Survey and species inventory of representative pristine marine communities on Guam

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SURVEY AND SPECIES
INVENTORY OF REPRESENTATIVE
PRISTINE MARINE
COMMUNITIES ON GUAM

OCT 1977

C4,11Ai Si 'Ll"A L Zf]SI

INFOP,MATION CEN

SURVEY AND SPECIES INVENTORY OF

REPRESENTATIVE PRISTINE MARINE

COMMUNITIES ON GUAM

Jeanine 0. Stojkovich

Submitted to

Coastal Management Section

Bureau of Planning

Agana, Guam

University of Guam Marine Laboratory

Technical Report No. 40

October 1977

ABSTRACT

Development of coastal areas around Guam, whether it be commer-
cial or private, is steadily on the increase. Early recognition of
naturally diverse and stable areas is crucial for their subsequent
protection as well as coordinated environmental usage.

Under the objectives of the Bureau of Planning, 305 Program,
work request #500811-7-09, and the authority of the Coastal Zone Man-
agement Act of 1972, this survey was commissioned to assist in the
designation of representative pristine marine areas to be protected
from impacts of construction and development, but not to inhibit
existing sport fishing and other recreational uses within controlled
limits. These limits are to be set by the Bureau of Planning.

Pristine marine communities are defined as those areas that have
retained or successfully reestablished their natural character, where
natural character includes the biotic, and to a lesser extent abiotic,
components of scientific, educational and aesthetic value.

Twelve pristine mar ine areas were chosen around the island
representing such physiographic features as estuaries, fringing reefs,
barrier reefs, patch reefs, barrier reef channels, fringing reef
channels, mangrove swamps, seagrass beds, cut benches and submarine
Cliffs.

Selection criteria included the current GEPA water classifica-
tion and number of point discharges for the area; those communities
which due to their ecological character are of critical importance
for scientific investigation and preservation of intact community
structures; and finally those areas which may contain rare, unique or
endangered species,

A brief description of the areas, their character, and the
presence of endangered or threatened species is summarized. Species
lists for fish, macroinvertebrates, corals and benthic algae, plus
maps and field sketches are also included.

TABLE OF CO-INITENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION I

Scope of Work 1
Pristine Marine Communities 3
Threatened and Endangered Species 3
GEPA Water Quality Standards 5
Background 7

METHODS 9

PRISTINE MARINE AREAS:

AREA I - URUNO/RITIDIAN 10
AREA IT - DOUBLE REEF 25
AREA III - HAPUTO BEACH FRINGING REEF 39
AREA IV - LUMINAO BARRIER REEF 53
AREA V - SASA BAY AND ATANTANO RIVER MANGROVES 62
AREA VI - OROTE SUBMARINE CLIFFS 74
AREA VII - ANAE ISLAND PATCH REEF AND TERRACE 85
AREA VITT - CETTI BAY 90
AREA IX - COCOS LAGOON, BARRIER REEF AND CHANNELS 104
AREA X - AJAYAjN BAY 134
AREA X1 - FADIAN POINT AREA CUT BENCHES 147
AREA XII - TARAGUE/SCOUT BEACH 160

SUMMARY TABLE 168

ACKNO14LEDGFMENTS 171

REFERENCES 172

PLATES 174

INTRODUCTION

Guam, like any other growing area, and perhaps more so because
of its island nature, must carefully regulate the use and development
of its coastal areas. The effects of development by the U. S. military,
private industry and more recently tourism and recreational home build-
ing have led to accelerated use and landscape alteration stresses.
Even some of the more remote areas are beginning to. feel such ef fects.

The value of protected marine areas cannot be overemphasized.
They not only provide recreational, photographic and scientific explo-
ration, but the presence of intact dynamic communities containing a
diverse array of organisms, some of which may be uncommon or unique to
Guam, are important indications of environmental stability. In addition
to providing a buffering capacity against external disruptive forces
(Odum, 1971), the diversity-stability relationship also increases the
probability of some of the organisms possessing characteristics such as
high specific sensitivity to certain discrete environmental changes.
These organisms are known as "indicator species" and their reactions
are often more sensitive than any scientific parameter. By comparative
nitoring of protected marine reserves and already modified systems,
then, it may be possible to detect the difference between minor, rela--
mo

tively insignificant changes and the major divergent trends indicative
of serious environmental stress and degradation. See The Nature Con-
servancy (1975).

The purpose of this report is to provide preliminary data towards
the recognition and establishment of pristine marine communities (nat-
ural area marine sanctuaries or areas of particular concern) on Guam
under the objectives of the Coastal Management Section of the Bureau of
Planning, 305 Program, work request #500811-7-09, by the authority of
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. This report is to assist in
the designation of certain areas (of which the communities discussed
are selected. examples) to be protected from impacts of construction
and development, but not to inhibit existing sport fishing and other
recreational uses where applicable.

Scope of Work

Twelve representative pristine marine communities were selected
around the island. Areas were covered seaward from the mean high tide
water mark to approximately thirty meters depth. Selection criteria
included:

a. representatives of the specific areas 'Known as:
1. estuaries
2. fringing reefs

3. barrier reefs
4. patch reefs
5. barrier reef channels
6. fringing reef channels
7. mangrove swamps
8. seagrass beds
9. cut benches
10. submarine cliffs

b. current area usage with respect to the Guam Environmental
Protection Agency (GEPA) water classification ratings and
known point source discharges.

C. those areas which due to their ecological character are
of utmost importance for scientific investigation and
preservation of intact communities as well as of unique
and rare species and their critical habitats.

d. those areas which (in accordance with "c" above) should
be protected from such developments as heavy pollutant
discharges, dredging, land fill, coral harvesting, etc.

Specific work items for the survey included the following for each
area selected:

a. species lists for marine plants (benthic algae and sea-
grasses), fishes, corals and macroinvertebrates.

b. maps of each area showing the major physio.-raphic features
and locations of interesting and/or unique biotic habitats.

c. a description of each area explaining the ecological sig-
nificance and any special observations or findings.

d. recognition of threatened or endangered species and their
critical habitats. (See section on endangered and
threatened species).

e. recommendations of performance standards for the develop-
ment and/or use of land and water adjacent to the described
pristine areas.

The above items are presented in a systematic way, augmented by
maps, tables and photographs for each selected area. The geographic
size of each area is arbitrary at this time. Specific boundary areas
are to be established by the Bureau of Planning at a later date.

The twe Ive selected areas are representative community types.
Alternative or additional area candidates are suggested at the end of
each individual section.

Fia
C,ure 1 shows the selected pristine areas which are discussed
separately in the subsequent sections.

Pristine Marine Community

In the strictest scientific sense there are probably no pristine
marine communities on Guam, for the concept itself is one of ecologic
perfection demanding the total absence of human activities and influ-
ences. Certainly, there are few places anywhere that can meet such
stringent requirements. Casting aside the obvious points of defini-
tional debate, however, there can be little argument as to the pre-
sence of many natural areas on Guam that have incurred minimal human
impact and whose natural web of dynamic control systems have allowed
them to remain stable and essentially unspoiled.

For purposes of this report, pristine marine community shall be
defined as an area that has retained or successfully feestablished
its natural character. Natural character includes the biotic, and
to a lesser extent abiotic components of scientific, educational and
aesthetic value. Of specific interest is the preservation of natural
ecologic stability through diversity and to provide critical habitats
for uncommon and possibly threatened or endangered species. Such
selected representative areas need not be completely undisturbed but
are those in need of protection against adjacent land or water use
developments involving construction, pollutant discharge, dredging,
filling, coral harvesting, commercial fishing, etc. Planned recre-
ational use and sport fishing within tolerable environmental limits
is to be retained where applicable.

Threatened and_Endangered Species

. The recognition and classification of threatened and endangered
(formerly rare) marine species on Guam is an area of acute concern.
The ambiguity of the 1973 Federal Endangered Species Act (Public Law
93-205) and its lack of specifically delineated selection criteria
for such biota, has led to considerable confusion over which organisms
should and should not be included. For this reason several prelimi-
nary efforts to identify candidate species by interested citizens and
professionals alike, have met with marginal success at best.

At the present time there are no officially threatened or
endangered species of algae, macro invert ebrat es, fish or corals in the
coastal marine waters of Guam.*

*Personal communications from H. T. Kami (Chief Biologist-Division
of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources), R. H. Randall (Coral specialist-
Marine Laboratory), Dr. L. G. Eldredge (Invert ebrat es-Mar ine Laboratory),
Dr. R. T. Tsuda (Marine Plants-Marine Laboratory), and Dr. S. S. Amesbury
(Fish-Marine Laboratory).

AREA 1:

Area

AREA XII:
Tarague/Scout
GUA14 Beach

AREA II:
Double Reef b.
& adjacent beach
AREA III:
HaDuto Beach &
Fringing Reef

AREA IV:
L
min
u ao Barrier Reef

cp AREA V:
Sasa Bay & Atantano
River Mangroves

AREA XI:
Fadian Point Area
A A VI:
VI.

t
Orote Sub
1 Tm ine Cliffs &
"Blue Ho e ,

AREA VII:
Anae Island
Patch Reef

AREA VIII:
Cetti Bay

APEA IX: Cocos
Lagoon, Barrier Reefs Figure 1. Map of Guam
& Channels showing the
location of
selected
oristine marine
communities.

AREA X- Ajayan Bay

Larger pelagic (open ocean) organisms such as whales and turtles are
already included in the Federal Register (U.S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries,
1973) and will not be discussed here. The fact that none are officially
listed however, does not mean that such organisms do not exist, for un-
doubtedly they do. What it does mean is that systematic scientific in-
vestigation has not been conducted to realistically ascertain whether or
not a species is genuinely threatened or endangered. The fact that a
species has been seen in one locale does not justify its being classified
as threatened or endangered since in most cases no one has searched for it
elsewhere. Second, an uncommon organism on Guam may be found abundantly
on other Micronesian islands, The range of organisms throughout Micronesia
is not known.

In this report, threatened or endangered is used in a tentative sense
only. Some of these organisms definitely need further investigation so
that they may be nominated for official listing in the Federal Register.
Table I lists those organisms thought to be threatened or endangered on
Guam with pertinent information on location and status.

For additional information the reader is refered to O'Connor (1974)
and Threatened Wildlife of the U. S., Resource Publication 114 (.1973).

GEPA Water Quality Standards

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency (1975) recognizes two water
quality classifications for the coastal marine waters of Guam (Fig. 2).
These are:

Category "AA" = conservation

The uses to be protected in this category of waters are
marine research, propagation of aquatic life (particularly
coral reef organisms), conservation of wilderness areas,
aesthetic enjoyment, and such recreational activities as
do not impair the other established uses. This category of
waters shall remain free from pollution attributable to
domestic, commercial, and industrial discharges or agri-
cultural, construction and other land-use practices that
impair their protected use. . .

Category "A" = recreational

The uses to be protected in this category of waters are
recreation (including swimming, surfing, skin and SCUBA
diving, skiing, and other primary contact sports),
aesthetic enjoyment, propagation of aquatic and associ-
ated wildlife, commercial., industrial and navigational
uses.

Table 1. Coastal marine organisms thought to be rare (R) or uncommon (U)
to Guam. Some of the listed organisms may be endangered or
threatened species candidates for the Federal Register.. These
species are indicated with an asterick

SPECIES STATUS REPORTED LOCATION

CORALS

Euphy lia sp R*
Pachyclavularia violacea U Orote submarine terrace
Pavona frondifera U Apra Harbor
Pectinia lactuca U Apra Harbor
Plerogyra sinuosa R*
Tubastraea aurea P'* Double Reef, Apra Harbor,
Manell Channel

FISHES

None

ALGAE

None

MACROINVERTEBRATES

ARTHROPODA
Birgus latro Tj

MOLLUSCA
Cassis -cornuta U
Charonia tritonus U
.@@aea aurantium U
Tridacna maxima U

CHORDATA
Chelonia mydas (Green Turtle) On Federal variable
Register
Eretmochelys imbricata On Federal variable
(Hawksbill Turtle) Register

MANGROVE PLANTS

Barringtonia racemosa These organisms are
Bruguiera gymnorrhiza locally abundant but
Lumnitzera littorea. their critical
Rhizophora apiculTta habitat is severely
Rhizophora mucronata threatened. These
Xylocarpus moluccensis plants could literally
be lost overnight.

Themain distinction between the two classifications is the
allowance of ccmmercial, industrial and navigational uses in the
latter. In both cases pollutant discharges are to be controlled to
meet the specific requirements of each, the requirements being more
rigorous in the "AA" category.

In the majority of the cases the selected pristine communities
lie within the "AA" classification. Exceptions are noted. Figure
2 maps the categories for the island.

Background

No broad study has been made of representative pristine marine
community types as outlined above for the express purpose of the
eventual establishment of marine sanctuaries, although several de-
tailed studies have been done on specific locales, usually in con-
junction with other developmental projects.

The Guam National Seashore proposal of 1967 wished to set aside
most of the southern end of the island including the coastal areas
extending from Facpi Point to Ajayan Bay. The large area involved
and the implications of controlling such an area were among the
factors leading to its demise. Currently, a new proposal is under
review which will set aside sanctuaries under a similar plan.

The single best overview of geology, hydrology and physiography
of Guam's coastal regions can be found in Coastal Survey of Guam
(Randall and Holloman, 1974). The report ontains numerous maps
tables, photographs and an extensive review of the related literature,
especially that of Emery (1962).

Basic coastal outlines and fringing reef contour maps including
brief physiographic descriptions and the presence of seagrass beds
can be found in the Atlas of Reefs and Beaches of Guam (Randall and
Eldredge, 1976). This atlas served as a mapping base in this report.

The Preservation of Natural Diversity: A Survey and Recommenda-
tions (Nature Conservancy, 1975) presents an excellent overview and
in-depth discussion of possible conservation approaches and their
legal implications. Specific national and international examples of
functioning sanctuaries systems are given. A full discussion of these
factors is beyond the scope of this paper but interested persons are
strongly encouraged to consult this report.

Biotic information and species lists were obtained from several
sources plus additional field visits. Those technical reports,
marine environmental surveys, -miscellaneous reports and personal com-
muniques are reviewed and referenced for each individual area and
included at the end of each section.

AA,

LEGEND
MARINE WATERS
.A 0 SERVATION
K-1
A GENERAL USE AA
N
% AA

ESTUARIES
C ESTUARIES - SALT MANSHES

FRE H SURFACE WATERS
2..'S
CONSERVATION
2b-I
2a,11
GENERAL USE
2b-11

GROUNDWATERS
lb-I CONSERVATION ZONE
kHI RESOURCE ZONE
6-10 RECHARGE ZONE

2b-11

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

:gT
AA

A
A

A WATER CLASSIFICATiON MAP

Figure 2. Guam Environmental Protection Agency water classification
system. AA conservation, A = recreational. (Courtesy
GEPA)

METHODS

General study site information including both physiographic and
biotic data was gleaned from the existing literature whenever possi-
ble. In most cases this proved insufficient and field visits were
necessary. These consisted of single day reconnaissance trips to
each area.

Field notes, sketches and photographs of reef detail were com-
piled and are shown on the maps for each area. All maps are 1:4800
scale unless otherwise specified using the Atlas of Reefs and Beaches
01
of Guam (Randall and Eldredge, 1976) as a base. Reef and offshor e
details are included but are not to scale.

Information on species composition at each site was obtained by
having'all investigators snorkel or SCUBA through the area. Each
person concentrated on a particular component, i.e.,,,' -marine plants,
fish, corals or macroinvertebrates, qualitatively noting the pre-
dominant species and/or any striking peculiarities of community size,
diversity or distribution. Although six standard physiographic zones
(intertidal, inner/outer reef flat, margin, margin face, submarine
terrace and slope) are typically recognized, in many cases they have
been "lumped together" biologically. This proved necessary based on
available information and differing physical characteristics of each
area.

It must be emphasized that no transects or other quantitative
sampling methods were employed. No statistical inferences regarding
abundance or density should be drawn from the species lists.

It is also noted that one day visits to an area necessarily pre-
clude generation of a complete species list. This is particularly
important with respect to transient individuals such as fish. Species.
lists for the Cocos area, Sasa Bay and the Uruno-Ritidian areas are
fairly complete based on previous more extensive investigations. Ob-
viously, no information is available for diurnal or seasonal biotic
changes in species composition. The included lists are preliminary
and cursory at best. Absence of common genera does not necessarily
mean that they are not there but that they were not observed at the
time of the study. Additions are expected and welcome.

AREA I:
URUNO-RITIDIAN AREA

The extreme northwestern coast of Guam extending from Falcona
Beach north to Ritidian Point is the longest stretch of pristine
beach on the island. The entire area lies within Andersen Air Force
Base military reservation and, with the exception of a few private
roads, the area is largely inaccessible to the public. Heavy swells
and strong currents, especially near Ritidian, often make boat access
hazardous as well.

A small section of reef flat between Ritidian Channel and Achae
Point was selected (Fig. 3). The area was chosen because of its
cuestal algal ridge and reef flat platform development, typical of
northwest Guam. The reef flat extending from Achae to Uruno is
similar although a deeper moat has resulted in a more highly developed
coral community in several places. For purposes of this report, the
general community types are lumped together.

Two previous studies have been conducted in the area. Dickinson
and Tsuda (1975) investigated the biological and environmental impact
of resort development at Uruno. Their species lists have been used
to augment these listings, (Tables 2-5). Randall and Holloman (1974)
studied the geology, hydrology and physiography of this coastal sector.
Portions of their physiographic, description are incorporated here..

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency's water quality classi-
fication for this area is "AA", conservation. No pointsource dis-
charges are known in this area (Shidel, 1977).

The study site was divided into three broad zones (Fig. 4); (1)@
thereef flat and associated moat, (2) reef margin and face with.its
cuestal algal ridge, and (3) the submarine terrace and slope.

The sandy inner reef-flat zone was only sparsely inhabited with
the marked exception of Caulerpa antoensis, a small rhizoidal green
alga able to tolerate constantly shifting sands. A shallow and well
developed moat, ranging from 1-1.5 meters deep, extended out to the
reef margin and algal ridge. Coral development in particular became
progressively more luxurious, seaward towards the back side of the
algal ridge. Small, low relief colonies gave way to larger thickets
and colonies of Acropora and Porites. Goniastrea retiformis,
Pocillopora damicornis, Psammocora contigua and Millepora species
were also abundant. Towards Uruno, higher relief colonies were more
common.

The moat and outer reef platform contained a rich composition of
both turf and fleshy algae. Chlorodesmis, Halimeda, Caule

NA
A To Ritidian Channel

KEY:
All 11 rocky shore
South Ritidian
Beach coastline with
beach
fringing reef
N depressed areas

moat

c c ct low relief
corals

Achae Point

surge channels.,",

Uruno
.IC,:
Beach

r
To
'C'
Uruno Beach

C
C
C

r %
Figure 3. Uruno/Ritidian Area
I = this study
C
IT = Dickinson & Tsuda
C %
(1975) .1

Wave Act,

Inner Depressed Outer Reef Flat
Reef Flat Moat showing raised
U algal ridge
qN. near margin Face
CQ
ISubma

Terr

Reef Flat
10
6@!D)

Figure 4. Generalized profile of major reef divisions along the northwest coast of Guam.

Boodlea, Turbinaria and Gelidium species were visually dominant
though many species were observed.

A wide and colorful variety of fish were observed in the moat
area. Chaetodontids', pomacentrids, acanthurids and balistids
were abundant. These are among the most beautiful reef fishes.

Dominant macroinvertebrates in this zone included the sea cu-
cumbers Holothuria atra and Stichopus chloronotus, and the blue
starfish Linckia la;@J@egata.

The second zone was characterized by a cuestal algal ridge. The
Uruno-Ritidian area is a good representative of this type of margin
development. The ridge is typically above the high water line and
continuously wave washed. A thick orange mat of the red alga
Gelidiella acerosa covers the entire ridge. The coralline alga
Porolithon onkodes was also dominate though less conspicuous Small
Pocillopora colonies were found in a few sheltered crevices.

The third zone consisted of a terrace 5-10 meters in width which
abruptly dropped to approximately 15 meters. Scoured surge channels
up to 8 meters wide cut through the reef platform in several places
allowing free access between the reef platform and terrace.

Coral cover was moderate to sparce in this zone due to heavy
Acanthaster planci predation in the late sixties (Chesher, 1969).
Recolonization is evident but a low relief is still maintained. The
encrusting coral Montipora is quite common in several different
colors. Favia, Platygyra, Porites and Pocillopora species were also
common.

Algal cover was rich with the larger forms prevalent. Halymenia,
Galaxaura and Halimeda species dominated.

The radical topography, holes, overhangs and crevices present in
the terrace and slope zones have created numerous habitats for fish
and invertebrates, Acanthurids, blennies, pomacentrids and labrids
were abundant. Larger game fish and grey sharks are known to inhabit
the area though none were seen.

The Federally endangered hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys
imbricata) has been seen in this area in the deeper slope waters.
This is probably a transient condition. No other threatened or en-
dangered species are known for this area.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The coastline extending from Uruno Point to Ritidian, a distance
of approximately 1.9 kilometers is one of the most pristine stretches
of beach and reefs on Guam. The size of this area necessarily pre-

cluded its entire consideration in this report. However, it is
strongly recommended that the entire coastal sector-be made a
reserve if possible. Any section of this strip could serve as an
alternative site.

The presence of many beautiful corals and fish on both the reef
flat platform and terrace areas, combined with an abundance of game
fish, striking topography and clear water, make this area a strong
preservation candidate.

The following recommendations are suggested:

1) that this area be established as a natural marine
sanctuary in which no coral harvesting, net
fishina or other such activity be permitted.

2) because of heavy swells and strong currents, recrea-
tional development is probably not a viable alterna-
tive without major developmental modification
(Dickinson and Tsuda, 1975).

Table 2. Checklist of benthic algae observed at the Uruno/Ritidian
study site. observed by Dickinson and Tsuda (1975).

