Conservation and education

Guam’s waters, explained

Every habitat on the island is linked to the next. Follow the journey of water, see what we do to protect it, and find out how you can help.

The journey of water

From the rainforest to the open ocean

Choose a stop on the journey to learn why it matters, what puts it under pressure and how you can help.

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01 · Rainforest and rivers

Rainforest and rivers

Every river begins somewhere.

Step into a world inspired by Guam’s freshwater habitats: the forests, streams and wildlife that help sustain life across the island.

Why it matters

Forests slow the rain, filter water and keep streams flowing towards the sea. Healthy forests help sustain healthy oceans.

Under pressure

Soil, litter and pollution washed off the land travel down rivers and end up on the reef.

How you can help

  • Keep storm drains and streams free of litter
  • Never dump waste or chemicals outdoors
  • Support native tree planting

Did you know?Every coral reef, mangrove forest and lagoon begins with water flowing from the land.

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02 · Mangroves

Mangroves

Where land meets sea.

Tangled roots and sheltered waterways create a nursery where young fish find protection and coastal waters are filtered.

Why it matters

Mangroves shelter young marine animals, filter coastal waters and help create the foundations for life beyond the shoreline.

Under pressure

Coastal development and rubbish caught in the roots can harm the animals that depend on them.

How you can help

  • Leave mangrove areas undisturbed
  • Pick up litter along the shoreline
  • Look and learn without removing anything

Did you know?Some of the ocean’s most important stories begin in the mangroves.

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03 · Seagrass meadows

Seagrass meadows

Some of the ocean’s most important habitats are among its least known.

Underwater meadows provide food, shelter and nursery grounds for countless marine species, including sea turtles.

Why it matters

These calm coastal environments are filled with creatures that rely on camouflage, patience and adaptation to survive.

Under pressure

Anchors, boat damage and cloudy, polluted water can damage the meadows that turtles and fish rely on.

How you can help

  • Anchor and boat carefully away from seagrass
  • Keep soil and rubbish out of the water
  • Give turtles plenty of space

Did you know?How many animals can you spot before they spot you?

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04 · Coral reefs

Coral reefs

Brilliant colours. Extraordinary diversity. Endless discovery.

Guam’s coral reefs are among the island’s greatest natural treasures, home to spectacular tropical fish and thriving ecosystems.

Why it matters

Reefs help absorb ocean energy and protect coastal communities from the force of the waves.

Under pressure

Reefs are easily damaged by being touched or stood on, by pollution and by changes in the water around them.

How you can help

  • Look, don’t touch: keep hands and feet off coral
  • Choose reef-friendly sun protection
  • Support reef restoration and clean-ups

Did you know?Colourful, vibrant and full of life: this is the reef at its very best.

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05 · Open ocean

Open ocean

Look up. The ocean is all around you.

Sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles and schools of fish move through a living Pacific seascape that links Guam to the wider world.

Why it matters

The open ocean connects every habitat on the journey. What happens on land and along the coast eventually reaches it.

Under pressure

Plastic and other waste drift a long way, and marine animals can mistake it for food or become tangled.

How you can help

  • Say no to single-use plastic when you can
  • Dispose of fishing line and waste properly
  • Share what you learn with family and friends

Did you know?Guam’s waters are part of a single, interconnected system.

What we do

Learning and caring, together

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Education

School programmes

Educational visits and guided programmes connect children with the marine animals and ecosystems found in Guam’s surrounding waters, introducing generations of students to marine life.

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Community

Clean-ups and awareness

The aquarium contributes to environmental initiatives, including island-wide clean-up efforts, helping raise awareness of ocean health and marine conservation.

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Science and partnerships

Reefs and research

2020A formal partnership with the University of Guam and government agencies supports coral reef restoration and environmental conservation efforts.

2016The facility served as a command centre for a major ocean exploration initiative, linking Guam to global scientific research.

Test your knowledge

Ocean explorer quiz

Take action

My ocean pledge

My ocean pledgeTick each promise you will make.

For schools

Learn beyond the classroom

Turn learning into an unforgettable adventure. Aquarium of Guam’s educational field trips combine interactive exhibits, guided experiences, and marine conservation to inspire students of all ages while bringing classroom lessons to life.

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