the survey through a scientific sampling method to represent a typical CNMI household.
The information collected from the survey will be kept confidential and will be used only in statistical format.
All enumerators/interviewers are sworn to uphold the confidentiality of information collected and persons interviewed.
For more information, call the Central Statistics Division at 664-3023/45 or the Division of Public Health at 236-7602.
San Antonio school orientation
(SAES) — San Antonio Elementary School will hold an orientation for the following grade levels:
Sept. 8: Kindergarten, 3 to 4 p.m.; fourth graders, 4 to 5 p.m.; fifth graders, 5 to 6 p.m.; sixth graders, 6 to 7 p.m.
Sept. 9: First graders 4 to 5 p.m.; second graders 5 to 6 p.m.; third graders, 6 to 7 p.m.
The orientation will be held in each classroom.
All parents are requested to be present to receive important information that will be given by each classroom teacher.
Live fire training release on FDM
(EMO) — The U.S. military will conduct live fire training release on Farallon De Mendenilla, Aug. 24-28, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Due to the danger imposed by this activity, Gov. Benigno R. Fitial is strongly advising the public, especially fishermen, commercial pilots and marine tour operators, to stay away from this area during the time and date indicated.
For more information, call the Emergency Management Office at 322-9528 and 322-9529, VHF marine channell 16 or through HF single sideband radio on 5.205.0.
MAITE, Guam (Guam Farm Service Agency) — Tom Camacho, county executive director, reminds producers that the deadline is Sept. 1, 2009 for the Non-Insured Disaster Assistance Program coverage on 2010 value-loss crops —ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turfgrass, floriculture, etc.
The program is designed to cover losses due to damaging tropical storms and typhoons.
For more information, call 671-472-7568 or visit www.fsa.usda.gov.