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3
CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Microcoleus,lyngbyaceus x x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x x
S. mexicana x x x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Boergesenia forbesii x
Boodlea composita x
Caulerpa antoensis xx
C. racemosa x x
iAic. serrulata x x
dhfo-rodesmis fastigiata x x
*Cladophoropsis membranacea x
Dictyosphaeria cavernosa x
D. versluysii x
tOEnteromor2ha clathrata x
*Halimeda copiosa x x
*H. discoidea x x
H. incrassata x x
H. opuntia x x x
H. velasquezii x x
!@Ricrodictyon ok-amurai x x
Neomeris annulata x x x
*Neomeris vanbosseae x x x
*Valonia aegagropila x
Valonia ventricosa x x
*Valoniopsis pachynema x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x
D. friabilis x x
*Feldmannia indica x x
Lobophora variegata x x x
Padina jonesii x x
P. minor x
*Ralfsia pangoensis x
Sargassum cristaefolium x
*Sphacelaria tribuloides x x
@urbinaria ornata x x

16
Table 2. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2

RHODPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fraRilis x
Amphiroa fragilissima x x
Cham2ia parvula x
*Chondria sp. x
*Dasyphila plumarioides x
Desmia hornemanni x
*Galaxaura filamentosa x
G. marginata x x
G. oblongata x x
Gelidiella acerosa x xx
Gelidiopsis intricata x x
Gelidium pusillum x x
Gelidium sp. x x
*jjy@2nea cervicornis' x
Jania capillacea x x x
*Leveillea jungermannioides x
Liagora sp. x
Polysiphonia sp. x x x

Table 3. Checklist of corals observed at the Uruno/Ritidian study
site. observed by Dickinson and Tsuda (1975).

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2

ANTHOZOA
THAMNASTERIIDAE

Psammocora contigua x x

POCILLOPORIDAE

Styolphora mordax x
Pocillopora damicornis x
P. elegans x
P. setchelli x
*P. verrucosa x

ACROPORIDAE

*Acropora abrota'noides x
A. aspera x
A. hebes x
@A. irregularis x x
A. nasuta x
A. squarrosa x
*X. tubicinaria x
*Astreopora,lioteri x
*A. myriophthalma x
*Montipora conicuia x
M. ehrenbergii x
im-. -eri x
*M. tuberculosa x
i@m-. -verrucosa x

AGARICIIDAE

*Pavona clavus x
1AT varians x

FUNGIIDAE

Fungia fungities x

PORITIDAE

*Porites lichen x
P. lutea x x

Table 3. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2

FAVIIDAE

Favia. pallida x
*F. stelliRera x
Pavites virens
*Oulophyllia crispa x
Plesiastrea sp. x
*Goniastrea. pectinata x
G. retiformis x
Platygyra rustica x
P. sinensis x
*Leptoria phry&jA x
L. sp. x
feptastrea purpurea x
Cyphastrea. chalcidicum x
*C. serailia x

MUSSIDAE

Acanthastrea echinata x

HELIOPORIDAE

Heliopora coerulea x

ALCYONIIDAE

Lobophytum crebriplicat x x
Sinularia densa x x

NEPHTHEIDAE
HYDROZOA Stereonephthya sp. x
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora dichotoma x
M. exaesa x
M. platyphylla x

Table 4. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at the
Uruno/Ritidian study site. observed by Dickinson
and Tsuda (1975).

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

PORIFERA

Cinachyra australiensis x

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Astrea rhodostoma x
*Conus chaldaeus x
* C. ebraeus x
!@C. miles x
*C. miliaris x
C. sponsalis x
*Cymatium po-leare x
*Cy2raea meneta x
@C. tigris x
Drupa clathrata x
D. morum x
-5. ricinus x
*Lambis sp. x
*Latirus sp. x
Thais armigera x
*T. tuberosa. x
'-.@erita plicata x
Trochus niloticus x
*Turbo argyrostoma x
*Vasum ceramicum x
V. turbinellus x

BIVALVIA

Tridacna maxima x

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

*Choriaster granulatus x
*Culcita novaeguineae x
Linckia laevigata x
L. multiflora x
L. pacifica x

Table 4. (continued)

ZONES
SEECIES 1 2

ECHINOIDEA

*Echinometra mathaei x
Echinostrephus aciculatus x
Echinothrix diadema x

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopyga echinites x
Bohadschia 2Egus x
B..bivittata x
Holothuria atra x
*H. cinerascens x
4-1. icilis x
*H. hilla x
H. nobilis x
Stichopus chloronotus x

ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

Calcinus gaimardi x
Dardanus guttatus x

Table 5. Checklist of fishes observed at the Uruno/Ri tidian study
site. observed by Dickinson and Tsuda (1975).

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

ACANTHURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius x
A. guttatus x x
A. lineatus x x
A. nigrofuscus x
*A. olivaceous x
X. stegus x
Ctenochaetus striatus x
Naso lituratus x

APOGONIDAE

*.Cheilodipterus quinguelineata x

BALiSTIDAE

Balistapus undulatus x
Balistes chrysopterus x
Melichthys vidua x
*Rhinecanthus rectangulus x x

BLENNIIDAE

Cirripectes variolosus x x
C. sp. x x
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma x

BLOTHIDAE

*"Bothid sp.

CANTHIGASTERIDAE

Canthiaaster solandri x

CARCHARHINIDAE

Carcharhinus melanopterus x
C. menisorrah x

CHAETODONTIDAE

*.Centropyge flavissimus x

Table 5. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

*Chaetodon ARE:iZa x
C. citrinellus x
C. ephippium x
C. ornatissimus x
6. quadrimaculatus x
*Megaprotodon strigangulus (=C. trifascialis) x
Pomacanthus imperator x

CIRRHITIDAE

,Cirrhitus pinnulatus x x
-@aracirrhites forsteri x
P. hemistictus x x

FISTULARIIDAE

Fistularia sp. x

GOBIIDAE

*Eleotrides strigatus x x
Ptereleotris tricolor x

HOLOCENTRIDAE

*Adioryx sp. x

LABRIDAE

Anampses caeruleopunctatus x
*Cirrhilabrus sp. x
Cheilinus rhodochrous x
C. trilobatus x
domphosus varius x
Halichoeres hortulanus (=H. centiquadrus) x x
@H. marginatus x x
*H. trimaculatus x x x
*Hemigymnus fasciatus x
*H. melapterus x
fabroides dimidiatus x x
Macropharyngodon pardalis x
*Stethojulis axillaris x x
�, bandanensis x
Yha-lassoma fuscum x x
*T. hardwickei x

Table 5. (continued

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

T. purpureum x x
quinquevittata x

LUTJANIDAE

Caesio sp. x
Lutjanus monostigmus x x
Lutjanus sp. x
*Scolopsis cancellatus x

11ONACANTHIDAE

Amanses sp, x

MUGILOIDIDAE

*Parapercis cephalopunctatus

MULLIDAE

*Mulloidichthys auriflamma x
*M. samoensis x
Parupeneus bifasciatus x
P. cyclostomus x
multifasciatus x x
pleurostigma x

POMACENTRIDAE

*Abudefduf amabilis (=Glyphidodontops leucopomus) x
*A. dicki (=Plectroglyphidadon dickii) x
*A. glaucus (=@Glyphidodont2ps glaucus) x
@@A-. !7e-uco-pomus.!.(=Glyphidodontops leucopomus) x
WK. leucozona, (=Glyphidodontops fe-ucozona) x
*A. septemfasciatus x
ATA--. sordidus x
*Chromis caeruleas x
*Dascyllus aruanus x
Glyphidodo@-n-tops leucopomus x x
Plectroglyphidodon dickii x
R. imparipennis x
P. leucozona x x
P. phoenixensis x
*Pomacentrus amboinensis x

Table 5. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2

*p. nigricans (=Eupomacentrus nigricans) x
*P. vaiuli x x

SCARIDAE

Scarus sordidus x
S. sp. x
Xanothon margaritus x

SERRANIDAE,

E2inephelus sp. x

TETRAODONTIDAE

*Arothron hispidus x

TRIAKIDAE

Triaenodon obesus- x

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus x

AREA II:
DOUBLE REEF

Located on the northwest coast of Guam, between Falcona Beach
and Pugua Point, Double Reef consists of a narrow fringing reef and
an adjacent patch reef, approximately 350 meters off shore (Fig. 5).
The surrounding land is part of the U. S. Naval Communications
Finegayan Military Reservation and the Federal Aviation Administra-
tion. Calm seas and good anchorage make water access possible
throughout most of the year. No land access is possible. Clear
water and changing,topography, combined with two highly diversified
reef communities, make Double Reef an' excellent representative
pristine marine area.

No previous survey has been done for the Double Reef area with
respect to the marine biotic community. A partial physiographic
description of the area is given by Randall and Holloman (1974). The
following summary is taken in part from their report.

Double Reef is a small oval patch reef measuring approximately
300 meters in diameter. The upper surface of the reef is typically
wave-washed and occasionally exposed during low spring tides. An
adjacent developmental reef front and submarine terrace zone extend
both northwest and shoreward to the fringing reef platform. A sandy
channel floor lies south of the patch reef. Many holes, and coral
ridges with equivalent reliefs of 20-50 feet (6 - 15 meters) are
located shoreward on the submarine terrace. The range of topography
and its beauty make Double Reef a favorite recreational spot for
SCUBA diving, fishing and photography.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water rating for the
Double Reef area is "AA" - conservation. No point source discharges
are known in the area (Shidel, 1977).

Two visits were made to the Double Reef area. For purposes of
this discussion the study area was divided into four zones: (1) the
inner reef flat, (2) outer reef-flat and margin face, (3) submarine
terrace with its massive coral ridges and sand channels and (4) the
patch reef. Tables 6 through 9 list the various species observed in
the four zones.

Zone 1, the inner reef flat platform, consisted of a narrow,
poorly developed, sand covered limestone pavement. Freshwater springs
were abundant. The green alga, Enteromorpha clathrata and the inver-
tebrate Holothuria atra were the only organisms observed. Most of
the platform is exposed at low tide.

1:4800

small beac

fringing reef with
C, nd
massive spur a
0e G groove sy stem

C. C,
C. t C C
C t
C1 C C
C C
4LC C 'C c- C.
C C f. C@
C C
C sand channels

C C
C. large Acropora
formosa thicket

old boat
wreckage sandy submarine terrace
::-,. -C with intermittant coral
C. C C@ C 1% mounds and ninnacles
C. G - -
r- Q r- r C
C- r CC C C C
C. C
C C C
Ile C, r- C C- C, C, r-
Pat ch Reef C C C C C C. hi
r , C C Q- C
C rz C- C maj
C CC CC C, C C
C cc C C
C C.
C C C C C C re(
C C. C C.
C. C. C.
exposed at rc
low tide
C-a

r- C-

Figure 5., Double Reef Patch reef and adjacent fringing reef. C.

C. et C
C Q

The outer reef flat and margin face (Zone 2) were characterized
by a porous substratum riddled with small channels, indentations and
holes, some measuring 8-10 meters in depth. In several places
grooves were overgrown at the top by calcareous algae and coral, form-
ing semi-enclosed overhangs which formed a triangle in cross-section.
Holes in the ceiling structure admit light, creating spectacular and
ell protected habitats for a wide variety of organisms, especially
fish. This honeycombed reef structure was similar to that found at
w

Haputo Reef approximately one mile south.

Coral coverage was high and remarkably diverse for northwestern
0
Guam. In general, colonies tended to be of low relief and of the
encrusting type. Many attractively branched and colorful Pocillopora
and Acropora species were noted.

The honeycombed reef structure has resulted in a highly diver-
sified and exceedingly rich ichthyofauna. W6nty-four families
representing 108 species were identified for the three combined areas.
With more observations this could be increased by 25-30 percent.
Chaetodontids and pomacentrids were visually dominant.

Algal cover was rich and diverse. Both turf and fleshy algae
were well represented. Celidium, Ceramium and Polysiphonia species
along with Halimeda, Chlorodesmis, Dictyota, Galaxaura, Mastophora
and Amphiroa species dominated. Of special importance were the
crustose and coralline red algae. Mesophyllum, Lithophyllum,
Lithoporella and Corallina species were abundant though less impres-
sive than those specimens observed at Haputo.

Macroinvertebrates seemed to be fairly evenly dispersed. The
blue starf ish Linckia laviegata and the holothurion Stichopus
chloronotus were common. The "crown-of-thorns" starfish, Acanthaster
planci was only observed twice. See Table 8.

The submarine terrace (Zone 3) was characterized by massive coral
ridges. This physiographic feature was not well developed at Haputo.
The ridges rise at angles of 45 degrees or more from wide sand channel
floors to within 3 meters of the surface. Many were 10 meters or more
in height and 100-120 meters long, gradually tapering off with the
terrace floor.

Because of the widely variable relief in this zone, considerable
differences in community structure were apparent. The massive coral
ridges were virtually covered by small Pocillopora and Acropora
colonies with a variety of other genera intersper-sed. In se-veral
places massive Porites and Acropora mounds and pillars added to the
relief. Directly opposite the patch-reef, two extensive thickets of
the staghorn coral, Acropora formosa, extended from the reef margin
to the terrace.

Much of this zone, notably south of the patch reef, consisted
of sand floors with little vegetation. In one area the wreakage of an
old boat has created an artificial reef for many colorful corals and
fishes.

The diversity of marine plants was somewhat less than that observed
in Zone 2. Chlorodesmis, Halimeda, Galaxaura, Desmia and Turbinaria
species were visually dominant in addition to many turf algal species.
Particularly striking was the fleshy red alga, Halymenia durvillaei.
Some of the bushy thalli were one meter tall.

The patch reef (Zone 4) consisted of reef-rock pavement with local
patches of sand, rubble and scattered coral/algal communities. The
extreme western side of the patch reef is almost continuously wave
T Gelidiella acerosa, and the fleshy algae,
.4ashed. The turf alga,,,
Halimeda, Dictyota and Galaxaura species were conspicuous, although
many other genera were also present in abundance.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Double Reef area represents a rich and diverse pristine marine
community. The "rare to Guam" coral, Tubastraea aurea, has been
reported by Randall in this area. No threatened or endangered species
have been identified specifically for this area, although it is impor-
tant to realize that the fragile nature of any pristine community is
such that anything short of preservation and controlled recreational
use could result in a large number of species being locally threatened
in a short time.

The following recommendations are suggested for the Double Reef
area:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary in
which no coral harvesting, fishing or other such activity
be allowed.

2 that swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities
should be retained.

3) that a "Thermos Law" be enforced to halt beverage can
litter.

Table 6. Checklist of benthic algae observed at Double Reef.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x
Schizothrix mexicana x x x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Boergesenia forbesii x
Bryopsis, pennata, x x
Boodlea composita x
Caulerpa racemosa x x x
6. serrulata, x x x
dhlorodesmis fastigiata x x x
Codium edule x
'Eictyosphaeria versluysii x x
Enteromor@ha clathrata x
Halimeda macroloba x x
H. opuntia, x x x
-ff. velasquezii x x
geomeris annulata x x x
Rhipilia, orientalis x
Tydemannia expeditionis x x
Udotea argentea x x
11. geppi x
Valonia ventricosa x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x x x
D. divaricata x x
C. friabilis x x
Lobophora variegata x x x
Padina jonesii x
P. tenuis x x
Tur-binaria ornata x x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragi x
Amphiroa, foliacea x
A. fragilissima x

Table 6. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

Centroceras minutum x
Ceramium gracillimum x
C. sp. x
Torallina sp. x x
Desmia hornemanni x x
Galaxaura marginata x x x
Gelidiella acerosa x
Gelidium crinale x
G. divaricatum x
Halymenia durvillaei x x x
Hypnea, pannosa x x
Jania capillacea x x
J. tenella x x x
Ze@eillea jungermannioides x
Lithophyllum sp. x
Lithoporella sp. x
Mastophora sp. x x x
Mesophyllum mesomor2hum x
Peyssonelia rubra. x
Porolithon onkodes x x

Table 7. Checklist of corals observed at Double Reef.

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

ANTHOZOA
THAMNASTERIIDAE

Psammocora (S.) sp. x

POCILLOPORIDAE

Stylophora mordax x x
Pocillopora damicornis x x
P. elegans x x
P. meandrina x
P. sp. 1 x x
P. sp. 2 x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora cuneata x x
A. nana x x
,@i. -1@u-mi i i s x
A. irregularis x
'@i. -nasuta x x
A. squarrosa x x
A. formosa x
s -p. x x
A, sp* 2 x x
@iontipora ehrenbergii x x
M. foveolata x
M. tuberculosa x
9. -sp-. x

PORITIDAE

Goniopora columna x
Porites lutea x x
P. matthaii x
P. sp. 1 x x
P. sp. 2 x
IF. sp. 3 x

FAVIIDAE

Favia sp. 1 x x
F. sp. 2 x
Favites abdita x

Table 7. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

Plesiastrea sp. x
Goniastrea sp. x
Platygyra sinensis x
P. sp. x
Leptoria sp. x x
Leptastrea sp. x

OCULINIDAE

Galaxea sp. x x

MUSSIDAE

Lobophyllia sp. 1 x x
L. sp. 2 x

RELIOPORIDAE

Heliopora coerulea x

ALCYONIIDAE

Lobophyt sp. x
Sarcopbyton trocheliophor x x
Sinularia densa x x
S. sp. x

ZOANTHIDAE

Palythoa sp. x

HYDROZOA
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora dicbotoma x x
11. platyphylla x x
M. tenera x

STYLASTERIDAE

Distichopora violacea x

Table 8. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at Double
Reef.

ZONES
SPECIES 2 4

PORIFERA

Cinachyra australiensis x x

MOLLUSCA
AMPHINEURA

Unknown sp. x

GASTROPODA

Astraea rhodostoma x
Conus ebraeus x
C. flavidus x
C. Hvidus x x
C. miles x x
iff. rattus x x
C., sponsalis x
Cypraea caputserpentis x x
T moneta x x
Drupa morum x x
D. ricinus x x
Mancinella tuberosa x
Morula granulata x
M. uva x x
Patella sp. 1 x
P. sp. x
Trochus niloticus x x
Tectus pyramis x x
Vasum ceramicum. x
V. turbinellus x

BIVALVIA

Tridacna maxima x x

CEPHALOPODA

Unknown octopus sp. x

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

Acanthaster planci x x

Table 8. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 4

Culcita novaguineae x
Linckia laevigata x x

ECHINOIDEA

Echinometra mathaei x x
Echinostrephus aciculatus x
Echinothrix sp. x x
Heterocentrotus mamillatus x

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopyga echinites x x
Bohadschia argus x
Holothuria atra x x
H. nobilis x x
Stichopus chloronotus x

OPHIUROIDEA

Ophiocoma erinaceus x
0. sp. x

ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

Grapsus grapsus x
Hapalocarcinus marsupialis x
Panulirus versicolor x
Trizopagurus strigatus x

Table 1, Checklist of fishes observed at Double Reef,

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

ACANTHURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius x x
A. lineatus x x
A. nigrofuscus x x
A. sp. x
Ctenochaetus striatus x x
Naso hexacanthus x
K.-lit-uratus x x
N. unicornus x x
-@eb@r-asoma flavescens x
Z. veliferum x x

AULOSTOMIDAE

Aulostomus chinesis x

BALISTIDAE

Balistes chrysopterus (=Sufflamen chrysoptera) x x
B. undulatus (=Balistapus undulatus) x x
Melich.thys niger x
Pseudobalistes flavomarginatus x
Rhinecanthus, aculeatus x

BLENNIDAE

Cirripectes sebae x
C. variolosus x
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis x

CANTHIGASTERIDAE

Canthigaster margaritatus x
C. solandri x

CHAETODONTIDAE

Centropyge bispinosus x
Chaetodon auriga x
C. bennetti x
citrinellus x x
ephippium x x
C. lunula x x
Z.'Z;r-natissimus x

Table 9.1 (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

C. punctato-fasciatus x
C. reticulatus x x
6. asciatus x x
Z@. ulientensis x x
Forcipiger flavissimus x x

CIRRHITIDAE

Cirrhitus pinnulatus x x
Paracirrhites forsteri x

GOBIIDAE

Ptereleotris tricolor x

REMIRAMPHIDAE

Hyporhamphus sp. x

HOLOCENTRIDAE

Adioryx spinifer x x
myripristis amaenus x
M. sp. x

KYPHOSIDAE

Kyphosus sp. x

LABRIDAE

Aiiampses caeruleopanctatus x x
A. twisti x
Cheilinus rhodochrous x
C. trilobatus x x
.@oris aygula x
.q. gaimard. x
Epibulus insidiator x x
Gomphosus varius x x
Halichoeres hortulanus(=H. centiquidrus) x x
margaritaceus x x
H. marginatus x x
Hemi@ymnus fasciatus x
H. melapterus x x

Table 9. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

Hemipteronotus taeniourus x x
Labroides bicolor. x
L. dimidiatus x x
Macropharyngodon meleagris x x
Stethojulis bandanensis x x
Thalassoma hardwickei x x
T. lutescens x
T.'quinguevittata x x

LETHRINIDAE

Monotaxis grandoculis x

LUTJANIDAE

Aphareus furcatus x
Lutjanus fulvus x
L. gibbus x x
L. sp. 1 x
f. sp. 2 x

MONACANTHIDAE

Cantherhines pardalis x x
OMonacanthus longirostris x x

MULLIDAE

Parupeneus cyclostomus x x
P. trifasciatus x x
-sp. x

OSTRACIONTIDAE

Ostracion meleagris x x
PEMPITERIDAE s oualensis x
Pempheri

POMACENTRIDAE

Abudefduf coelestinus x
A. saxatilis x X.

