An Entire Year of Reef Education Inspires Guam Residents
The Takeaway: Guam Year of the Reef offered over 50 public events and a museum exhibit to educate thousands on protecting this resource.
Learn MoreStates / Guam
Guam
162,000
Population
$2.2 Million
Employment
Annual Wages
3
Climate and Weather Disasters
(Affecting Guam 2010 to 2018)*
Ocean Economy
Guam’s ocean economy employs up to 21,000 people annually—about one-third of the total economy. Annual gross domestic product is about $5.7 billion.
Leading Employer
Of the six main sectors of Guam’s ocean economy, tourism and recreation is by far the leading employer, at about 88 percent of total ocean employment.
Natural Hazards
One weather disaster affected Guam in 2018—and a total of three affected the territory between 2010 and 2018.
Coastal Resources
Guam’s coral reefs provide almost $17 million in protection to buildings and the local economy every year.**
Sources:
ENOW Pacific Final Report (NOAA Report)
*Disaster Declarations for States and Counties (FEMA Website)
**Rigorously Valuing the Role of U.S. Coral Reefs in Coastal Hazard Risk Reduction (U.S. Geological Survey Report)
(All economic and demographic facts represent the latest data available [2015] and are regularly updated as new data become available)
Making a Difference
in Guam
Coastal Land Cover Partnership Also Benefits Forests and Birds
The Takeaway: Digital Coast and U.S. Forest Service collaboration produces better product at lower cost.
Learn MoreGreen Infrastructure Improves Stormwater Management in Guam
The Takeaway: Green roofs, cisterns, and rain gardens: Guam’s Coastal Management Program is taking a comprehensive approach to flooding and stormwater management.
Learn MoreGuam’s Coral Partners Mitigate Thorny Issue
The Takeaway: NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program joins others in tackling damage from crown of thorns sea stars.
Learn MoreNOAA Commemorates Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month
The Takeaway: Community pride and the centuries-old practices of Native Pacific Islanders inform several NOAA-supported projects to protect this region’s natural treasures.
Learn MoreVolunteers Plant New Forest to Stem Grass Fire and Runoff Risks
The Takeaway: More than 10,000 new trees make communities safer and help protect coral reefs, shorelines, and ecotourism, thanks to partners that include the Guam Coastal Management Program and NOAA.
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