Table 9. (conti-nued)

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

A. vaigiensis x
Amphiprion melanopus x x
Chromis acares x
C. atripectoralis x x
C. caerulea x
]Uas@-C-Ylius aruanus x
D. reticulatus x x
D. trimaculatus x
Glyphidodontops leucopomus x x
Pomacentrus pavo x
P. vaiuli x
Stegastes fasciolatus x x
S. sp. x
Plectroglyphidodon lacrymatus x x
P. dickii x
P. sp. 1 x
P. sp. 2 x

SCARIDAE

Scarus Shobban x
S. oviceps x
S. sordidus x

venosus x x
S. sp. 1 x
S. sp. 2 x
S@. sp. 3 x

SERRANIDAE

Epinephelus merra. x

SIGANIDAE

Sig,anus argenteus x
S. spinus x

TETRAODONTIDAE

Arothron nigropunctatus x
Canthigaster solandri x
C. sp. x

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus x x

AREA III:
HAPUTO BEACH FRINGING REEF

Haputo Beach and fringing reef (also know as B.A.B. and F.A.A.
Beaches) is a small embayment on the northwest coast of Guam (Fig. 6).
The surrounding land is part of the U. S. Naval Communications Station.
A small access road leads to the rim at which point a foot trail and
steps lead down to the beach on the north side. Calm seas and good
anchorage make water access possible throughout most of the year. The
white sand beach and steep surrounding cliff walls combined with a
beautiful and highly diversified reef community make Haputo an excel-
lent representative pristine marine community.

No previous survey has been done for the Haputo area with respect
to the marine biotic community. A partial physiographic description
of the area is given by Randall and Holloman (1974). The following
summary is taken in part from their report.

Haputb Beach measures approximately 300 meters long by 80 meters
wide. The embayment is bordered by cut benches and steep rocky slopes
on both the north and south sides. The south side is characterized
by a series of large blocks which have broken off the cliff wall and
have since eroded forming nips. One block in particular is used as a
popular reference point by boaters due to its large "mushroom" shape.
The beach sand is composed of coral and algal-shell .debris. Randall and
Holloman (1974) divide the seaward zonations into the inner and outer
reef flat, reef margin and face, margin channels (here a spur and
groove system), terrace and finally the submarine slope. Additional
physiographic and geologic data are outlined in their report.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water rating for the
Haputo area is "AA", conservation. No point source discharges are
known in the area (Shidel, 1977).

Two visits were made to Haputo's reef. For purposes of this
report three broad biotic zones were recognized. A discussion of
each and its biotic components follows.

The inner reef flat zone consisted of a smooth reef-rock pave-
ment with a 4-5 cm. sand covering. Lack of a hard substrate and inter-
mittant exposure at low tide has prevented much community development.
The blue-green algae Schizothrix calcic6laand Hormothamnion entero-
morphoides were found in small patches throughout this zone. The
calcareous green alga, Halimeda macroloba, was occasionally observed,
mostly in the 'central reef area where sand was beginning to be re-
placed by coral and rock rubble.

KEY: CjC low r

high

reef
AILL rocky
beach

cut b

C.
r

C. C.
C. "Mushroom"
Rock

wide submarine terrace

Figure 6. Haputo Beach and fringing reef.

The only corals observed in this zone were an occasional small
Porites, Pocillopora or Stylophora mordax colony attached to a rock.

The macroinvertebrate Holothuria atra was also observed through-
out this zone.

A few small unidentified mullet were also seen in the inner reef

zone.

The second zone has been lumped to include the outer reef-flat
margin and its associated channels. The nature of the biotic community
and the integrated nature of these zones facilitates this. The outer
reef-flat and margin areas were characterized by a porous substrate
riddled with small channels, indentations and holes. The spur and
groove system is well developed with some of the grooves measuring 3-4
meters deep. In several places grooves were overgrown at the top by
calcareous algae and corals, forming semi-enclosed overhangs which
formed a triangle in cross-section. Holes in the "mesh-like" structure
admit light creating spectacular and well protected habitats for a wide
variety of organisms, especially reef fishes.

Coral coverage was outstanding and diversity remarkably high for
northwestern Guam. In general, colony size was less impressive than
in other pristine areas examined. No single genus seemed to visually
dominate though a dense cover of attractively branched Pocillopora
and Acropora species were evident. Brilliant blue, purple and yellow
colonies were particularly striking.

The honeycombed reef structure has resulted in a highly diversified
and exceedingly rich ichthyofauna. Although only twenty-one of the
ninty-five families of fish known to occur on Guam are listed, many
more undoubtedly exist there but were not observed on the day of our
visit. Chaetodontids and pomacentrids were visually dominant, the
former being of particular interest to photographers.

Algal cover was rich and diverse with turf algae dominating the
outer reef-flat and margin. Gelidium, Ceramiumand Polysiphonia
species dominated the turf group. The fleshy algae were widely dis-
tributed and fairly uniform in abundance. Visually dominant species
included three Halimeda species, Chlorodesmis, Dictyota, Turbinaria,
Amphiroa, Galaxaura, Desmia and Halymenia species. Of special impor-
tance were the crustose and coralline red algae. Outstanding examples
of Mesophyllum, mesomorphum. Lithophyllum, Lithoporella and Corallina
species were ab-u-ndant. These genera prefer shaded habitats and vir-
tually lined the overhang and grotto areas. The protection afforded'
them against strong water surge has allowed extensive morphological
development.

The macroinvertebrate population was rich but not particularly
diverse. No particular genus was visually dominant over another.

The last zone consisted of the submarine terrace which began at a
depth of approximately 6 meters, gradually sloping to a plateau depth
of 15-20 meters. The effects of Acanthaster planci were less apparent
than in other leeward areas. The sixty foot contour line extends
approximately 1000 meters off shore at which point the submarine slope
begins. The slope zone was not investigated. The terrace areas were
fairly unremarkable. A few low ridges and mounds interrupted an other-
wise flat topography. Occasionally large Porites colonies were seen
along with small colonies of many other genera. Randall and Holloman
(1974) refer to this type of coral community as non-accretional. Typical
deeper water algae were also seen, notably Padina, Schizothrix and
Galaxauraspecies.

Larger fishes patrol these areas but the general lack of protec-
tive habitats make their presence transient. A large manta-ray was
observed by one team member. Tables 10-13 list the common organisms
associated with the reef and adjacent areas.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Haputo fringing reef represents a rich and diverse pristine
marine community. While there are no known threatened or endangered
species specifically identified for this area, it is important to
realize that the fragile nature of any pristine community is such that
anything short of preservation and controlled recreational use could
result in a large number of species being locally endangered all at
once.

The following recommendations are suggested for the Haputo area:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary in
which no coral harvesting, fishing or other such
activity 'be allowed.

2) that swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities
should be retained. The rich corals and symbiont
ichthyofauna are popular with photographers.

3) that mooring buoys be installed for boaters to avoid
unnecessary coral breakage due to setting anchors.

4) that a "Thermos Law" be enforced to halt beverage can
litter.

5) that the relatively small size and well defined
boundaries of this area make it an ideal monitoring
site for tropical reef habitats. Identification of
indicator species is highly desirable.

6) that the calcareous red algal community is one of the
finest around the island and should be protected for
aesthetic as well as scientific purposes.

Table 10. Checklist of benthic algae observed at Haputo Beach
fringing reef.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

CYANOPHYTA (b,lue-green algae)

Hormothamnion enteromorphoides x x
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x
S.,mexicana x x x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Bryopsis pennata x x
Boodlea composita x
Caulerpa filicoides x
C. racemosa x
Chlorodesmis fastigiata x x
Codium edule x
Enteromorpha clathrata x
Halimeda gigas x x
H. macroloba x x x
H. opuntia x x
H. velasquezii x
Neomeris annulata x x
Tydemannia expeditionis x x
Udotea argentea x x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x
D. friabilis x
Lobophora variegata x x x
Padina, minor x x
Padina tenuis x
Turbinaria ornata x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fraailis x
Amphiroa fragilissima x
A. foliacea x
A. sp. x
Asparagopsis taxiformis x
Ceramium gracillimum x
Corallina sp. x

Table 10. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

.Desmia hornemanni x x
Galaxaura marginata x x
Gelidium sp. x
Halymenia durvillaei x
Hypnea pannosa x
Jania capillacea x
Lithophyllum sp. xx
Lithoporella sp. xx
Mastophora sp. x
Mesophyllum mesomorphum xx
Mesophyllum sp. x
Polysiphonia sp. x
Porolithon onkodes Xx
Pterocladia parva x
Tolypiocladia glomerulata x

SPERMATOPHYTA (seagrasses)

none seen

Table 11. Checklist of corals observed at Haputo Beach fringing
reef.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

ANTHOZOA
POCILLOPORIDAE

Stylophora mordax x x
Pocillop ra elegans x x
P. eydouxi x x
P. meandrina x x
P. setchelli x x
P. verrucosa x x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora humilis x
A. palifera x
W. -@-P-., x
X. sp. 2 x
Xstreopora sp. x
Montipora ehrenbergii x
M. foveolate x
s -p. x

AGARICIIDAE

Pavona sp. 1 x
P. sp. 2 x
sp. 3 x
sp. 4 x
sp. 5 x

PORITIDAE

Goniopora sp. x
Porites sp. I x x x
Porites sp. 2 x x

FAVIIDAE

Favia pallida x
Plesiastrea sp. x
Goniastrea retiformis x
Platygyra rustica x
Leptoria. phrZgia x
Hydnophora microconos x

Table 11. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2

Leptastrea purpurea x
L. sp. x
Cyphastrea sp. 1 x
C. sp. 2 x
Echinopora sp. x

MUSSIDAE

Lobophyllia sp. x

RELIOPORIDAE

Heliopora coerulea x

ALCYONIIDAE (soft corals)

Sinularia densa x
Sarcophyton sp. x

HYDROZOA
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora exaesa x x
platyphylla x x

Table 12. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at
Haputo Beach fringing reef.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

PORIFERA

Cinachyra australiensis x x

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Cerithium. nodulosum x
Conus ebraeus x
C. miles x
C. sponsalis x
Cypraea caputserpentis x
C. isabella x
C. moneta x
Drupa morum. x
D. ricinus x
Latirus sp. x
Morula granulata x
M. uva x
Nerita plicata x
Patella sp. x
Terebra sp. x
Trochus niloticus x
Turbo sp. x
Vasum. turbinellus x

BIVALVIA

Tridacna. maxima x x

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

Culcita novaeguineae x
Linckia laevigata x
L. multiflora x x

ECHINGII)FA

Echinometra mathaei x
Echinothrix calamaris x
Echinostrephus aciculatus x

43
Table 12. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopyga echinites x
A. mauritiana x
Holothuria atra x x

ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

Grapsus grapsus x

Table 13. Checklist of fishes observed at Haputo Beach fringing
reef. All observations made in Zone 2.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2

ACANTHURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius x
A. lineatus x
A. RLIgricans (=A. Rah x
A. nigrofuscus x
W. 'olivaceous- x
A. pyroferus x
A. xanthopterus x
"@@te@n-ochaetus striatus x
Naso brevirostris x
N. lituratus x

APOGONIDAE

Apogon novae-guineae x
A. novemfasciatus. x

BALISTIDAE

Balistes bursa (=Sufflamen bursa x
B. chrysopterus (=Sufflamen chrysoptera x
-Reiiclithys vidua x
Rhinecanthus rectangulus x

BLENNIIDAE

Cirripectes variolosus x
C. guagga x
-Reiacanthus atrodorsalis x
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma x

CANTHIGASTERIDAE

Canthigaster bennetti x
C. solandri x

CHAETODONTIDAE

Centropyge flavissimus x
Chaetodon auriga x
C. citrinellus x
C. ephippium x

50
Table 13. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

C. lunula x
C. mertensii x
6. ornatissimus x
C. punctato-fasciatus x
C. quadrimaculatus x
C. reticulatus x
'E. trifasciatus x
C. ulietensis x
Forcipiger longirostris x
Heniochus monoceros x
Holacanthus trimaculatus x

CIRRHITIDAE

Cirrhitus pinnulatus x
Neocirrhites armatus x
Paracirrhites forsteri x

GOBIIDAE

Nemateleotris magnificus x
Ptereleotris microltkaLi x
P. tricolor x
Val7enciennea strigata x

HOLOCENTRIDAE

Adioryx spinifer x
Flammeo sammara x
Myripristis kuntee x

KYPHOSIDAE

Kyphosus vaigiensis x

LABRIDAE

Bodianus axillaris x
Cheilinus rhodochrous x
C. trilobatus x
T@,or-isaygula x
C. gaimard-- x
Epibulus insidiator x
Gomphosus varius x
Halichoeres hortulanus (=H. centigusdrus) x
H. margaritaceus x

Table 13. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

H. trimaculatus x
H. sp. x
Labroides bicolor x
L. dimidiatus x
Macropharyngodon pardalis x
Thalassoma lutescens x
T. quinquevittata x

LUTJANIDAE

Aprion virescens x
Gnathodentex aureolineatus x
Lethrinus sp. x
jutianus fulyus x
Monotaxis grandoculis x
Plectorhincus chaetodonoides x

MOBULTDAE

Manta sp. x

MONACANTHIDAE

Oxymonacanthus longirostris x

MUGILOIDIDAE

Parapercis sp. x

MULLIDAE

Parupeneus barberinus x
P. bifasciatus x
cyclostomus x
P. multifasciatus x
P. sp. x x

OSTRACIONTIDAE

Ostracion melagris x

P014ACENTRIDAE

Chromis margaritifer x
C. xanthura x

Table 13. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

C. sp. x
Dascyllus reticulatus x
D. trimaculatus x
Dischistodus perspicillatus x
Glyphidodontops leucopomus x
G. tracyi x
Neopomacentrus hemurus x
Plectroglyphidodon imparivennis x
P. johnstonianus x
P. lacrymatus x
Pomacentrus vaiuli x

SCARIDAE

Scarus ghobban x
S. lepidus x
S. sordidus x
S. venosus x
S. sp. 1 x
S. sp. 2 x
S. sp. 3 x

SERRANIDAE

Cephalopholis urodelus x
Grammistes sexlineatus x

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus x

AREA IV:
LUMINAO BARRIER REEF

Luminao Reef is one of two barrier reefs on Guam. Extending west
from Cabras Island and continuous with the submerged Callalan Bank,
Luminao Barrier Reef serves as the foundation for Glass Breakwater.
The entire area lies within the boundaries of Apra Harbor Naval Reserva-
tion.

A highly diversified reef community (Fi g. 7) combined with calm
waters and easy access from the breakwater, has made the Luminao area
a popular place for snorkelers and photographers. The apparent sta-
bility and active reef growth of this area permit its consideration
as a pristine marine community under the criteria of reestablishment.

No previous survey has been conducted for this area with respect
to the marine biotic community. Randall and Holloman (1974) provide
information on physiography, geology and hydrolo.gy. The following is
summarized from their report.

Luminao Barrier Reef forms a wide, shallow platform cut by an
intermittant spur and groove system. Considerable reef-building is
taking place in several locales. A narrow submarine terrace, 3-5
meters in depth, abruptly drops at the (18 meter) 60 feet contour.
The lagoon side of Luminao Reef has for the most part been altered by
dredging, filling and construction. This area was not considered in
this report.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water quality classifica-
tion for this area is "A", recreational. No point source discharges
are known (Shidel, 1977).

The western end of the seaward side of the barrier reef was chosen
for this study* Only the reef flat platform was examined. A narrow
sandy inner reef strip approximately 3-4 meters wide runs parallel to
the breakwater. The wide middle reef platform consists of a uniform
moat varying from 1-3 meters deep. Many coral colonies are exposed
during low tides. A narrow outer reef flat is exposed at low tide and
was generally depauperate with occasional patches of the brown algaj
Sargassum, polycystum. For purposes of this report, no distinctly dif-
ferent biotic zones were recognized. See Tables 14-17 for species lists.

The coral community was highly diverse and luxuriant. Large mounds
of Acropora, Porites and Millepora were abundant. Some colonies were
1.5 meters or more in width. The upper portions of many.Porites heads
were exposed at low tide and thus dead. Many turf and fleshy algae
crown the tops of these colonies. Porites andrewsi and Porites
cocosensis were most common in the inner reef flat, while Millepora
dichotoma and Millepora platyphylla (fire corals) were more abundant

Phi

C C.
C C C
C, C C - C
C -o@
C: 0 C C C. ZoniE@
Millep
0 C C a C-
CC rX
Lum*ina*o Barr.ier.Reef C,
C
: C
OOP C Zoneo6f C,
extensive Porite$ -c
C', C,
-C. r aInd. 9cro')ora. thicke
'q C.
C- C
QQO-
4--N- &-A
A A A A a A G1 ss Breakwafter
A A A. A 4N A -A.

Apra Harbor

KEY:
Figure 7. Extreme western section of Luminao Barrier Reef. Only
a

the north side was investigated.

towards the middle and outer moat areas. Of particular interest were
the presence of corals typically associated with-the margin and terrace
areas.** These large Pocillopora colonies were common in the moat.

The soft corals, Sinularia ., Lobophytum and Sarcophyton species
were common and well developed. Some colonies were more than a meter
in diameter.

Luminao Barrier Reef exhibits a moderately diverse algal cover
and diversity. The green alga Boergesenia forbesii was common along
the narrow sandy inner strip, while Sargassum polycystum dominated the
outer reef flat and margin. Halimeda and Caulerpa species were abundant
in the side moat along with many smaller forms. The dead and exposed
portions of Porites colonies were covered with Amphiroa, Caulerpa,
Halimeda and Schizothrix species. Other less conspicuous genera were
also abundant.

A colorful and diverse array of reef fishes were observed. Acan-
thurids, chaetodontids, pomacentrids and labrids were common.

The sea cucumbers Actinopyga echinites and Holothuria atra were
common in the shallow sandy areas near the breakwater, while Stichopus
chloronotus and Bohadschia argus were common in the middle reef sections.
The blue starfish Linckia laevigata was also common.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Luminao Barrier Reef is one of the few readily accessible pristine
areas covered in this survey. The barrier reefs of the Cocos Lagoon
complex are the only alternative sites. Calm, shallow water combined
with a diverse and beautiful reef community make this area a good can-.
didate for preservation.

The following recommendations are suggested:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary in
which no coral harvesting, net fishing or other such
activity be permitted.

2) that a series of underwater trails be developed with
appropriate supportive literature and signs.

R. H. Randall, personal communication.

Table 14. Checklist of benthic marine algae observed on the reef
flat at Luminao Barrier Reef. present on tops of
exposed Porites colonies.

SPECIES

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Anacystis sp.
Calothrix sp.
*Microcoleus lyngbyaceus
*Sdhizothrix calcicola
Schizothrix mexicana

CHLOROPHYTA (gr een algae)

Boergesenia forbesii
Caulerpa cupressoides
*C. racemosa
C. serrulata
Chlorodesmis fastigiata
*DictyosphaTria versluysii
Enteromorpha clathrata
*.Halimeda opuntia
*Neomeris annulata
Tydemannia expeditionis

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii
Ectocarpus breviarticulatus
Lobophora variegata
Tadina tenuis
.Sargassum polycystum
Turbinaria ornata

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragilis
Amphiroa foliacea
@A. fragilissima
Ceramium_.sp.
Galaxaura marginata
Gelidiella acerosa
Gelidium
Gelidium divaricatum
Hypnea pannosa
Hydrolithon sp. (nodules)
Polysiphonia sp.

Table 15. Checklist of corals observed on the reef flat at Luminao
Barrier Reef.

SPECIES

4NTHOZOA
THAMNASTERIIDAE FUNGIIDAE

Psammocora contigua Fungia fungites
P. togianensis F. sp.
P. sp.
PORITIDAE
POCILLOPORIDAE
Goniopora arbuscula
Pocillopora damicornis G. ten'videns
P. danae P6rites andrewsi
P. elegans P. annae
P. eydouxi -i. 'cocosensis
P. ligulata P- ea) convexa
P. setchelli k7 -(�)L,@araea) iwayamaensis
P. meandrina P. lobata
P. sp. P. lutea
P. matthaii
ACROPORIDAE sp.

Acropora aspera FAVIIDAE
A. formosa
A. humilis Favia favus
A. Ty-Str-,x F. pallida
A. irregularis F. stelligera
ti Favites abdita
X. -nana Platygyra rustica
A. nasuta P. sinensis
A. palifera Leptoria phrygia
Astreopora sp. Leptastrea bottae
Montipora hoffmeisteri L. purpurea
M. lobulata E. sp.
-monasteriata Cyphastrea sp.
patula
M. tuberculosa MUSSIDAE
M. verrucosa
M. sp. 1 Lobophyllia costata
M. sp. 2 L. corymbosa

AGARICIDAE
HELIOPORIDAE
Pavona decussata
E.(Polyastra) obtusata Heliopora coerulea
P. sp.

Table 15. (continued)

SPECIES

ALCYONIIDAE

Lphaphytum sp.
Sarcophyton sp.
Sinularia sp.

HYDROZOA,

Millepora dichotoma
M. platyphylla

Table 11. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed on the reef
flat at Luminao Barrier Reef.

SPECIES

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA ECHINODEA

Cantharus undosus Diadema savignyi
Cerithium. nodulosum Echinometra mathaei
C. sp. Echinothrix calamaris
Conus ebraeus E. diadema
C. flavidus Eucidaris metularia
C. miliaris
C.. pulicarius HOLOTHUROIDEA
Coralliophila violacea
Cypraea erosa. Actiuopyga echinites
C. moneta Bohadschia argus
Drupa morum, Holothuria, atra
D. ricinus H..hilla,
Imbricaria punctata H. nobilis
Lambis lambis Stichopus-chloronotus
Littorina coccinea, Synapta maculata,
Mitra mitra,
Morula granulata ARTHROPODA
M..uva CRUSTACEA
Nerita plicata,
Patella sp. Grapsus grapsus
Rhinoclavis asperi Xanthid sp.
Strombus luhuanus
S. mutabilis
Tectus pyramis
Trochus niloticus
Vasum, turbinellus
Vexillum sp.

BIVALVIA

Scutarcopagia scobinata
Tridacna -xima,

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

Culcita novAe ngae
gjL_
Echinaster luzonicus
Linckia, laevigata
L. multiflora

Table 11. Checklist of fishes observed on the reef flat at Luminao
Barrier Reef.

SPECIES

ACANTHURIDAE CIRRHITIDAE

Acanthurus lineatus Paracirrhites forsteri
A..nigrofuscus
A. triosteaus GOBIIDAE
Ctenochaetus striatus
Naso lituratus Valenciennea strigata
N. sp.
Zebrasoma flavescens HOLOCENTRIDAE
Z. veliferum
Adioryx spinifer
APOGONIDAE A. sp.

Appgon novemfasciatus LABRIDAE

BALISTIDAE Anam2ses caeruleopunctatus
Cheilinus chlorourus
Rhinecanthus aculeatus C. trilobatus
R- rectangulus C. undulatus
.Coris gaimar
BLENNIDAE Epibulus insi:diator.
Gomphosus varius
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis Halichoeres hortulanus(H.
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma H. margaritaceus
"Blenny" sp. marginatus
trimaculatus
CANTHIGASTERIDAE H. sp.
Hemigymnus melapterus.
Canthigaster bennetti Labroides dimidiatus
C. solandri Macropharyngodon meleagris
Stethojulis bandanensis
CHAETODONTIDAE S. linearis
Yhal-assoma hardwickei
Chaetodon auriga T. lutescens
C. citrinellus T..umbrostygma
q. ephipp
C. lunula LUTJANIDAE
C. ornatissimus
C. reticulatus Lutjanus fulvus
C. trifascialis L. sp.
C. trifasciatus
C. ulietensis MONACANTHIDAE
C. unimaculatus
Heniochus chrysostomus Amanses carolae
Oxymonacanthus longirostri�,

Table 17. (continued)

SPECIES

MULLIDAE SCORPAENIDAE

Mulloidichthys samoensis Syn -nceia verrucosa.
Parupeneus barberinus
P..bifasciatus SIGANIDAE
P. cyclostomus
P. trifasciatus Siganus spinus

NEMIPTERIDAE SYNGNATHIDAE

Scolopsis cancellatus Corythoichthys intestinalis

POMACENTRIDAE SYNODONTIDAE

Abudefduf coelestinus Synodus sp.
A. sordidus
Amblyglyphidodon curacao TETRAODONTIDAE
Am2hiprion melanopus
Chromis caerulea, Arothron nigropunctatus
Dascyllus aruanus
D. trimaculatus ZANCLIDAE
Glyphidodon ops cyaneus
G. glaucus Zanclus cornutus
G. leucopomus
Plectroglyphidodon dickii
P. leucozoma
Pomacentrus pavo
P..vaiuli
Stegastes albifasciatus
S. fasciolatus
S. lividus
nigricans

SCARIDAE

Scarus lepidus
S. sexvittatus
S. sordidus
S. sp. 1
S. sp. 2
S .sp. 3
S.. sp. 4

AREA V:
EAST APRA HARBOR WETLANDS SASA BAY
AND ATANTANO RIVER MANGROVES

Like coral reefs, mangrove communities are unique to tropical and
subtropical latitudes, but unlike coral reefs, mangroves are not typi-
cally striking areas of color and form. The associated mudflats,
extensively intertwining prop root systems and pungent odor during low
tides has made them prime candidates for destruction or modification
by man. Land reclami'ation. is relatively easy and many of the best
representative communities have been destroyed.

The dynamics of this community type include both land building
and erosional protection. The prop root system reduces tidal currents
and traps much floating debris, resulting in extensive deposition of.
sediments. The resulting mudflats provide burrows for mud crabs and
the prop roots, attachment sites for a variety of molluscs. In addi-
tion, mangroves exhibit high primary productivity and possibly represent
the best example of the detrital food chain (Odum, 1971).

Three excellent reports have been prepared in recent years identi-
fying and assessing the biologic components of wetlands-and, more speci-
fically, mangrove communities on Guam.

Moore et al. (1977) studied seventeen wetland areas. Their report
includes descriptions, maps, keys, photographs and inventories of
associated flora. This study.will provide a solid working base for any
wetland associated project.

A report by the University of Guam Marine Laboratory (1977) pro-
vides information on Sasa Bay in general. They divided the area into
four regions, one of which included the mudflat and mangrove communi-
ties along the east side. Species lists wer e gleaned from this report,

Wilder (1976) mapped the estuaries and mangroves around Guam.
These maps have been usedas a base in this report.

P'hysiographic data was taken from Randall and Holloman (1974) and
additional map information from Randall and Eldredge (1976). All of
these reports contain additional bibliographical references.

The GEPA water quality classification for this area is "A", recre-
ational use. No point source discharges are known for this area though
it is likely that intermittant discharges do occur in relation to the
many commercial and industrial activities in the harbor.

The east Sasa Bay and Atantano River mangroves were selected. Both
lie in the Apra Harbor wetland area (Figs. 8 and 9). Although extensive

KEY: 0 mangroves

sand and mud

reef margin

seagrass beds

1000 meters

East A-ora
Harbor Wetland
Area

SASA Sasa
River

BAY

To Polaris Point

Aguada River

Figure 8. East Sasa Bay Mangroves

Inner Apra Harbor
0
KEY: nA Avicennia sp.
00

Rhizophora. sp.
tv 01
c@Y@ reef margin
depressed reef
flat

C) 29
0
00
Atantano River

0 90ID

Navy Wharf

@Figure 9. Atantano River mangrove community.

modification of these areas has occurred in the past with the construc-
tion of Route 1 (Marine Drive), dredging, construction and landfill
(extending from the Dry Dock Peninsula, east and south, to Polaris
Point), these areas still represent the most extensive and mature man-
grove communities on Guam. In keeping with the definition of pristine,
these areas have met the criterion of reestablishment.

Wetland zonation is typically divided into seven sections. See
Figure 10 (Coastal Zone Management, 1977). Standard marine species
lists of corals and fishes are replaced by benthic algae, terrestrial
plants and mangrove associated macroinvertebrates (Tables 18-20).
Terrestrial vertebrates such as rodents and birds were not included.

The Sasa mangroves are estimated to be 90 percent Rhizophora
mucronata and R. apiculata (University of Guam Marine Laboratory, 1977).
Other dominant mangrove species include Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Avicennia
alba and Lumitzera littorea. Moore et al. (1977) found that the man-
grove sediments were ankle-deep in most places. Large patches of mature
mangroves were observed with interspersed patches of less mature plants.
On the seaward, peripheral edge of the mangrove, large stands of the
seagrass Enhalus acoroides were abundant.

Moore et al. (1977) considers the mangrove swamp at the Atantano
River mouth@__to-be the best developed, most mature stand on Guam.
Avicennia alba dominates. A particularly dense stand can be found on
the north'@Ide of the river mouth. Rhizophora apiculata accounts for
less than five percent (Wilder, 1976) along with Bruguiera gymnorrhiza
and Rhizophora mucronata, which were also abundant.* Themangrove
associated plants Dalbergia candenatensis, Barringtonia asiatica and
Pluchea indica were also present, The interior of the marsh is domin-
ted by Phragmites karka and Hibiscus tiliaceus.

Three algal genera were observed. The cyanophytes Schizothrix
and Microcoleus were attached to the prop roots of some plants and the
green alga Avrainvillea obscura was occasionally seen interspersed with
the seagrass.

The substratum along the east bay area was composed of thick mud
and silt. A typical mangrove invertebrate community is described by
the University of Guam Marine Laboratory (1977). The high intertidal
gastropod, Littorina scabra was by far the most dominant, typically
attached to prop roots and low-hanging mangrove leaves. The oyster
Saxostrea mordax was also found attached to prop roots. Other common
species T@c_luded fiddler crabs (Uca sp.), grapsid and portunid crabs,
cerithiid gastropods (near Sasa River mouth only) and occasionally the
mudskipper, Periophthalmus koelreuteri.

The presence of numerous crab burrows and freshly broken bivalve
shells slightly north of the Sasa River was suggestive of the presence
of the mangrove crab,.Scylla -serrata. though none were seen.

Hib.-scus tiliaceaus

Limestone Forest

Acrostichim aureum

Marsh Fringe

C+
(D
pj
Fresh Water
Reed Marsh
0

U) (-r
F-
,D 0
c-F
(D Transitional
:1 Reed Marsh

Phragmites
karka

rt Brackish W9ter Scirpus
::r Reed Marsh erectus

Ov
Ln

Mangrove Rhizophora
Mudflat sp.
0-

Uca sp.

Subtidal

(b Enhalus acoroides

67'

Moore et al. (1977) considers the mangrove plants, Lumnitzera
littorea B_r@u@Lera_gymnorrhiza, Xylocarpus moluccensis Rhizophora
mucronata, R. apicu@atq and Barringtonia racemosa to be endangered.
Although these species are locally abundant, their critical habitats
are severely threatened by wetland modifications of any kind.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Since mangroves are an integral component of wetlands, it follows
that modification or destruction of the associated wetlands will bring
about the eventual demise of the mangrove. In addition, the less
extensive development of mangrove communities on Guam in comparison to
other Micronesian islands, for example, tends to magnify their impor-
tance as nursery areas for many organisms. For these reasons, mangrove
preservation on Guam is of the utmost importance.

It is recommended that:

1) preservation of these areas include the adjacent support-
wetland community.

2) the landfill, dredging and pollutant discharges be
severely regulated.

3) a walkway-system and nature trail should be constructed
to provide both public education and enjoyment as well
as access for scientific investigation.

Table 18. Checklist of wetland associated plants observed in eastern
Apra Harbor. A @ abundant, C @ common, and R = rare,
(adapted from Moore et al., 1977).

SPECIES Sasa 2'!.tantano

-FILICINAE
ASPIDIACEAE

Thelypteris interrupta R

PTERIDACEAE

Acrostichum aureum C C
Pteris vittata C/R

&NGIOSPEFI-IAE
ARACEAE

Alocasia macrorrhiza R

CYPERACEAE

Cyperus compressus C
C. javanicus C/R
C. odoratus C C
Fimbristylis cymosa C C
F. dichotoma C C
F. Zjo @ulosa C
Scirpus littoralis v. thermalis A
Scleria lithosperma. C
_@. polycarpa C
Rhynchospora corymbosa C

FLAGELLARIACEAE

Flagellaria indica C C

GRAMINEAE

Bambusa vulgaris C
Brachiara mutica C
Centothecca lappacea C
Eleusine indica C
jRp.trata confecta C
02lismenus sp. C C
Panicum maximum C C
Pennisetum polystachion C A/C
Phragmites karka C A
Saccharum spontaneum C

Table 18. (continued)

SPECIES Sasa Atantano,

HYDROCHARITACEAE

Enhalus acoroides C

ORCHIDCEAE

S2athoglottis plicata C C

PALME

Cocos nucifera C
Nypa fruticans C C

PANDANACEAE

Pandanus dubius C
P. tectorius C C

AMARANTHACEAE

Alternanthera sessilis C

BORANGINACEAE

Messerschmidia argentea C/R

CASUARINACEAE

Casuatina equisetifolia C C

COMBRETACEAE

Lumnitzera littorea. A
Terminalia catappa C/R

COMPOSITAE

Elephantopus mollis C
Mikania scandens C A
Pluchea indica C C

CONVOLVULACEAE

Ipomoea aguatica C
pes-caprae C

Table 18. (continued)

SPECIES Sasa Atantano

CUCURBITACEAE

Momordica charantia C

EUPHORBIACEAE

Glochidion marianum C C

GOOD ENIACEAE

Scaevola taccada C C

HERNANDIACEAE

Hernandia sonora R

IABIATAE

4yptis capitata C

LAURACEAE

Cassytha filiformis C C

LECYTHIADACEAE

Barringtonia asiatica C C

LEUGUMINOSAE

Cassia occidentalis R
Dalbergia candenatensis C/R A
Delonix regia R
Desmanthus virgatus C C
Entada pursaetha C
Leucaena leucocephala A/C C
Mimosa pudica C
Pithecellobium dulce C C
Sesbania cannabina C

LYTHRACEAE

femphis acidula R

71
Table 18. (continued)

SPECIES Sasa Atantano

MALVACEAE

Hibis cus tiliaceus C A
Sida acuta C
Thespesia populnea C C
Urena lobata R

MELIACEAE

Xylocarpus moluccensis C/R R

OLEACEAE

Jasminum marianum C C

PASSIFLORACEAE

Passiflora foetida v. hispida C C
P. suberosa C C

POLYGALACEAE

Polygala paniculata C C

RHAMNACEAE

Colubrina asiatica C C

RHIZOPHORACEAE

Brugiera gymnorrhiza C R
Rhizophora apiculata C A
R. mucronata A C

RUBIACEAE

Morinda citrifolia R C

RUTACEAE

Triphasia trifolia C C/R

STERCULIACEAE

Heritiera littoralis R
Melochia villosissima R

VERBENACEAE

Avicennia alba A AA
Clerodendrum inerme C C

Table 19. Checklist of algae observed in east Sasa Bay and Atantano
mangroves.

SPECIES Comments

CYA14OPHYTA

Microcoleus lyngbyaceus on prop roots
Schizothrix sp. on prop roots

CHLOROPHYTA

Avrainvillea obscura mud/sand sub-
stratum

Table 20. Checklist of common mangrove associatedmacroinvertebrates
observed in east Sasa Bay area. abundant. (adapted
from Univ. Guam Mar. Lab., 1977).

SPECIES

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Cerithium sp.
Chicoreus penchinati
*Littorina scabra

BIVALVIA

Gafrarium tumidum
*Saxostrea mordax
*Septifer bilocularis

ANNELIDA
POLYCHAETA

Sebellastarte indica

ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

*Cardisoma sp.
Clibinarius striolatus
Pachygrapsus planifrons
P. plicatus
Thalamita crenata
*Uca chlorophthalmus crassipes
Uca vocans

AREA VI:
OROTE SUBMARINE CLIFFS

The cliffline extending from the tip of Orote Peninsula to approxi-
mately Neye Island exhibits a unique physiographic feature of Guam. The
familiar fringing reefs and cut benches are replaced by submarine cliffs
and terraces (Fig. 11). Despite inaccessibility other than by boat, this
pristine area is popular with SCUBA diver's and fisherman. Throughout the
summer months the northwest swell is small. Strong currents, depth and
scouring make this area less rich and diverse than other communities
studied.

The selected area measures approximately 500 meters along the coast
from the "Blue Hole" and cliff line tripod, at the northwest, to a white
fracture zone in the cliffs, to the southeast. The entire coastal land
is part of the U. S. Naval, Apra Harbor Reservation. The study area
chosen is well beyond the 1000 meter radius required for the proposed
U. S. Naval Ammunition Wharf east of Orote Island and should not be
affected by it.

No previous survey has been done for the Orote submarine cliff area
with respect to the.marine biotic community. A complete physiographic
description of the area is given by Randall and Holloman (1974). The
following summary is taken in part from their report.

The cliffs drop vertically to the first submarine terrace at a
d.9pth oft5-20 meters. The narrow terrace varies in width from 20-45
meters at which point another submarine cliff drops to the second terrace
at a depth of approximately 80 meters (Fig. 12). Sea level nips are
prominant along most of the cliff line and in several places large
blocks have broken off from the cliff and are found on the terrace below.
Some of these are 10 meters or more in relief.

A large hole approximately 7 meters in diameter known as the "Blue
Hole" opens on the first terrace at approximately 18 meters. The shaft
extends vertically to approximately 80 meters with a window opening at
35 meters.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water quality classifica-
tion for this area is "A", recreational use. No point source discharges
are known for the immediate area (Shidel, 1977).

For purposes of this report three physiographic zones were recog-
nized: (1) the slope beginning at the sea level nip and extending to
the first terrace,(2) terrace and (3) the blue hole. The true sub-
marine cliff was only partially examined as the depth quickly exceeded
the safe limit for SCUBA diving. Tables 21-24 list the organisms ob-
served during the study.

75
Agra I-larbor

Orote Island

lee
4111"

CO
Orote Peninsula

KEY: Tffq rocky coast
first
submarine cliff
drop-off

Tripod reference point

$'Blue Hole"

Philippine Sea .00

Figure 11. Orote Point area
exhibiting submarine
cliff development.

Orote Cliffs

Sea level nips

water mark

Slope
(Zone 1)
Terrace I (Zone II) approx.
1- 65 ft.
(2 0 rif)

First
Blue Hole ----+ I Submarine
(Zone III) Cliff

window approx.
130 ft.
(4 0

Terrace II
approx. 225 ft.
(64 m)

Figure 12. Profile of Orote Cliff area showing major
-fs physiographic transitions. (Not to scale)

Coral cover was minimal. No extensive community development
including ridges,- kn obs or pinnacles was observed. The upper slope
and most of the terrace floor consisted of scattered small Pocillopora
colonies. In more protected habitats around fallen blocks and larger
rubble, a much richer coral community was evident. Acropora and Porites
colonies were common along with patches of soft corals and crinoids.
Diversity was moderate with no single genus dominating. The "Blue Hole"
provides a cavelike habitat with subdued light and little water move-
ment. Deep water and cryptic corals.were moderately abundant.

Turf algae dominated the slope and terrace areas. In the wave
agitated nip zone Gelidium, Ectocarpus and Cheilosporum species were
dominant. Further down the slope, Schizothrix, Turbinaria., Dictyota and
Padina species were visually dominant. In protected areas, many more
genera were observed.

In contrast to the slope and terrace zones, the "Blue Hole" was
virtually lined with both turf and macroalgae. Schizothrix mexicana
in a variety of forms along with small clumps of Padina minor and
Dictyota divaricata provided the backdrop for the striking presence of
Tydemannia expeditionis in both life forms and Rhipilia orientalis,
displaying large velvety thalli. These two common algae were tremen-
dou'sly abundant and beautiful. The tiny Caulerpa filicoides,was also
abundant.

Despite the rather barren topography and lack-of typical coral
reef habitats, many plankt@on feeding fish such as.poma-
centrids were observed. On the terrace margins transient
pelagic predators including sharks are frequently seen. Skipjack, large
snappers and groupers are relatively common though they were not observed.

Various urchinsand gastropods were evenly distributed throughout the
area. The small crab, Grapsus grapsus was common along the nip area.
The spiny.-- lobster Panulirus sp. and the crab Carpilius maculatas have
been observed by the author on night dives.

The flat and brilliantly purple coral, Pachyclavularia violacea
was observed in semi-protected areas along the submarine terrace. This
species has not been seen elsewhere on Guam to date.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The submarine cliffs along the Orote Peninsula are a unique physio-
graphic feature on Guam. The area selected is typical of the entire
section and while a more southern representative site could be substituted,
there are no alternative sites around the island. No threatened or
endangered species have been reported in this area. Barring a major oil
spill or other castastrophe, the nature of this area with its strong
currentsreduces the probability of serious environmental alteration.

The following recommendations are suggested for the Orote submarine
cliff area:

1) that this area or a section of'it be established as a
natural sanctuary in which no coral harvesting, n-et
fishing or other such activity be allowed.

2) that SCUBA diving and spear fishing activities be retained.

3) that no landfill waste or garbage be dumped along the
Cliffs.

Table 21. Checklist of benthic algae observed at the Orote Submarine
Cliffs and Blue Hole area.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 4

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Calothrix sp. x
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x x
S. mexicana, x x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Caulerpa filicoides x
C. racemosa
Chlorodesmis fastigiata x x
Dictyosphaeria versluysii x x
Halimeda opuntia x x x
Neomeris annulata x x x
Rhipilia orientalis, xx
Tydemannia expeditionis xx
Valonia ventricosa x x
Udotea geppi x x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x
D. divaricata x x x
Ectocarpus breviarticulatus x
Hydroclathrus clathratus x
Padina minor x
P. jonesii x x
Turbinaria ornata x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragilis x
Cheilosporum sp. x
Desmia hornemanni x
Galaxaura oblongata x x
Gelidium pusillum x
Halymenia durvillaei x
Polysiphonia sp. x
Pterocladia parva x x
Tolypiocladia glomerulata x x

Table 22. Checklist of corals observed at the Orote Submarine Cliffs
and Blue Hole area.

ZONES
SPECIES 2-3 4

ANTHOZOA
POCILLOPORIDAE

Pocillopora verrucosa x
P. sp. I x
P. sp. 2 x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora sp. 1 x
A. sp. 2 x
sp. 3 x
Wstreopora sp. 1 x
A. sp. 2 x
Montipora ehrenbergii x
M. foveolate x
M. ap. 1 x x
R. sp. 2' x x

AGARICIIDAE

Pachyseris sp. x
Pavona sp. x x

PORTIDAE

Porites sp. 1 x x
P. sp. 2 x

FAVIIDAE

Favia sp. x
Goniastrea retiformis x
Leptastrea purpurea x
L. sp. x
Cyphastrea sp. x
Diploastrea heliopora x

MUSSIDAE

Lobophyllia sp- x

CLAVULARIIDAE

Pachyclavularia violacea x

Table 23. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at the
Orote Submarine Cliffs and Blue Hole area.

ZONES
SPECIES 1-3

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Conus miles
C. rattus
C. sponsalis
@YprEea ar"abica
C. caputserpentis
C. isabella
C. poraria
Drupa grossularia
D. morum
D. ricinus
Patella sp.
Vasum ceramicum
V. turbinellus

ECHINODERMATA
ECHINGIDEA

Echinometra mathaei
Echinostrephus aciculatus
Echinothrix calamaris
Heterocentrotus mamillatus

ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

Carpilius maculatns
Grapsus grapsus
Panulirus sp.

Table 24. Checklist of fishes observed at the Orote Submarine Cliffs
and Blue Hole area.

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

ACANTHURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius x x
A. lineatus x
A. nigrofuscus x
A. olivaceus x
A. triostegus x x
Ctenochaetus striatus x x
Naso lituratus x

APOGONIDAE

Ap2yon fraenatus x

BALISTIDAE

Balistes bursa (=Sufflamen bursa) x
A. chrysopterus (=Sufflamen chrysoptera) x
Melichthys niger x
M. vidua x
Rhinecanthus rectangulus x

BLENNIIDAE

Aspidontus taeniatus. x
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis x x
"Blenny" sp. 1 x
"Blenny" sp. 2 x

CHAETODONTIDAE

Chaetodonephippium x
C. mertensii . -- x
Forcipiger longirostris x
Heniochus chrysostomus x
Holacanthus trimaculatus x
Pygoplites diacanthus x

CIRRHITIDAE

Neocirrhites armatus x
Paracirrhites forsteri x

GOBIIDAE

Nemateleotris magnificus x

83
Table 24. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

HOLOCENTRIDAE

Ad ib-ryx sp. x
Myripristis sp. x

KYPHOSIDAE

Kyphosus sp. x

LABRIDAE

C@-eil -*..us rhodochrous x
tpibulus insidiator ' x
Labroides dimidiatus x
Thalassoma lutescens x
T. purpureum x
T. quinguevittata x

LUTJANIDAE

Aphareus furcatus x x
Plectorhincus sp. x

MULLIDAE

Parupeneus multifasciatus x

POMACENTRIDAE

Chromis acares x
C. elerae x
5ascyllus trimaculatus x
Glyphidodontops leucopomus x
G. traceyi x
Plectroglyphidodon imparipennis x
Pomacentrus melanopterus x
P. vaiuli x
Pomachromis guamensis x

SCARIDAE

Scarus ghobban x
S. sordidus x
S. venosus x

84
Table 24. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES 1 2 3

SERRANIDAE

Anyperodon leucogrammicus x
Cephalopho x
C. urodelus x

SYNGNATHIDAE

"Syngnathid" sp. x

AREA VII:
ANAE ISLAND PATCH REEF AND TERRACE

Anae Island, with its associated patch reef and terrace, is
located just south of Nimitz Beach Park, approximately one kilometer
offshore (Fig. 13). The island and patch reef form a mini-barrier
reef system which protects the inside (shoreward) submarine terrace
from large swells and strong currents. The submarine terrace between
the patch reef and adjacent fringing reef supports one of the richest
and most diverse coral communities found in Guam's coastal waters.
This pristine area is readily accessible by small boat from the shore
and is a popular area for SCUBA diving and underwater photography.

No previous survey has been done for the Anae area with respect
to the marine biotic community. A partial physiographic description
of the area is given by Randall and Holloman (1974). The following
is taken in part from their report.

Anae Island is one of eight islets located along the southwest
coast of Guam, but is the only one not associated with the fringing
reef. The western and northern exposures of the'island and patch
reef slope steeply to a 30 meter terrace while the eastern and southern
exposures consist of a gently sloping terrace approximately 3-8 meters
in depth. In these protected waters spectacular coral mounds, pin-
nacles and ridges, with their associated icthyofauna are separated by
sandy floored channels and holes. The relief of these coral mounds
is often 6-8 meters or more.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water rating for the
Anae area is "AA" - conservation. No point source discharges have been
identified for the immediate area (Shidel, 1977).

Much of the surface of the patch reef is exposed during low tides
and was largely devoid of live corals. The surface consisted of coral-
algal-shell debris with a fine veneer of turf algae. The area of
primary interest was the shoreward edge and terrace zones previously
described. Two reconnaissance visits were made. Organisms observed
at the study site are listed in Tables 25-26.

The coral community along the inside patch reef edge consisted of
smaller Acropora, Leptastiea and Porites colonies. Goniastri_@a
retiformis was found in scattered. patches. Sloping down towards the
terrace, at a depth of 4-9 meters, the diversity and colony size in-
creased tremendously. Huge Acropora palifera and hemispherical Porites
'colonies dominated creating a room and pillar effect in many places.
C2
Other notable species included Millepora platyphylla. Goniastrea
pectinata, Leptoria phrygia and Pavona frondifera.

KEY:

high relief corals
M ridges and rises
0 depressed area Philippine Sea
rrrM reef margin

.LUI-I rocky coast

C C low relief corals
C

C- C.
:C, C- C
C-
C.
C, C
patch r.ee,f.-. C C.
Anae c-
Island C

C
C
C Q

Protected terrace
Figure 13. Anae Island and associated patch reef. area

The algal community was moderately diverse with no single genus
particularly dominant. Chlorodesmis fastigiata, Tydemannia.expedi-
tionis, Desmia hornemanni and Asparagopsis taxiformis species were
common.

The fish community was very diverse which follows f rom the many
habitats provided by the rich coral community. Typical reef associated
pomacentrids and chaetodontids were abundant in addition to acanthurids,
blen-nies and labrids.

No threatened or endangered species have been identified for this
area.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMEND ATIONS

The beauty of the Anae area, with its pristine coral community
and clear, protected waters, makes it an important preservation site
for both scientific study and controlled recreational use. The area
is readily accessible and a favorite spot for SCUBA diving and under-
water photography.

The following recommendations are suggested for the Anae area:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary
in which no coral harvesting, fishing or other such
activity be allowed.

2) that swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities
be retained.

3) that mooring buoys be installed for boaters to avoid
unnecessary coral breakage due to setting anchors.

4) that an underwater park with trails be developed.

Table 25. Checklist of benthic algae observed at Anae Island Patch
reef.

SPECIES

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Anacystis sp.
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus
Schizothrix calcicola
S. mexicana

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Boodlea composita
Caulerpa racemosa
Chlorodesmis fastigiata,
.Codium edule
Dictyosphaeria versluysii
Halimeda opuntia
Neomeris annulata
Tydemannia, expeditionis
Udotea.geppi

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Lobophora, variegata
Sphacelaria tribuloides

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragilis
Amphiroa foliacea;,.'
A. fragilissima
Asparagopsis taxiformis
Ceramium sp.
Corallina sp.
Desmia hornemanni
Galaxaura mar4inata
G. oblongata
Ge]7i-dium divaricatum
Jania sp.
Liagora sp.
Polysiphonia sp.
Porolithon onkodes
Tolypiocladia glomerulata

Table 26. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at Anae
Island patch reef.

SPECIES

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Cerithium, nodulosum
C. sp.
Conus-miles
C. rattus
d. -striatus
Coralliophila violacea
Cypraea sp.
Sabia conica
Tectus pyramis
Thais armigeta
Trochus niloticus
T. maculatus
Turbo argyrostoncus
Vasum. turbinellus

BIVALVIA

Tridacna maxima

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

Culcita novaegu ineae
Linckia laevigata
L. multiflora

ECHINOIDEA

Diadema savignyi
Echinometra mathaei
Echinostrephis aciculatus
Echinothrix diadema
Toxopneustes gratilla

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopyga echinites
Bohadschia. argus
Holothuria atra
H. hilla
H. nobilis
Stichopus chloronotus

AREA VIII:
CETTI BAY

Cetti Bay (Fig. 14) is located on the southwest coast of Guam be-
tween Sella and Fouha Bays. The bay is extremely isolated and can be
reached only by boat or a long hike. Route 4 overlooks the bay. The
steep surrounding slopes and sandy beaches, combined with a diverse reef
community, make Cetti Bay one of the most picturesque pristine marine
communities on Guam..

No previous study has been conducted for Cetti Bay with respect
to the marine biotic community. Randall and Holloman (1974) give a
partial physiographic. description of the area. A summary of their find-
ings are incorporated below.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water quality rating for
Cetti Bay is "AA" -conservation. No point source discharges are known
for the area (Shidel, 1977).

The study area was divided into two broad zones: (1) reef flats
and (2) margin, face and terrace. Tables 27-30 list those organisms
observed in the area.

The reef flat is continuous around the bay with the exception of
two breaks occurring at the river mouths. The platforms are narrow
(15-20 meters) with no moat or algal ridge development. At low tides
they are typically exposed and therefore largely devoid of corals,
though a rich algal community persists. A diverse macroinvertebrate
community was also evident. The holothurians. Holothuria atra and
Actinopyga echinites were abundant. In addition, many large sea
anemones, measuring a meter or more in diameter, were common along the
shallower waters of the upper margin and terrace zones.

The reef margin, face and terrace were fairly uniform around the
bay with the exception of a volcanic area on the north side. There,
the margin is cut by irregular cracks and fissures. Some of the
fissures were up to 6 meters deep and 2-3 meters wide.

The margin face typically extended down for 3-4 meters and then
sloped to a tilted terrace zone averaging 4-10 meters deep. Beyond
that point the sand floor of the bay began. The floor of the bay was
not investigated.

The algal and coral communities in Zone 2 were very rich and
diverse. In addition to low relief colonies along the upper margin
face, massive columns and mounds of Porites characterized the adjacent
terrace. Large colonies of Montipora and Acropora: were common
in addition to Galaxia, Cyphastr&a. Pavona and Goniastr&a species.

Cetti ver

KEY:
rj- 7. 7. beach deposits
depressed areas (V
rocky coast

laval outcroppings
T
mini-patch reef

high relief corals

rcc low relief corals
C
truncated channels C.
reef margin
A.
+ 4.++ Cetti
+
seagrass beds Bay

large sof

Fouha Point

Philippine sea

Figure

Of particular interest was a huge bed (6 meters in diameter) of
the soft corals Sinularia and Lobophyton species. This patch is located
midway out on the south side.

The algal genera, Caulerpa and Halimeda.were particularly abundant
along the lower margin. Asparagopsis taxiformis was observed only on
the north side of the bay. The seagrass Enhalus acoroides was found in
small patches along the east side of the inner bay reef flat. In all,
forty-three genera of benthic algae were observed.

The fish community was sparse in the inner bay where silt content
was high and visibility low. In general, however, visibility was
excellent throughout most of the bay. Many pomacentrids and chaetodontids
were present in addition to acanthurids, blennies and other reef asso-
ciated fishes.

No threatened or endangered species have been identified for Cetti
Bay.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Cetti Bay is one of the most picturesque pristine areas on the
island, both above and below the water. Though isolated, its protected
waters make,it a favorite spot for divers, boaters and fisherman.

The following recommendations are suggested for Cetti Bay:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary in
which no coral harvesting, fishing or other such
activity be allowed.

2) that swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities
be retained.

3) that mooring buoys be installed for boaters to avoid
unnecessary coral breakage due to setting anchors.

4) that a "Thermos law" be enforced to halt beverage
can litter.

Table 27. Checklist of benthic algae observed at Cetti Bay.

Reef Margin
SPCIES @flat & Face

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x
Schizothrix calcicola x
S. mexicana x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Boodlea composita x
Bryops'is pennata x
Caulerpa cupressoides x x
C. filicoides x
C. racemosa x
C. serrulata x x
Iffodl-u-m edule x
Dictyosphaeria versluvsii x x
Enteromorpha clathrata x
Halimeda gigas x
H. macroloba x x
H. opuntia x x
Neomeris annulata x
Tydemannia expeditionis x
Udotea argentea x x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x
D. divaricata x
5. Triabilis x
Hydroclathrus clathratus x
Lobophora variegata x x
Padina minor x x
Sphacelaria tribuloides x x
Turbinaria ornata x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragilis x
Amphiroa foliacea x x
A. fragilis@ima x x
Wsj@a__ragopsis taxiformis *X x
Ceramium gracillimum x x
C. mazatlanepse x
T. sp. x

*Alga found on north reef flat only.

Table 27. (continued)

Reef Margin
SPECIES flat & Face

Cheilosporum sp. x
Corallina sp. x
Desmia hornemanni x
Galaxaura filamentosa x
G. marginata x
G. oblongata x
Gel7idium crinale x x
G. pusillum x x
Gracilaria arcuata x
Gracilaria sp. x
Hypnea sp. x x
Iania capillacea x
J. tenella x
Liagora sp. x
Peyssonelia rubra x
Pterocladia parva x
Tolypiocladia glomerulata x

SPERMATOPHYTA (seagrasses)

Enhalus acoroides x

Table 28. Checklist of corals observed at Cetti Bay.

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

ANTHOZOA
ASTROCOENIIDAE

Stylocoeniella armata x x

TIIAMINASTERIIDAE

Psammdcora sp. x x

POCILLOPORIDAE

Stylophora mordax x x
Pocillopora damicornis x
P. elegans x x
P. setchelli x x
P. verrucosa x
P. sp. 1 x x
P. sp. 2 x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora formosa x
A. irregularis x
A. nana x x
A. nasuta x
A. histrix x
A. palifera x
A. sp. 1 x
A. sp. 2 x
A. sp. 3 x
A. sp. 4 x
Astreopora sp. x
Montipora sp. 1 x
M. sp. 1 x
M. sp. x
M. sp. 3 x
M. sp. 4 x
M. sp. 5 x x
M. sp. 6 x
M. sp. 7 x

AGARICIIDAE

Goniopora sp. 1 x x
G. sp. 1 x

96
Table 28. (continued)

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

Porites andrewsi x
Porites reticulosa x
P. lutea x
sp. 1 x
sp. 2 x
P. sp. 3 x
P. sp. 4 x
P. sp. 5 x

FAVIIDAE

Favia speciosa x
F. sp. 1 x
F. sp. 2 x x
Goniastrea retiformis x x
G. sp. 1 x
Platygy ra rustica x x
P. sinensis x x
Leptoria sp. x x
Leptastrea purpurea x x
L. sp. x
Cyphastrea sp. x x
Echingpora sp. x
Di2loastrea heliopora x

OCULINIDAE

Galaxea sp. x x

MUSSIDAE

Lobaphyllia hemprichii x x
L. sp. x x
Acanthastrea echinata x

HELIOPORIDAE

Heliopora coerulea x

TUBIPORIDAE

Tubipora musica x x

ALCYONIIDAE

Alcyonium utinomii x
Sarcophyton Rlaucum x

Table 28. (continued) 97

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

Sinularia densa@ x
S. maxima x
S. polydactyla x
S. sp. 1 x x
sp. 2 x

ZOANTHIDAE

Zoanthus sp. x x

HYDROZOA
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora exaesa x x
platyphylla x x

Table 29. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at Cetti
Bay.

SPECIES

PORIFER,A- CEPHALOPODA

Cinachyra australiensis Octopus sp.

MOLLUSCA ECHINODERMATA
AMPHINEURA ASTEROIDEA
Unknown sp. Linckia lavegata

GASTROPODA ECHINOIDEA-
Astraea rhoiostoma Diadema savignyi
Bursa bufonia Echinometra mathaei
Cerithium. nodulosum Echinostrephus aciculatus
C. sp. 1 Echinothrix calamaris
C. sp. 2 E. diadema
Chicoreus penchinati
Conus chaldeus HOLOTHUROIDEA
C. lividus
C. miles Actinopyga echinites
C. rattus Holothuria atra
C. sponsalis Stichopus chloronotus
Qoralliophilla violacea OPHIUROIDEAL.
Cypraea arabica
C. caputserpentis Ophiothrix sp.
C. carneola
C. isabella AuR.TF-ROPODA
C. moneta ANOMUM
C. proaria
Drupella cornus Calcinus latens
Drupa ricinus Clibinarius humulis
Morula granata
M. uva. BRACHYURA
Nerita plicata
N. sp. Calappa calappa
.Eatella sp. 1 Carpilius maculatus
P. sp. 2 Etisus dentatus
Sabia conica Grapsus grapsus
Strombus sp. Percnon sp.
Thais armigera Thalamita sp.
Trochus niloticus
Vasum turbinellus-

BIVALVIA

Grafrarium. sp.
Septifer bilocularis
Tridacna maxima

Table 30. Checklist of fishes observed at Cetti Bay.

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

ACA14THURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucoparieus x x
A. lineatus x x
X. -ni@rofltxscus x x
A. triosteaus x
Ctenochaetus striatus x x
Naso lituratus x x
N. sp. x x
Zebrasoma flavescens x
Z. scopas x

APHAREIDAE

Aphareus furcatus x x

APOGONIDAE

Apogon sp. x
Paramia quinguelineata x

AULOSTOMIDAE

Aulostomus chinensis x

BALISTIDAE
40 Balistapus undulatus x
Balistes bursa (=Suffl-amen bursa) x
B. chrysopteru,@ (=S. chrysopt.era) x
'Rhinecanthus rectangulus x

BLENNIIDAE

Cirripectes variolosus x
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis x x
Plagiotremus rhinorhynchos x
P. tapeinosoma x

CANTHIGASTERIDAE

Canthigaster bennetti x
C. solandri x x

CHAETODONTIDAE

Centropyge, flavissimus x

100
Table 30. (continued)

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

Chaetodon auriga x
C. bennetti x
C. citrinellus x x
C- x x
C. .1ineolatus x x
C. lunula x x
C. mertensii x
C. ornatissimus x x
.q. punctato-fasciatus x
C. quadrimaculatus x x
C. reticulatus x x
'E trifascialis(Megaprotodon strigangulus) x x
C. ulietensis x x
C. unimaculatus x x
forcI21ger sp. x
Heniochus varius x x
Pygoplites diacanthus x

CIRRHITIDAE

Paracirrhites arcatus x

GOBIIDAE

Eviota sp. x
Cryptocentrus sp. x
Ptereleotris tricolor x
Valenciennea strigata x
Goby sp. 1 x
Goby sp. 2 x

HOLOCENTRIDAE

Adioryx spinifer
A. sp. x
Myripristis sp. 1 x
M. sp. 2 x
M. sp. 3 x

LABRIDAE

Anampses caeoruleapunctatus x x
Bodianus axillaris x
Cheilinus rhodochrous x x
C. trilobatus x x
C. sp. x
'Eymolutes lecluse x
Epibulus insidiator x

Table 30.' (continued) 101

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

Gomphosus varius x x
Halichoeres hortulanus (=H. centiquadrus) x x
margaritaceus x
H. marginatus x x
'nebulosus
H. trimaculatus x x
H. sp. x
Hemigymnus fasciatus x
H..melapterus x
Labroides bicolor x
L. dimidiatus x x
Macropharyngodon meleagris x x
Stethojulis bandanensis x x
Thalassoma hardwickei x x
T.-lunare x
T. purpureum x x
T..quinquevittata x x
T. sp. x

LUTJANIDAE

Caesio sp. x
Lutjanus fulvus x
L.-kasmira x
L..vaigiensis x x
L. sp. x

MONACANTHIDAE

Amanses carolae x x
Oxymonacanthus longirostris x x

MULLIDAE

Mullet sp. x

MUGILOIDIDAE

Parapereis sp. x

MULLIDAE

Mulloidichthys samoensis x x
Parupeneus barberinus. x
P. bifasciatus x
P. @Yclostomus x x
P. trifasciatus x x
'sp. x

Table 30. (continued) 102

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

NEMIPTERIDAE

Scolopsis cancellatus x

OSTRACIONTIDAE

Ostracion meleagris x x
0. sp. x

PEMPHERIDAE

Pempheris oualensis x x

POMACENTRIDAE

Abudefduf coelestinus x x
A..saxatilis x
A. sordidus x
Amblyp,,lyphidodon curacao x
Amphiprion chrYS6-pterus x
A. melanopus x x
X.'perideraion x
Chromis caerulea x x
C. margaritifer x
s p. 2 x
C. sp. 3 x
Dascylus aruanus. x x
D. reticulatus x
D. trimaculatus x x
Glyphidodontops leuC020mus x x
G. sp. x
Plectrog,lyphidodon dickii x x
P. johnstonianus x
P. .1acrymatus x x
Pomacentrus vaiuli x x
P. sp. x
Stegastes lividus x
S..nigricans x
S. sp. x
'Fomacentrid sp.

SCARIDAE

Leptoscarus vaigiensis x
Scarus sordidus. x x

Table 30. (continued) 103

North South
SPECIES Bay Bay

SCORPAENIDAE

Synanceia verrucosa- x

SERRANIDAE

Epinephelus merra X-

SIGANIDAE

Siganus arSenteus x
S..spinus x
S. vermiculatus x

SYNODONTIDAE

Synodus sp. x

TETR40DONTIDAE

Arothron nigropunctatus x

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus x x

104

AREA IX:
COCOS BARRIER REEFS AND LAGOON AREA

The Cocos area, a triangular r)arrier reef, lagoon and associated
islands, is located just off the extreme southwest coast of Guam,
opposite the village of Merizo. This complex area is unique to Guam,
covering approximately 6.6 square kilometers and representing seven
of the ten physiographic features outlined for this survey. These
include barrier reefs, fringing reefs, patch reefs, barrier reef
channels, mangroves, seagrass beds and estuaries. The increasing pop-
ularity of the Merizo coast and nearby Cocos Island, as a full time
fishing and tourist operation makes preservation ever mo, re urgent for
this pristine area.

An extensive biological survey was prepared by Randall et al,
(1975). Their report covers the above community types with Ta@t_icular
em phasis given to the barrier.reef, lagoon and channel communities.
Quantitative physiographic as well as biotic data are included. The
bibliography contains 41 references. The reader* is strongly
urged to consult the Randall et al. (1975) survey for an in-depth
discussion.

Randall et al.. (1975) divided the entire Cocos complex into three
biotopes with multiple facies. Biotopes are defined as "primary ecolo-
-gical units including the entire complex of habitat, substrate, accre-
tional and erosional processes, hydrologic factors and life associa-
tions." Facies are the smaller divisions made within biotopes. The
following biotopes and associated facies were established for Cocos
Lagoon:

Biotope I This biotope includes the lagoon, barrier reef-flat
platforms, and fringing reef-flat platforms.

Facies A - Barrier reef-flat platform.

Facies B - Shallow lagoon terrace or floor which forms a
shelf extending from the lagoonward edge of
the barrier reef and fringing reef-flat plat-
forms to the 3 meter depth contour.

Facies C - Lagoon floor deeper than 3 meters.

Facies D - Patch reefs, mounds, and knolls which form
distinct physiographic features on the lagoon
floor.

Facies E - Nearshore shelf of fringing reef-flat plat-
form which borders the landward side of
Cocos Lagoon.

105

Biotope II - This biotope consists of the deep Mamaon and
Manell Channels.

Facies A - Shallow channel margin shelves located at the
upper margin of the channel slopes or walls.

Facies B - Channel slope located between the upper channel
margin or shelf and the channel floor.

Facies C - Channel slopes which form steep rocky walls or
submarine cliffs, located between the upper
channel margin or shelf and channel floor.

Facies D - Cavernous parts of channel slopes and walls
and the overhanging ceilings of submarine cliffs.

Facies E - Channel floor, usually composed of unconsoli-
dated sediments.

Biotope III - This biotope consists of the terrestrial regions
at Cocos Island and the small sand islet at its
eastern end, Babe Island, and the landward border
along Cocos Lagoon.

A discussion of each facies is beyond the scope of this report
though the species lists reflect the biota of each one. A synopsis
of the major biological findings in Biotopes I and II follows.
Biotope III is terrestrial and therefore not included. Tables 31-35
list those organisms observed in the study area.

HARD AND SOFT CORALS

Biotope I includes the lagoon and its peripheral reef flat plat-
forms divided into five concentric facies, beginning with the outer-
most area (Fig. 15). Coral cover on facies A was variably dense and
diverse based on differing degrees of reef-flat exposure. In general,
an increase in coral cover and diversity from the seaward side to the
lagoon side was noted. Thirty-nine species representing 18 genera
were observed.

Facies B consisted of the shallow lagoon terrace extending lagoon-
ward to the 3 meter submarine contour. Width of this facies varied
widely from 200-1000 meters. The boundary along the near shore shelf
was demarcated by the seagrass Enhalus acoroides Extensive regions
of the terrace floor were covered by the staghorn coral, AcrRpora
formosa'. Thickets ranging in diameter from a few meters to many
meters created a varied range of habitats. In general, coral growth
was more dominant on the southern terrace. Toward the eastern end of
the lagoon, the Acropora thickets became increasingly large with zones
of mixed corals Eetween patches. Coral diversity was highest here.

MID

KEY: sea(

dep

Toguan River rVVyA ree
kft.

Mamaon Channel 4,V X@
IIERIZO

Geus River

Tochog Creek,

I/ Manell Riv
%
VW

Z' r'-
%- -
Vq1
V14 q
rp '0 V
hoq IV V
'y ij
, i PW V
V*V
V V V j V VVjrq
\V V V VIt VV W

400

Manell Channel

C'O

Figure 15. Map showing Bioto.pe I and facies A through D of Cocos Lagoon a

107

The western portion of this area was devoid of corals for the most
part. Seventy-nine species representing 27 genera were noted.

Facies C and D represent the central portion of the lagoon deeper
than 3 meters and the patch reefs. The sand floor is interrupted by
mounds, knolls and knobs. These relief features are zones rich in
coral, algae,,associated invertebrates and fish. These facies contained
the richest and most diverse communities in biotope I. The under sur-
face of overhanging mushroom shaped knolls are the habitats of various
Leptoseris, Pavona, Plerogyra and Porites coral species, which are
typically found in much deeper habitats. A total of 102 species
representing 35 genera were observed.

Facies E consists of the narrow fringing reef bordering the land-
ward side of the lagoon. The intertidal zone is dotted by mangrove
patches (Mamaon Channel side) providing habitats for small gastropods
and crabs. In general, this zone was rather barren. The most dominant
community along the f ringing reef -f lat platform were the seagrasses.

Many beautiful soft corals (alcyonaceans and zoanthids) were
noted in biotope I. Although they were seen in virtually all facies,
they were particularly rich in facies C and D. Sinularia olydactyla
was the most common. It was estimated that there was one soft coral
for every 1.37 square meters. Facies E was also rich in soft corals.

Biotope II consists of the deep Mamaon and Manell barrier reef
channels and their associated facies (Fig.-16). The shallow channel
margins (Facies A) were highly variable with respect to coral density,
diversity and physiographic character. In general, lagoonward sides
Of the channels were more highly developed with diversity highest at
the channel mouths (particularly Mamaon). Several species of Porites
dominated. Coral diversity for this facies was the highest in the
lagoon with 104 species representing 34 genera.

The steep channel slopes (Facies B) and submarine cliffs (Facies
C) ranged in depth from 3-30 meters. Characteristically turbid water
and high sedimentation rates inhibited a rich coral growth though
isolated patches were noted. The submarine cliff areas (near channel
mouths) exhibited less sediment accumulation and therefore a more
diverse community. Pavona and Acropora species were abundant in
addition to Porites.

Facies D consisted of the cavernous parts of the channel including
overhangs and ceilings. This area was considered rather special in
that the low light intensities have allowed for the development of
many deep water corals. Leptoseris sp., Stylocoeniella armata, Pavona
minuta, Pachyseris speciosa, Poritp (S.) hawaiiensis, Echinophyllia
aspera, Mycedium, Plerogyra sinuosa and Euphyllia glabrescens were
abundant. Bryozoans and larger foraminiferans were also common.

The channel floors (Facies E) are largely devoid of corals.
A few small Porites colonies were noted. Near,the channel mouths a

Lagoon fringing
reef platform
Shore Coco
Mamaon Channel
Channel Margin Lagoon Channel Margin
(A) Channe
Wall Cavernous part '@k.Channel Slope (B)
(C) of wall (D)

Channel Floor
(E)
Its 250 315 '500 750

Feet

Figure 16. Generalized profile of Biotope II and Facies A through E of Mamaon Channel, Co

109

few gorgonians'and small bydroids were seen.

The upper facies of Biotope II contained a diverse soft coral.
community. Twenty different species were observed compared to four
in all other facies of both biotopes combined. Density, however, was
considerably less than that found on the nearshore shelf described in
Biotope I.

MARINE PLANTS

Marine flora for both biotopes was very diverse. Ninty-one species
were observed. The highest diversity was found in biotopes IA (barrier
reefs) and ID (patch reefs). The most depauperate areas were biotopes
IC and IIE, lagoon and channel floors respectively.

Polysiphonia sp. and Dictyota bartayresii (windward side), and
Caulerpa racemosa and Padina tenuis (leeward side), dominated
Biotope IA. Polysiphonia sp. and Dictyota bartayresii also dominated
Biotope IB. Biotope IC was dominated by Halimeda macroloba, Avrain-
villea obscura, Halophila minor and Caulerpa s-ertularioide5, all of
which have specialized holdfast systems for sandy substrates. Biotope
ID was dominated by Feldmannia indica, an important dietary item for
juvenile siganids. Biotopes IE and IIA were vastly dominated by the
seagrass Enhalus acoroides. Biotopes IIB-D were dominated by Halimeda.
incrassatA and Tolypiocladia glomerulata. The crustose and coralline
algae Porolithon onkodes and Peyssonelia sp. were virtually the only
genera found in Biotope IIE.

MACROINVERTEBRATES

An inventory of the major macroinvertebrates is included in the
species lists. Emphasis was placed on molluscs and echinoderms. No
discussion of their relative abundance and distribution is given in
the Randall report.

FISHES

.The ichthyofauna found in Biotopes I and II was divided into a
slightly different facies scheme (Fig. 17). These include the outside
reef (I), channel walls (II), lagoon patch reefs (III), barrier reef
flat (IV), seagrass beds (V), sand bottom (VI), estuarine and fresh-
water (VII) and a miscellaneous category (M) for those fish observed
by previous workers without regard to location. The following'observa-t-
ions and conclusions were made regarding the fish population in the
Cocos area (Jones and Chase, 1975).

Although the channel-wall (II) of Cocos Lagoon
proved to be more diverse than the biotope out-
side the barrier (I), in terms of transect species,
diversity, and biomass, it seems that the lagoon
as a whole is not supporting an exceptionally rich
ichtbyofauna. Qualitative observations as well

4r,,IERIZO

Mamaon Channel ----A

KEY -

T IV

VI
,Vol

Manell
Channel

tor-o

Figure 17, Icthyofaunal Biotopes I through VI at Cocos Lagoon. (Adapted from Jones and

as many of our transect counts indicated that
large numbers of juvenile reef fish species
occurred in the lagoon. This was true both in
areas with reef cover and in the seagrass beds.
These observations lead us to believe that the
lagoon's enclosed nature, coupled with the
natural cover available, makes Cocos Lagoon an
invaluable nursery for many of the species.

THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES

The federally registered endangered species Eretmochelys imbricata.
(hawksbill turtle) is often present in Cocos Lagoon. The sea cow
Dugong dugong has been reported in the lagoon by Gawel, Hotaling and
Tobias in 1974. Whether this organism is still present is doubtful.
The coconut crab, Birgus latro,has been extensively harvested on Cocos
Island and may be threatened. The coral Tubastrea aurea is rare on
Guam but abundant throughout Micronesia.

WATER CLASSIFICATION

GEPA water classification ratings for this area are "A", recre-
ational. Over twenty-five point source discharges are known along the
Merizo coastline. Fortunately, most are small and the Manell and
Mamaon channels are able to transport the discharges laterally into
the Philippine Sea and Pacific Ocean, respectively, thus largely pro-
tecting the adjacent lagoon. While carrying capacity appears to be
stable at the present time, the maximum supportable discharge load is
not known and further development involving waste discharge must be
carefully monitored.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The beauty of the Cocos area, with its pristine lagoon and asso-
ciated features as well as clear and protected waters make it an
important preservation site for both scientific study and limited
recreational use. No alternative site exists on Guam. The Cocos area
is unique. Recreational development and tourism have increased tre-
mendously, necessitating an immediate appraisal of potential environ-
mental stresses. Randall et al. (1975) concluded that the delicate
nature. of the area is such7_th@a__t any physical disruption of the sea-
grass beds, coral reefs, etc.,within the lagoon or immediately adjacent
areas could have serious effects on the fish population in particular.
For these reasons the following recommendations are suggested:

1) that the entire Cocos area be made into a marine sanctuary
in which fishing, coral harvesting and shell collecting
be outlawed except by special permit.

2) that the GEPA water quality classification be changed to
"AA", conservation.

112

3) that an upper limit on the number and type of point
source discharges into Mamaon and Manell Channels be
established.

4) that strictly controlled recreational activities in-
cluding SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and swimming be
retained along with authorized glass bottom boat tours
and the transport of picnickers and bathers to Cocos
Island proper.

5) that an upper limit on the number of transport boats
and persons utilizing the area at any given time be
established.

6) that the entire Cocos area be made into a marine under-
water park with trails and basic information on the
geology, physiography and biota. This should be made
available through pamplets and signs in the area written
in layman's language. The system could be modeled after
Hanauma Bay (Oahu, Hawaii).

7) that the placement of artificial reefs and fish traps for
scientific and maricultural purposes be allowed with the
issuance of a special permit.

8) that strict litter laws be implemented, notably a "Thermos
Law", curtailing the problem of waste beverage cans. This
is already in effect on Cocos Island and should be added
to the adjacent coastal areas included in the sanctuary.

113

Table 31. Checklist of marine plants observed at Cocos Lagoon.
(Adapted from Randall et al, 1975).

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIES A B C D E A B C D E

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Calothrix crustacea x x x x x x x x
Hormothamnion enteromorphoides x x x x x x
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x x x x x x x x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x x x x x x x
Schizothrix mexicana x x x x x
Rivularia atra x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Acetabularia moebii x x
Avrainvillea obscura x x x x
Boer esenia forbesii x x x x
Boodlea composita x x x x x x x x
Caulerpa cupressoides x x x x x x x x x
Caulerpa filicoides x
Caulerpa lentillifera x x x x
Caulerpa racemosa x x x x x x x x x
Caulerpa serrulata x x x x x
Caulerpa sertularioides x x x x x x
Caulerpa taxifolia x x x x x
Caulerpa verticillata x x x
Chlorodesmis fastigiata x x x x x x x
Cladophoropsis membran'ceae x x
Codium edule x
Dictyosphaeria cavernosa x x x x x
Dictyosphaeria versluysii x x x x x x x x
Enteromorpha compressa x
Halimeda COP2.0s x x
Halimeda discoidea x x x x x x x x
Halimeda gigas x x x x
Halimeda incrassata x x x x x
Halimeda macroloba x x x x x
Halimeda opuntia x x x x x x x x x x
Neomeris annulata x x x x
Neomeris vanbosseae x x x
Rhipilia, orientalis x
Tydemannia expeditionis x x x x
Udotea argentea x x
Valonia fastigiata x x x x x x x x
Valonia ventricosa x x x x x

114

Table 31. (continued)

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIES A B C D E A B C D

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Chnoospora implexa x x x x
Dictyota bartayresii x x x x x x x
Dictyota cervicornis x x x x x
Dictyota divaricata x x x x x x x x
Dictyota friabilis x x x x x x
Dictyota patens x x x
Ectocarpus breviarticulatus x x
Feldmannia indica x x x x x x x
Hydroclathrus clathratus x x x x x
Lobophora variegata x x x x x x x
Padina jonesii x x x x x
Padina tenuis x x x x
Sargassum cristaefolium x
Sargassum polycystum x x
Sphacelaria tribuloides x x x x x x
Turbinaria ornata x x x x x x x x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Acanthophora _gicifera x x x x x x x x
Actinotrichia fragilis x x x x x x x
,@@ir@oa foliacea x x x x x x
Amphiroa fragilissima x x x x x x x x x
Antithamnion sp.
Asparagopsis taxiformis x
Botryocladia skottsbergii x
Centroceras clavulatum x
Ceramium sp.. x
Champia parvula x
Desmia hornemanni x x x x
Galaxaura fasciculata x x x x x
Galaxaura marginata x x
Galaxaura oblongata x x x x x x x
Gelidiella acerosa x x x
Gelidio2sis intricata x x x x
Gelidium divaricatum x x x x x x x x
Gelidium pusillum x
Gracilaria arcuata x x
Gracilaria crassa x x x
Grif f ithEH4,,sp. - x
Halymenia'durvillaei x
Hypnea cervicornis x x x
Hypnea pannosa x x x x x x x x
Hypnea valentiae x x

Table 31. (continued)

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIES A B C D E A B C D E

Jania capillacea x x x x x x
Laurencia sp. x
Lithophyllum sp. x x x x x x x x x
Mastophora sp. x x
Neogoniolithon sp. x x x
Peyssonelia sp. x x x x x x
Polysiphonia sp. x x x x x x x
Porolithon onkodes x
Porolithon sp. x x x x
Rhodymenia sp. x x x x x x
Spyridia filamentosa x x x x
Tolypiocladia glomerulata x x x x x x
Trichogloea sp. x x x

SPERMATOPHYTA (seagrass)

Enhalus acoroides x
Halodule uninervis x
Halophila minor x

116
Table 32. Checklist of corals observed at Cocos Lagoon. (Adapted from
Randall et al, 1975).

Biotope I Biotope II
BIOTOPES A B C D E A B C D E

St@locoeniella armata x x x x x x x x
Stylocoeniella gRentheri x x x x
Psammocora contigua x x x x
Psammocora nierstraszi x x x x x x
Psammocora profundacella x
Psammocora stellata x x x x
Psammocora verrilli x
Psammocora (S.) togianensis x x x x
Psammocora (P-.) haimeana x x x x x x x
Stylophora mordax x x
Seriatopora hVstrix x x x x x x
Pocillopora brevicornis x x x x
Pocillopora damicornis xx x x x x x x x x x
Pocillopora danae x x
Pocillopora elegans x
Pocillopora eydouxi x x
Pocillopora ligulata x x
Pocillopora meandrina. x x x
Pocillopora setchelli x
Pocillopora verrucosa x x x x x x
Acropora abrotanoides x
Acropora acuminata x x x x x x
Acropora arbuscula x x x x x
Acropora aspera x x x x
Acropora brueggemanni x x
Acropora convexa x x
Acropora j-elicatula x x x
Acroporae-chinata x
Acropora formosa x xx xx xx x x x
Acropora hebes x x
Acropora humulis x x x x x x x
Acropora hystrix x x
Acropora kenti x x x x
Acrop6ra murrayensis x x
Acropora nana x
Acropora nasuta x x x x x
Acropora nobilis x
Acropora palifera x x x x x x
Acropora palmerae x
Acropora rambleri x x x
Acropora rayneri x x x
Acropora smithi x
Acropora squarrosa x x
Acropora surculosa x x x x x x
Acropora syringodes x

117
Table 32. (continued)

Biotope I Biotope II
BIOTOPES A B C D E A B C D E

Acropora studeri x x
Acropora teres xx xx xx xx x x x
Acropora tubicinaria x x
Acropora IjE_gata x x x
Acrppgra wardii x
Acropora sp. 1 x
Astreopora gracilis x x
AstreoRora listeri x x
Astreopora myriopht alma x x x x X,
Montipora composit x x
Montipora conicula x
Montipora ehrenbergii x x x
Montipora e1schneri x x x
Montipora floweri x
Montipora foveolata x x x x x x x x x
112nLIZaa granulosa x x
MontiRora hoffmeisteri x x x x
Montipora lobulata x x x xx x x x
Montipora monasteriata x
Montipora patula. x
Montipora subtilis x x x x
Montipora tuberculosa x x x
Montipora verilli x x x x x xx x x
Montipora verrucosa x x x x x x x x
Pavona clavus x x
Pavona decussata x x xx x
Pavona divaricata x x
Pavona frondifera x x
@-avona"minuta x x
Pavona varians x x x x x x x x x
Pavona gardineri x x
Pavona (P.) pollicata x
Pavona (P-.) planulata x x x x
Pavona (P.) obtusata x x x x x x x
Pavona (P-.) sp. 1 x x x x
Leptoseris hawaiiensis x x x x
LeRtoseris incrustans x x x x
Leptoseris mycetoseroides x
Pachyseris speciosa x x X
Anomastraea sp. I x x x x x x x
Coscinaraea. columna x
Cycloseris sp. 1 x
Fungia fungites x x x
Fungia scutaria, x x x x
Goniopora columna x
Eml= arbuscula x x x x x x
StXlaraea punctata x x x xx x x x x x

118

Table 32. (continued)

Biotope I Biotope I.I
BIOTOPES A B C D E A B C D E

Porites andrewsi x xx x
Porites annae x x x x x
Porites australiensis x x x
Porites cocosensis X xx xx xx x x x x x
Porites compressa x x x x x
Porites duerdeni x
Porites lichen x x x x
Porites lobata x x x x x x x x
Porites lutea@ xx xx x xx x xx x x x
Porites murrayensis x x x x
Porites matthaii x xx x xx x xx x x x
Porites sp. 1 x
Porites sp. 2 x x x
Porites (S.) convexa x x xx x x xxx x
Porites (S-.) hawaiiensis x x x x x x xx x
Porites (S.) horizontalata x x x x x x
Porites (S.) iwaXamaensis x x x xx x x xx xxx x
Porites @-S-) sp. I x x
Alveopora japonica x
Alveopora verrilliana x x
Favia favus x
Favia pallida x x x x x x x
javia speciosa x x x x x
Favia stelligera x x x
Favia rotumana x x
Favites-abdita x
Favites complanata x x x x x x
Favites favosa x x
Favites flexuosa x x
Favites virens x x
Oulophyllia crispa x x
Plesiastrea. versipora x x x
Plesiastrea sp. 1 x x x
Goniastrea parvistella. x x x x x x x x
Goniastrea pectinata x x x x x
Goniastrea retiformis x x x x x
Platygyra rustica x x x x x
Platygyra lamellina x x
Platygyra sinensis x x x x x
Leptoria phrygia x x x x x
Hydnophora microconos x x x x
Leptastrea bottae x x x x
Leptastrea purpure x xx x xx x xx xx x x x
Leptastrea transversa x x
-Cyphastrea, chalcidicum x

Table 32. (continued) 119

Biotope I Biotope II
BIOTO-PES A B C D E A B C D E

Cyphastrea serailia x x x x x x x
Cyphastrea sp. I x
Echinopora lamellosa x x x
Diploastrea heliopora x x
Galaxea fascicularis x x x x x x x x
Galaxea hexagonalis x
Acrhelia horrescens x x x x x x x
Merulina. ampliata x x x
Lobophyllia corymbosa x x x x x x x
Lobophyllia costata x x
Lobophyllia hemprichii x x
Acanthastrea echinata x xx x
Echinophyllia A@@ @era x x x x x x x
Mycedium sp. 1 x x
Paracyathus sp. I x x
Plerogyra sinuosa x x x x x x x x
Euphyllia. glabrescens x x x x x x x x x
Heliopora coerulea x x x x x x x x
Millepora dichotoma x x x x x
Millepora exaesa x x x x xx x x x x
Millepora platyphylla. x x x x x x
Disticbopora violacea x x x x x

Total Species 159

Total Genera 44

120

Table 33. Checklist of soft corals observed at Cocos Lagoon.
(Adapted from Randall et al, 1975).

Biotope I Biotope III
BIOTOPES A14 AL B C D E A B C D

ASTEROSPICULARIII)AE

Asterospicularia randalli x x x

ALCYONIIDAE

Alcyon sp. 1 x x x
Cladiella sp. 1 x
Cladiella sp. 2 x
Lobophytum sp. 1 x
Lobophytum sp. 2 x
Lobophytum sp.3 x
SarcopLyton sp. 1 x x x
Sarcophyton sp. 2 x x x
Sinularia polydactyla x x x x x x
Sinularia conferta var.
gracilis x x X. x
Sinularia sp. 1 x
Sinularia sp. 2 x
Sinularia. sp. 3 x
Sinularia sp. 4 x
Sinularia sp. 5 x
Sinularia sp, 6 x
Sinularia sp. 7 x
Sinularia sp. 8 x
Sinularia sp. 9 x
Sympodium coeruleum x

NEPHTHYIDAE

Species 1 x
Species 2 x

XENIIDAE

Xenia sp. x

ZOANTHIDAE

Palythoa sp. x x x x
Zoanthus sp. x

Table 34. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates, other than corals,
observed in Cocos. Lagoon. (Adapted from Randall et al.,,
1975).

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIES A B C D E A B *C D E
PROTOZOA
SARCODINA

MArAinopora vertebralis

CNIDARIA
SCYPHOZOA

Cassiopea andromeda x
Stephanoscyphus racem6sus x

HYDROZOA

Porpita sp. x

ANNELIDA
POLYCHAETA

. Spirorbis sp. x

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA and BIVA-tVIAM

Acmaea sp. x
Arca ventricosa x
Astralium petrosum. x
Barbatia sp. x x
Bursa sp.
Cantharus fumosus x
Cantharus undosus x
Cantharus sp. x
Cerithium columna x
Cerithium. nesioticum. x
Cerithium nodulosum x x
Cerithium ravidum x
Cerithium. sp. x
Chicoreus brunneus x
Chione sp. x
Chlarys sp. x
*Codakia divergens x
Contumax nodulosus x
Conus arenatus x
Conus distans. x
Conus flavidus- x
Conus ebraeus
Conus imperialis x
Conus litteratus x

122

Table 34. (continued)

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIES A B C D E A R-C D E
Conus lividus.
Conus mardioreus
Conus miliaris
spulicari@s x x x x
Ton-us rattus x
Conus spo s 1* x
C6nus sp. x
Coralliophilia violacea
*Ctelina sp.
*Ctelinidae sp. x
*Ctena divergens
Cymatium muricinum x
Cymatium pileare x x
Cymatium sp. x
Zypraea carneola x
Cypraea moneta x x
Cypraea tigris x x
Drupa morum x
Drupa risinus x
Brupa rubisidaeus x
Drupella cornus. x
*Fragum fragum x x x
lAiG-af rari7um-Eec:tinatum x x
Imbricaria conularis. x
Latirus barclayi x
_fAtirus polygonus x
Latirus sp. x x
Maculotriton. digitata x
Mitra mitra x
Mitridae sp. . 1 x
Mitridae sp.,2 x
*Modiolus auricula'tus x
Morula uva x
Muricidae sp. x
Nassarius graniferus x
Natica marochiensis x x
Nebularia cucumerina (Mitra'
cucumerina) x
Oliva minacea x
Otopleura aTriscatis x
Otopleura sp. x
A@P-eriglypta puerpera x
*Pinctada sp. x
Pyramidella sp. 1 x x
Pyramidella sp. 2 x

Table 34. (continued) 123

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIEI A B C D E A B C D E

*Quidnipagus palatam x
Rapa rapa . x x
Rhinoclavis asper x x x x
Sagaminopteron psychedelicum x
*Septifer bilocularis x
lus sp. -
x
Strombus gibberulus x x x
Strombus luhuanus x x
Strombus sp. x
*Telina sp. x
Yerebra affinis x x x
Terebra areolata x
Terebra babylonia x
Terebra dimidiata x x
Terebra guttata x
Terebra maculata x
Terebra sp. I x
Thais armigera x
Thais tuberosa x
Tonna. perdix x
Trochus niloticus X-
Trochus ochroleucus x
Truidrupa bijubata x
Turridae sp. x
Turbo sp. x
Vasum turbinellus

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

Acanthaster planci x x
Asterina sp. x
Astropecten. polyacanthus x
Choriaster granulatus x
Culcita novaeguineae x x x
Echinaster luzonicus x
Fromia hemiopla x
Gomophia eUptica x
Linckia guildingi x
Linckia laevigata x
Linckia multiflora x x
Mithrodia clavigera x
Ophidiaster granifera x
Ophidiaster robillardi x

124
Table 34. (continued)

Biotope I Biotope II
SPECIES A B C D E A B C D E

OPHIUROIDEA

Macrophiothrix longipeda x
Ophiocoma erinaceus x

ECHINOIDEA

Diadema savignyi x
Diadema setosum x
Echinometra mathaei x x x x x
Echinometra aciculatus
(Echinostephus aciculatus) x x x x x
Echinothrix calamaris x
Echinothrix diadema x x
Heterocentrotus mammillatus x
Toxopneustes pileolus x
Tripneustes Rratilla x

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopyga echinites x
Actinopyga mauritiana. x x x x x
Bohadschia argus x x x x x x
Bohadschia bivitata x x x x x x
Holothuria (Cystipus):inhabilis x
Holothuria (Halodeima) atra x x x x x x
Holothuria (Halodeiui4) edulis x x x x x x
Holothuria (Mertensiothuria)
leucospilota x x x x x x x
Holothuria (Thymiosycia) hilla x x : x x
Holothuria (Microthele) nobilis x x x x x
Holothuria sp. 1 x
Holothuria sp. 2. x
Stichopus chloronotus. x x x x x x x x
Stichopus horrens x x
Stichopus variegatus x x
Synapta maculata x
Thelenota ananas x

125
Table 35. Checklist of fishes observed at Cocos Lagoon. Category M
(miscellaneous) lists those fish reported by various workers
for which the exact locations were not specified. (Adapted
from Randall et al, 1975).

FISH BIOTOPES
S2ECIES I Il III IV V VI Misc.

ACANTHURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius x x x
A. lineatus x x
'K. 'mata x
A. nigrofuscus x X x x
'K. 7livaceous X
X. pyroferus x x
A. thompsoni x
A. triostegus X x X.
W. -xanthopterus x x x x
Ctenochaetus binotatus x x
C. striatus x x X x
-Raso brevirostris x
N. hexacanthus x
N. lituratus x x X x
'9. unicornis x x x x
Zebrasoma flavescens x X x
Z. scopas x X
-velif erum x x x

APOGONIDAE

Apogon exostigma. X
A. leptacanthus X
A. mydrus X
X. 'novemfasciatus x
W. -robustus
A. trimaculatus X
A. sp. x
Theilodipterus macrodon x x
C. quinquelineata X x x

ATHERINIDAE

Pranesus insularum x

AULOSTOMIDAE

Aulostomus chinen,@-,is x X x X

Table 35. (continued) 126

FISH BIOTOPES
SPECIES I II III IV V VI Misc.

BALISTIDAE

Balista2us undulatus x x
Balistoides niger x
Melichthys niger x
M. vidua x
Ts@u-d-obalistes flavomarginatus x
Rhinecanthus aculeatus x
R. rectanaulus x
Sufflamen bursa x
S. chrysoptera x x

BLENNIIDAE

Aspidontus taeniatus X X x x
Cirripectes sebae x
C. variolosus x x x
Ecsenius bicolor x
E. opsifrontalis x
Txzd-lias brevis x
Istiblennius coronatus x x
Meiacanthus atrodorsalis x x x
Petroscirtes mitratus x x
Plagiotremus tapein soma x x x
P, sp, x
Salarias fasciatus x x

BOTHIDAE

Bothus mancus x

CANTHIGASTERIDAE

Canthigaster amboinensis x
C. coronatus x x x
.@j. janthinopterus x x
C. solandri x x x x

CARACANTHIDAE

Caracanthus maculatus x

CARANGIDAE

Carangoides malabaricus x
Caranx melampygus x x x
Gnathanodon speciosus x

Table 35. (continued) 127

FISH BIOTOPES
SPECIES I II III IV V VI Misc.

CARAPIDAE

Carapus homei x

CRAETODONTIDAE

Centropyge bispinosus x
C. flavissimus x x x X-
T. -i@eraldi x
Tha-eotodon auriga x x x x
C. bennetti x x x
Z. 'citrinellus x x x x
C. ephippium x x x x
Z. Yalcula (=C. ulietensis) x x x
-0 eini x
lunula x x x x
C. melannotus x x
'E. -mertensii x x x
C. ornatissiums x x
'E. punctato-fasciatus x x x
C. quadrimaculatus x
Z -reticulatus x x x
C. strigangulus (=C. trifasualis) x x
C. trifasciatus x x x x
-E. unimaculatus x x
Forcipiger flavissimus x x
Heniochus permutatus x x x
H. varius x
monoceros x x x x
Holacanthus trimaculatus x
Pomacanthus imperator x x
Pygoplites diacanthus x

CIRRHITIDAE

Cirrhitus pinnulatus x
Neocirrhites armatus x
Paracirrhites arcatus x x
P. forsteri x x
i. hemistictus x

DASYATIDAE

Dasyatis kuhli x

DIODONTIDAE

Diodon hystrix x

128

Table 35. (continued)

FISH BIOTOPES
SPECIES I II III IV V VI Misc.

ENGRAULIDAE

Thrissina baelama x

FISTULARIDAE

Fistularia petimba x

GOBIIDAE

Acentrogobius belissimus x x
A. triangularis x
'@imbd-ygobius albimaculatus x x x x x
A. decussatus x
X. sp. x
Xsterropteryx semipunctatus x x x
Bathygobius fuscus x
Eleotriodes strigata x x
Eviota prasites
Gnatholepis deltbides x x x
Gobius ornatus x x
Nemateleotris magnificus x
Obtortiophagus kousmani x
Oxyurichthys guibei x
Periopthalmus koelreuteri x
Pogonoculius zebra x
Ptereleotris tricolor x
Rhinogobius decoratus x
Trimma caesiura x

HEMIRAMPHIDAE

Hyporhamphus laticeps x

HOLOCENTRIDAE

Adioryx caudimacula x
A. microstomus x x
A. spinifer x x x
A. tiere x
A. lacteoguttatus x
T. sp. x
fiammeo sammara x x x
Myripristis amaenus x x
M. kuntee x
@i. microphthalmus x
M. murdjan

129
Table 35. (continued)

FISH BIOTOPES
SPECIES I' III IV V VI Misc.-

KURLIIDAE

Kuhlia taeniura X.

KYPHOSIDAE

Kyphosus cinerascens x

LABRIDAE

Anampses caeruleopunctatus x
Cheilinus celebicus x
C. chlorourus x x x x
sciatus x x x x x
-rhodochrous x x x
C. trilobatus x x x x
-undulatus x x x x
Cheilio inermis x x
Cirrhilabrus tpmrnincki x
Coris aygula x
.@j. gaimard. - x x
Epibulus insidiator x x x x
Gomphosus varius x x x x
Halichoeres biocellatus x
H. hortulanus (=H. centiquadrus) x x x
ff. -margaritaceus, x x x x
H. marginatus x x x
H. trimaculatus x x x x
Hemigymnus fasciatus x x
H. melapterus x x x x x
@eTrF5-teronotus sp. x x x
Labrichthys unilineata x x
Labroides bicolor x x
L. dimidiatus x x x x
'Rac-r-opharyngodon meleagris x
M. pardalis x x x
Pseudocheilinus hexataenia x x x
Pteragogus guttatus x
Stethojulis (axillaris)
bandanensis x x x x x x
strigiventer x x x
Thalassoma amblycephalus x
T. hardwickei x x x x
T. lutescens x x x x
purpureum x x
quinguevittata x x
Xyrichthys taeniourus x x

130
Table 35. (continued)

FISH BIOTOPES
SPECIES III IV V VI Misc.

LUTJANIDAE

Aphareus furcatus x X x
Aprion virescens x x
Caesio caerulaureus
Gnathodentex aureolineatus x
Lethrinus reticulatus
L. rhodopterus x x x x x
I. sp. x x
Lutjanus argentimaculatus x x
L. (vaigiensis) fulyus x x x x
L. kasmira
L. monostigmus x
Racolor niger
Scolopsis cancellatus x x

MIALACATNTHIDAE

Malacanthus scripta x

MONACANTHIDAE

Alutera scripta x
Amanses carolae x
A. sandwichensis x X x
Oxymonacanthus longirostris x x x x
Paraluteres prionurus x
Pervagor melanocephalus x

MONODACTYLIDAE

Monodactylus argenteus x

MUGILIDAE

Chelon vaigiensis x
Crenimugil crenilabis. x
Mugil cephalus x

MUGILOIDIDAE

Parapercis cephalopunctatus x x
P. clathrata x x x

131

Table 35. (continued)

FISH-BIOTOPES
SPECIES III IV V VI Misc.

MULLIDAE

Mulloidichthys auriflamma x
M. samoensis x x x x x
ia!jje:n:eus barberinus x x x x x
P. bifasciatus x x
P. cyclostomus x x x x
P. multifasciatus x x x x x
pleurostigma x x x
prophyreus x x x
Upeneus vittatus x

MURAENIDAE

Echidna nebulosa x x
E. zebra
Gymnothorax gracilicaudus x
x
javanicus
G. pictus
G. undulatus x
Uropterygius concolor x

MYLIOBATIDAE

Aetobatus narinari x

OPHICHTHIDAE

Leiuranus semicinctus x

OSTRACIONTIDAE

Lactoria cornutus x
Ostracion cubicus-
Q. meleagris camurum x x x

PEMPHERIDAE

Pempheris oualensis x

POMACENTRIDAE

Abudefduf amabilisC=Glyphidodontops leucopomus) x x x
A. curacao (=Ambl@glyphidodon curacao) x x
X. -E-ckii (=Plectrogly2hidodon dickii) x x
A. glaucus (=G. glaucus) x
A. imparipennis (=P. imparipennis) x

132

Table 35. (continued)

FISH BIOTOPES
SPECIES 1 11 111 IV V VI Misc.
:A. johnstonianus (=Plectroglyhidodon johnstonianus) x
A. .1acrymatus-.(=P. lachrymatus) x x x x
A. leucopomus @(=G. le@ucopomus) x x x
A. leucozona (=P. leucozona) x
A. saxatilis x
A. septemfasciatus x x
'sexfasciatus (=A. coelestinus) x
Amphi2rion bicinctus x
A. chrysopterus x x
A. melanopus x x x
A. perideraion x
'@hromis atripectoralis x x x
C. caerulea, x x x
C. (dimidiatus) hanui C=C, margaritifer) x x
C. leucurus (F=C. margaritifer) x
'E. "vanderbilti- x
C. xanthochir x
C. sp. x x
Dascyllus aruanus x x x
D. reticulatus x x
D. trimaculatus x x x
Pomacentrus albofasciatus (,=.EuRomacentrus albifasciatus) x
P. amboinensis x
P. jenkinsi (=E. fascidatud) x x x
P. lividus (=E. lividus) x x x
P. nigricans (=E. nigricans) x x x
pavo x x
P. traceyi x x x
P. vaiuli x x x x
P. sp. x

PSEUDOCHROMIDAE

Plesiops corallicola x

SCARIDAE

Calatomus spinidens x x
Chlorurus bicolor k x
C. gibbus :k
Leptoscarus vaigiensis x
Scarus dubius x x x x
S. lepidus x x x x
S. sordidus x x x x x
S. venosus x x x x

Table 35. (continued) 133

FISH BIOTOPES
SEECIES I II III IV V VI Misc.

SCORPAENIDAE

Pterois antennata x
P. volitans x x
@corpaenopsis gibbosa x

SERRANIDAE

Cephalopholis argus x
C. urodelus x
ipinephelus emoryi x
E. merra x x x
Grammistes sexlineatus x

SIGANIDAE

Siganus argenteus x
S. punctatus x
S. spinus x x

SPARIDAE

Monotaxis grandoculis x x x x

SPHYRAENIDAE

Sphyraena sp. x

SYNGNATHIDAE

Corythoichthys intestinalis
C. sp. waitei x x x x

SYNODONTIDAE

Saurida gracilis x x
Synodus variegatug x x x x

TETRAODONTIDAE

Arothron alboreticulatus x x
A. immaculatus x

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus x x x x

134

AREA X:
AJAYAN BAY

Aj ayan Bay is located on the southeast coast of Guam, along Route
4 just north of Manell Channel (Fig. 18). The area was chosen because
of its well developed fringing reef channel and extensive seagrass beds.

No previous survey has been done for Ajayan Bay with respect to.
the marine biotic community. Moore et al. (1977) studied the Ajayan
River basin wetland area. Most of @h_e_i_rreport deals with terrestrial
communities and is not included here. Randall and Holloman (1974)
provide an excellent physiographic. description of the area. The follow-
ing summary is taken in part from their report.

The fringing reef platform bordering most of the southeast shore-
line is completely cut by the Ajayan River, forming a small estuary embay-
ment with moderate alluvial silt deposition at the river mouth. Portions
of the reef flat are markedly depressed as a result of local faulting.
A small islet (Agrigan Island) is located on the southwest reef flat.
The channel is characterized by progressively steeper fringing reef walls
seaward to approximately 18 meters in depth. The floor of the channel
grades from a silt-mud zone to sand approximately midway out. Water
visibility improved seaward. The reef flats are wide and largely covered
by seagrass beds on the inside, representing some of the most extensive
communities of their type on Guam.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water rating for Ajayan
Bay is 'W' - recreational. No point source discharges are known in the
immediate area (Shidel, 1977).

Two visits were made to Ajayan Bay. For purposes of this report
the area was divided into five zones: (1) east bay, (2) west side .
channel wall and margin, (3) reef-flat, (4) seagrass beds and (5) mud-
silt zone. Tables 36-39 list those organisms observed during the study.

The east and west side channel walls (Zones 1 and 2) were con-
siderably different in both physiography and associated biota. The east
bay sloped gradually to the channel floor while the west channel wall
dropped almost vertically. The inner bay had a considerably higher silt
content resulting in a less rich community development.

A wide variety of algae was found equally distributed al ong the
length of both channel walls, with the marked exception of Asparago2sis
taxiformis which was limited to the east side only. Abundance and
diversity also tended to increase seaward as the water became clearer.

Coral development was considerably more diverse on the west side
and again became richer seaward.

Ajayan River
KEY: rocky shore

sand/silt/mud

0000
000 large rocks
C c- low relief corals

1i relief corals
seagrass beds
reef margin

depressed reef
m
flat platfor C
00
100000
00
411V
11f - 1 (10
410y
@4 41 f
ly
@4t 4, .4
Lr) V V\y
IV It q 4141 t, \V
U)

'y V
@4
V

0
00
60' 0
0@00
0

ID 00

Pacific ocean

Figure 18. Agrigan Island and Ajayan Bay. Zones: east bay
wall and margin (II), reef flat (III), seagrass be
M.
MOM M M M IMP M M M

136

A diverse and abundant fish community exists which appeared to be
fairly homogeneous. Of particular concern were the presence of numerous
stone fish (Synanceia verrucosa). Eight individuals were seen along
both sides of the channel around the upper reef margin and flat.

The reef flat (Zone 3) on the west side was largely depauperate
due to frequent exposure during low tides. Patchy areas of Schizothrix,
Boergesenia, Dictyosphaeria, Dictyota, Lobophora, Turbinaria, Gelidium
and Jania species comprised the major algal genera observed.

A few scattered corals were observed in water filled crevices and
holes. The macroinvertebrate community was rich but not particularly
diverse. Gastropods, holothurians and crabs were the dominant forms.

The seagrass beds (Zone 4) at Ajayan are among the most extensive
and beautiful on Guam. At the time of the study, the tide was low and
about 15 centimeters of water covered the Enhalus beds. These beds
provide food and protection for juvenile fishes and many invertebrates.
In addition to the seagrass, several algal genera were also abundant,
e.g., Dictyota, Padina, Halimeda and Avrainvillea species notably. The
holothurians Holothuria atra and H. leucospilota, and the gastropod
Trochus niloticus were also abundant.-

The inner bay (Zone 5) was composed of alluvial silt and mud
deposits, grading into a sand plane.. The seagrass, Halophila minor
covered the floor in addition to the algal genera, Schizothrix,
Avrainvillea and Halimeda.

No corals or macroinvertebrates were observed. The fish Zanclus
cornutus was seen in large schools.

No threatened or endangered species are known for Ajayan Bay.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Ajayan Bay provides the physiographic setting for a'variety of
community types. Though less strikingly beautiful than some other
pristine areas, it is readily accessible and a popular place for fisher-
man, skin divers and picnickers. The fringing reef channels and sea-
grass beds are of particular importance for preservation.

The following recommendations are suggested for Ajayan Bay:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary
in which no coral harvesting be allowed.

2) that fishing be allowed only by special permit.

3) that,swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities
be retained.

137

4) that special care be taken to preserve the seagrass
beds.

5) that the adjacent wetlands also be included in any
preservation plan.

138

Table 36. Checklist of benthic algae observed at Ajayan Bay. Zones:
east bay (I), west side channel wall and margin (II), reef
flat (III), seagrass beds (IV), and mud-silt zone (V).

ZONES
SPECIES II III IV V

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Anacystis sp. x
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x x x x
S. mexicana x x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Avrainvillea obscura x x
Boergesenia forbesii x
Boodlea composit x
Caulerp filicoides x x
C. racemosa x x x
C. serrulata x
Chlorodesmis fastiiziat x x
Codium edule x
.Dictvosphaeria versluysii x x x
Halimeda Rigas x
H. macroloba x
H. opuntia x x x
H. velasquezii x
Neomeris annulata x x x
Rhipilia orientalis x
Tydemannia expeditionis x
Udotea argentea x x
K. geppi x
Valonia ventricosa x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x
Dictyota divaricata x x x x
Lobophora variegata x x
Padina ionesii x
P. minor x x
P. tenuis x x x
Sargassum polycystu x
Turbinaria ornata x x x x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragilis x X
Amphiroa foliacea x

139

Table 36. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES I Ii III IV v

Amphiroa fragilissima x
Amphiroa sp. x
Asparagopsis taxiformis xx
Ceramium sp. 1 x x
C. sp. 2 x x x
Cheilosporum sp. x
Desmia hornemanni x
Galaxaura filamentosa x
G, oblongata x
Gelidium pusillum x
G. divaricatum x
Halymenia durvillaei x
Hydrolithon sp. x
Hypnea sp. x x
Jania capillacea x x
Mastophora rosea x x
Polysiphonia sp. x x
Porolithon onkodes x x

.SPERMATQPHYTA (seagrasses)

Enhalus acoroides xx
Halophila minor x xx

140

Table 37. Checklist of corals observed at Ajayan Bay. Zones: east
bay (I), west side channel wall and margin (II).

ZONES
SPECIES I II

ANTHOZOA
ASTOCOENIIDAE

Stylocoeniella armata x

THAMNASTERIDAE

Psammocora contigua x
P. nierstraszi x
P. profundacella x
P. verrilli x
P. sp. 1 x
P. sp. 2 x

POCILLOPORIDAE

Stylophora mordax x x
Pocillopora damicornis x x
P. danae x
P. elegans x x
P. eydouxi x
P. ligulata x
P. meandrina x x
setchelli x
P. verrucosa x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora humilis x x
A. hystrix x
A. kenti x
A. nasuta x
A. surculosa x
A. wardii x
Astreopora gracilis x
A. listeri x
Montipora ehrenbergii x
M. elschne7r-i x
M. foveolata x
M. lobulata x x
M. patula x
M. socialis x
M. tuberculosa x x
M. verrilli x
li. -!5-.1 x
R. sp, 2 x
M. sp, 3 x
M. sp. 4 x

141

Table 37. (continued)

ZONES
SPECIES I II

AGARICIIDAE

Pavona clavus x
@@-.divaricata x
P. frondifera. x
P. maldivensis x
P. minuta x
P. sp. 1 x
varians x
repens x x
P. (P.) pollicata x
P. (P.) obtusata x x

PORITIDAE

Porites lobata x x
P.'lutea x x
P. murrayensis x
P. (S.) convexa x
CS-.) horizontalata x
P. (S.) iwayamaensis x
A
@0-por7
lv a sp. x

FAVIIDAE

Favia matthai x
F- pAllida x x
F. russelli x
F. stelligera X.
F. sp. x
Favites virens x
Plesiatstrea versipora x
Goniastrea. parvistella x
G. pectinata x
G. retiformis x
Platygyra Riai x
P. rustica, x
Leptoria phrygia x
Hydnophora microconos x
Leptastrea purpurea x
L. transversa x
L. sp. x
Cyphastrea sp. x

OCULINIDAE

Galaxea fascicularis x

Table 37. (continued) 142

ZONES
SPECIES I II

MUSSIDAE

Lobophyllia costata x
Acanthastrea ecbniata x
sp. x

HELIOPORIDAE

Heliopora c oerulea x x

ALC'YONIIDAE

Sinularia sp. x

HYDROZOA
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora dicbotoma x
Millepora platyphylla x x

143

Table 33. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at Ajayan
Bay.

SPECIES

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA HOLOTHUROIDEA

Cantharus undosus Actinopyga mauritiana
Cerithium morus Holothuria atra
C. nodulosum. H. leucospilota
Conus pulicarius '@tichopus chloronotus
Coralliophila violacea Synapta maculata
Cypraea carneola
C. moneta OPHiUROIDEA
DE1 @amoru-
D. ricinus 0;phiocoma-erinaceu s
Drupella cornus
Latirus sp. ARTHROPODA
Morula granulata CRUSTACEA
M. uva
Nerita plicata Etisus dentatus
N. polita Grapsus grapsus
Patella sp. -Pet-cnon sp.
Strombus mutabilis
Thais tuberosa
Trochus niloticus
T@asum. turbinellus

BIVALVIA

Pinctata margaritifera
Tridacna maxima

ECHINODERMATA
ECHINOIDEA

Echinostrephus aciculatus
Echinothrix calamaris
E. diadema

144

Table 39. Checklist of fishes observed at Ajayan Bay.

SPECIES

ACANTHURIDAE C. solandri
Acanthurus glaucoparieus C.,valentini
A. lineatus CARANGIDAE
A. ni rofuscus
A. o ivaceus Caranx melampygus
-;i. -@-Yroferus
A. triostegus CHAETODONITIDAE
A. xanthopterus
-2i. sp. 1 Chaetodon auriga
A. sp. 2 C. bennetti
Ctenochaetus stria Itus C. citrinellus
C. sp. C. ephippium
Naso lituratus C. lunula
N. sp. C. mertensii
Zebrasoma flavescens C. melannotus
Z. scopas C. ornatissimus
APOGONIDAE q. punctato-fasciatus
C. reticulatus
C. trifasciatus
Apogon sp. C. ulietensis
Archamia fucata C. unimaculatus
Cheilodipterus isostigma C. vagabundus
C. macrodon 'Eentropyge flavissimus
Heniochus acuminatus
AULOSTOMIDAE H. chrysostomus
Aulostomus chinensis Pygoplites diacanthus

CIRRHITIDAE
BALISTIDAE
Balistes bursa (=Suff .lamen bursa) Paracirrhites arcatus
Rhinecanthus aculeatus GOBIIDAE
BLENNIDAE Acentrogobius sp. 1
Aspidontus taeniatus A. sp. 2
Cirripectes variolosus Amblygobius albimaculatus
C. sp. Bathygobius fuscus
'geiacanthus atrodorsalis Cryptocentrus sp.
Plagiotremus tapeinosoma Ptereleotris microlepis
Taenioides limicola
CANTHIGASTERIDAE Valenciennea, strigata
"Goby" sp. 1
Canthigaster bennetti "Goby" sp. 2
C. margaritatus

145
Table 39. (continued)

SPECIES

11OLOCENTRIDAE MONACANTHIDAE

Adicryx diadema Amanses carolae
A. microstomus Cantherhines pardalis
-@. spinife Oxymonacanthu@s longirostris
Myripristis sp. 1
M. sp. 2 14ULLIDAE
'R. sp. 3
KYPHOSIDAE Mulloidichthys samoensis
Parupeneus bifasciatus
P. cyclostomus
Kyphosus sp. P. pleurotaenia.
P. trifasciatus
LABRIDAE
Cheil .inus chlorourus NEMIPTERIDAE
C. rhodochrous Scolopsis cancellatus
T. T-rilobatus
Epibulus insidiator OSTRACIONTIDAE
Gomphosus varius
Halichoeres margaritaqeus Ostracion cMbicus
H. marginatus
H. nebulosus PEMPHERIDAE
H. sp. 1
H. sp. 2 Pempheris oualensis
Labroides bicolor
L. dimidiatus POMACENTRIDAE
-@teThojulis bandanensis
S. sp. Amblyglyphidodon curacao
Thalassoma. hardwickei Abudefduf coelestinus
T. lutescens A. sordidus
T. quinquevittatas Amphiprioa melanopus
T. trimaculatus Chromis atripecto@alis
C. caeruleas
LETHRINIDAE Iff. margaritifer
Dascyllus aruanus
Gnathodente aureolineatus D. trimaculatus
Glyphidodontops traceyi
LUTJANIDAE Plectroglyphidodon dickii
P. johnstonianus
Aphareus furcatus lacrymatu@i
Lutianus fulvus leucozona.
L. kasmira Pomacentrus vaiuli
L. sp.

146

Table 39. (continued)

SPECIES

Stega tes albifasciatus
S. nigricans

PRIACANTHIDAE

Priacanthus cruentatus

SCARIDAE

Scarus ghobban
S. sexvittatus
S. sordidus
-sp . 1
sp. 2
S. sp. 3

SCORPAENIDAE

Pterois antennata.
Synanceia verrucosa

SERRMIDAE

Cephalopholis urodelis

SIGANIDAE

Siganus.argenteus
S. spinu,

SYNODNTIDAE

Synodus sp.

TETRAODONTIDAE

Arothron. sp.

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus

147

AREA XI:
FADIAN POINT AREA

The northeast coast of Guam extending approximately 32 kilometers
from Pago Bay to Pati Point is characterized by gentle to steep cliffs
and sea-level cut benches of varying widths. There is no fringing reef
development. Many of the benches are up to 30 meters in width exhibit-
ing rimmed terrace pools (above sea-level) and shallow moat development
to the shoreward side. A representative windward bench area was selected
between Fadian and Toguan Points (Fig. 19). The area is remote and
accessible only during calm seas either by "bench walking" or boat. The
surrounding land is privately owned.

No previous survey has been done for this area with respect to the
marine biotic community. An excellent'physiographic description is
given by Randall and Holloman .(1974).

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water rating for the Fadian
Area is "A" - recreational. No point source discharges have been iden-
tified for the area (Shidel, 1977).

For purposes of this discussion, the study area was divided into
four zones: (1) the inner bench including nips, moat and rimmed terrace
pools, (2) the bench margin and face, (3) submarine terrace and slope,
(4) submarine channel walls. Tables 40-43 list those organisms observed
at the study site.

The inner bench was characterized by a concave nip to the shore-
ward side, a shallow moat 2-10 meters wide and a variable series of
shallow rimmed terrace pools extending to the bench margin (Fig. 20).
The rimmed terrace pools were approximately one meter higher than the
depressed inner moat area. In general, the greater the wave assault,
the greater the height and development of the rimmed pools. The moat
water is generally impounded and dependent on sufficient wave action for
replenishment.

The most dominant biotic component of this zone was the algae. The
cyanophytes Calothrix and Schizothrix species covered much of the moat
floor which was smooth and largely free of sand and rubble deposits.
Gelidiella acerosa, Bryopsis pennata, Cladophora fascicularis and
Turbinaria ornata were also abundant.

Due to frequent exposure, the bench was largely devoid of
corals. A few small Pocillopora, Favia and Porites colonies were
observed in the deeper holes pools.

All fish observed in Zone 1 were less than 3 cm. in length.
Acanthurids and blennies were common in the moat and pool areas, occur@-
ting in water only 3-5 cm. deep.

LTanT-G Ta- LgqTgu SOTU@: ULGS GXPTPT.PTua MTuqmg3@q CMP PGUCP62 guq 3@TWWGq PGTLgCG

KEA: Tn7-,

:ITOOL2
2guq

LgqTgu LOTUp

w
wo
o

IGLLgCG BOOT2

0
LTaaL6 5o. CGUGLgTTSGq bLO-TTG OT, pXbTcgT MTuqmgLq cmP PGUCPG2 guq ETwwGq -PGLLgCG boo

13GUCJJ
BGUCY EgCG

FTqaG
MTb SOUG 0 vi-agT

PG9AX M9AG

guq aLu9TT cTTU2
YOCI<N aPOT-OTTUG
BTWWGq -PGLLgCG boOT2

150

An abundant, but not particularly diverse, array of gastropods
were noted. A few echinoderms were also found in the moat and deeper
pools.

The bench margin and face (Zone 2) are constantly wave washed. The
bench margin was covered by a thick and colorful mat of algae giving way
to a scoured and eroded margin face, Gelidiella acerosa, Dictyo sphaeria,
Ectocarpus, Sargassum, Turbinaria and MastoRhora species were visually
dominant on the margin while only Mastophora and Chlorodesmis were found
in protected crevices along the margin face.

The submarine terrace and slope (Zone 3) consisted of massive surge
channels and fissures grading into a spur and groove system at the bench
face. Of particular interest was the presence of a parallel channel
directly opposite the bench face with intersecting perpendicular project-
ing channels. These averaged approximately 5-7 meters deep shoreward and
gradually flattened out at approximately 13 meters on the outer submarine
terrace and slope.

The shoreward submarine terrace was scoured with only local patches
of low relief corals, i.e., Acropora, Porites and Millepora species.

Turf algae dominated this zone. 'Callithamnion marshallensis and
Ceramium sp. covered most of the terrace.

Seaward, the coral community improved with the presence of coral
ridges and mounds. Porites, Acropora and Astreopora were abundant,
A more diverse algaf-and fish community was also apparent.

The submarine channels (Zone 4) were markedly different from the
surrounding surge exposed areas of the terrace. The algal community
was particularly striking with fleshy forms visually dominating. Large
expanses of the green alga Caulerpa racemosa several meters in diameter
were not uncommon. The red algae Galaxaura, Halymenia and Desmia were
also abundant. In addition, the red alga Yamadaella sp. was observed
for the first time on Guam. This alga resembles a small Galaxaura.

Frondiose corals were abundant, providing an increased number of
habitats for fish and invertebrates. Acanthurids and kyphosids dominated.
In general this zone was rich but not terribly diverse with respect to
fish. Only one species of pomacentrid was observed.

No threatened or endangered marine species are known to inhabit
this area.

CONCLUSIONS AND PECOMMENDATIONS

The windward cut benches and rimmed terrace pools of northeast Guam
provide the setting for several interesting marine community types. The
Fadian area is a.typical representative though any area along this sector
is suitable. Heavy seas and poor accessibility throughout most of the

151

year preclude this area for recreational consideration.

The following recommendations are suggested for the Fadian area:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary on
scientific purposes only.

2) that care is taken to prevent the construction of out-
falls or dumps in the area except by special permit.

3) that the area be protected from quarrying or any other
destructive land use practices.

152

Table 40. Checklist of benthic algae observed at the Fadian Point
area study site.

ZONES
SPECIES I Ii III IV

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Anacystis sp. x
Calothrix sp. x x
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x
Schi-thrix calcicola x x x
S. mexicana x x

CHLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Bryopsis pennata x
Caulerpa filicoides x x
C. racemosa x xx
-6hlorodesmis fastigiata X x
Cladophora fascicularis x x
Cladophora sp. x x
Codium edule x
DictXosphaeria cavernosa x x
D. versluysii x x
Raiimeda gigas x
H. macroloba x x
opuntia x x x
velasquezii xx
Neomeris annulata x x x
Rhipilia orientalis x x
Udotea geppi x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota divaricata x
Ectocarpus breviarticulatus x
Lobophora variegata x x
Padina minor x
Sargassum cristaefolium x
Sphacelaria tribuloides x
Turbinaria ornata x x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Amphiroa foliacea x
A. fragilissima x x
sp. x x
Asparagopsis taxiformis x
Callithamnion marshallensis xx x
Ceramium sp. x

Table 40. (continued) 153

ZONES
SPECIES III IV

Corallina sp. x
Desmia hornemanni x
Galaxaura marginata x x
G..oblongata x x
Gelidiella acerosa x x
Gelidium pusillum. x x x
Halymenia durvillaei x
Hypnea pannosa x
Jania capillacea x x
Jania tenella x
J. sp. x
IjAgora sp. x x
Mastophora rosea x x X,
Mastophora sp. x x x
Peyssonelia rubra x
Polysiphonia sp. x x
Pterocladia parva x x
Rhodymenia sp. x
Yamadaella sp. xx xx

154

Table 41. Checklist of corals observed at the Fadian Point area study
site.

ZONES
SPECIES I II III-IV

ANTHOZOA
ASTROCOENIIDAE

Stylocoeniella armata x x

TRAMNASTERIIDAE

Psammocora sp. x

POCILLOPORIDAE

Stylophora mordax x x
Pocillopora verrucosa x x
P. sp. 1 x
f. sp. 2 x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora irregularis x
A..nana, x
A. nasuta x
A. palmerae x
-Xst,reopora sp. x
Montipora ehrenbergii x
M- sp. 1 x
M- sp. 2 x

AGARICIIDAE

Pachyseris speciosa x
Pavona sp. x

PORITIDAE

Alveropora sp. x
Goniopora sp. x
Porites lutea x x
P. sp. 1 x

FAVIIDAE

Favia russelli x x x
Favis sp. x
Goinastrea retiformis x x

Table 41. (continued) 155

ZONES
SPECIES I II III-IV

Platygyra sp. x
Cypbastrea sp. x

CARYOPHYLLIIDAE

Euphyllia sp. x

ZOANTHIDAE

Zoanthus sp. x

ALCYONIIDAE

Cladiella pachyclados x
Lobophytum pauciflorum x
Sinularia sp. x

HYDROZOA
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora platyphylla x

156

Table 42. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at the
Fadian Point area study site.

SPECIES I ZONES III-

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Cerithium sp. x
Conus flavidus x x
C. marmoreus x x
rattus x x
Cypraea sp. x
Drupa morum x X,
D. ricinus x x
Drupella cornus x
Morula uva, x
Strombus mutabilis x x
S...sp. x
-frochus sp. x
Turbo argyrostomus x
Vasum, turbinellum x

BIVALVIA

Chama sp. x
Donax sp. x
Septifer bilocularis x
Tridacna maxima x
T. squamos x

ECHINODERMATA
ECHINOIDEA

Echinometra mathaei x
Echinometra oblonga x
Echinothrix calamaris x x
E. diadema x x

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopy@a mauritiana x
Holothuria atra x

-ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

Stenopus hiaRiqss- _x

157

Table 43. Checklist of fishes observed at the Fadian Point area
study site.

ZONES
SPECIES I III IV

ACANTHURIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius x
A. guttatus x x
A. lineatus x x
X. nigrofuscus x
A. olivaceus x
W - _p erus x
A. triostegus x x
A. xanthopterus x
Ctenochaetus striatus x
Naso lituratus x
N. unicornis x

APOGONIDAE

Cheilodipterus sp. x

BLENNIDAE

Meiacanthus atrodorsalis x
"Blenny" sp. 1 x
"Blenny" sp. 2 x

BALISTIDAE

Balistes bursa (=Sufflamen bursa) x
B. chrysopterus (=s. chrys02tera) x

CANTHIGASTERIDAE

Canthigaster bennetti x
C. solandri x x

CARANGIDAE

Caram melampygus x

CHAETODONTIDAE

Chaetodon auriga x
C. citrinellus x
j. lunula x x
C. ornatissimus x
C. quadrimaculatus x

158

Table 43. (continued).

ZONES
SPECIES I III IV

C. reticulatus x
C. trifasciatus x
d. ulietensis x
Torcipiger flavissiums x
Pomacanthus imperator x
Pygoplites diacantbus x

CIRRHITIDAE

Paracirrhites forsteri x

GOBIIDAE

Eviota sp. x

HOLOCENTRIDAE

Adioryx spinifer x
Myripristis sp. x

KYPHOSIDAE

Kyphosus sp. x

LABRIDAE

Bodianus axillaris x
Cheilinus rhodochrous x
C. trilobatus x
'Z@oris gaimard- x
Halichoeres hortulanusC=H, centriguadrus) x x
H. margaritaceus x x
fabroides dimidiatus x
Thalassoma lutea x
T. quinquevittat-a x
Y. sp. x
Yyrichthys taeniourus x

MULLIDAE

Parupeneus bifasciatus x
P. cyclostomus x
trifasciatus x

NEMIPTERIDAE

Scolopsis cancellatus x

Table 43. (continued) 159

ZONES
SPECIES I III IV

PEMPHERIDAE

Pemph ris oualensis x

POMACENTRIDAE

Glyphidodontops glaucus x
G. leucopomus x x
Plectroglyphidodon leucozona x
Pomacentrus valuli x

P014ADASYIDAE

Plectorhincus chaetodonoides x

SCARIDAE

Scarus sordidus x
S. sp. 1 x
S. sp. 2 x

SIGANIDAE

Siganus spinus x x

ZANCLIDAE

Zanclus cornutus x

160

AREA XII:
TARAGUE-SCOUT BEACH AREA

The north coast of Guam extending between Ritidian and Pati Points
consists of intermittant long stretches of beach with a wide reef flat
platform and convex algal ridge. The entire area lies within Andersen
Air Force Base Military Reservation and, with the exception of a single
military access road, the area is largely restricted to use by military
dependents. 'Heavy surf and strong rip currents, especially near the
larger surge channels, makes boat access and swimming dangerous most of
the year.

A small section of East Tarague Beach, near Scout Beach was
selected (Fig. 21). The area was chosen because of its well developed
convex algal ridge and reef flat platform development, typical of north-
ern Guam.

No previous study has been conducted for this area with respect to
the marine biotic community. Randall and Holloman (1974) provide an
excellent physiographic description. Portions of their report are in-
corporated below.

The reef flat platform consists of a poorly defined inner zone on
which numerous scattered remnant patches of limestone occur. The middle
consists mostly of a thin veneer of sand covering an irregular limestone
platform. In many places columnar limestone projections (often a meter
or more in height) protrude through this veneer. Much of the platform
is exposed during low tide. Corals are restricted to the moat and de-
pressed crevices that retain water. The margin consists of a well de-
fined convex algal ridge and a massive spur and groove system, cut in
places by large surge channels.

The Guam Environmental Protection Agency water rating for this
pristine area is "AA" - conservation. No point source discharges are
known in the immediate area.

The study site was divided into three zones: (1) inner reef flat
and moat, (2) algal ridge, and (3) submarine terrace. Tables 44-47
lists those species observed during the study.

The cyanophytes Microcoleus and Schizothrix along with Ectocarpus.,
Lobophora and Turbinaria dominated the inner reef flat and moat.

The holothurians Holothuria atra and Actinopyga echinites were
also abundant.

Corals and fish were limited to a few of the deeper pools and
crevices in the moat.

162

The algal ridge (Zone 2) is of the convex type as opposed
to a cuestal type observed at the Uruno-Ritidian area. In contrast to
the depauperate conditions of Zone 1, Zone.2 was covered by a thick
(5-10 cm) algal mat. Gelidiella acerosa, Acanthophora spicifera,
Dictyosphaeria and Bryopsis species were dominant although numerous
other genera were also observed.

The submarine terrace (Zone 3) was characterized by a massive
spur and groove system grading into a more rolling topography. The
coral community was predominantly low relief due to heavy wave action,
but very dense. Pocillopora. Acropora, Montipora and Millepora species
were all well represented. Deep sand channels bisected massive coral
covered ridges.
The fish community was rich' but not particularly diverse, while
the algal community was characterized by large fleshy types including
Halymenia, Galaxaura and Desmia species.

No threatened or endangered species have been identified for this
area.

CONCLUSIONS AND REMMNDATIONS

The Tarague-Scout Beach area is a popular recreational spot for
military dependents. A well developed convex algal ridge and channelized
submarine terrace are typical of northern Guam. Although the reef flat
itself is only sparsely populated in comparison to other pristine areas,
the convex algal ridge more than compensates for this deficiency.

The following recommendations are suggested for the Tarague-
Scout Beach area:

1) that this area be established as a natural sanctuary
in which no coral harvesting, net fishing or other
such activity be permitted.

2) that swimming, snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities
be retained.

163

Table 44. Checklist of benthic algae observed at Tarague-Scout Beach
area.

Terrace & Reef Margin
SPECIES Slope Flat (algal ridge)

CYANOPHYTA (blue-green algae)

Anacystis sp. x
Calothrix sp. x x
Microcoleus lyngbyaceus x x x
Schizothrix calcicola x x

HLOROPHYTA (green algae)

Boodlea composita x
Bryopsis pennata xx
Chlorodesmis fastigiata x x x
Cladophora fascicularis x
Dictyosphaeria versluysii xx
Halimeda gigas x
H. opuntia x
-d. velasquezii x
Neomeris annulata x

PHAEOPHYTA (brown algae)

Dictyota bartayresii x
D. divaricata x
Ectocarpus breviarticulatus x
Lobophora variegata x x
Padina minor x x
Sargassum cristaefolium x
Turbinaria ornata x x

RHODOPHYTA (red algae)

Actinotrichia fragilis x
Acanthophora spicifera x
Ceramium sp. 1 xx
C. sp. 2 x
-dorallina sp. x x
Desmia hornemanni x
Galaxaura marginata x
G. oblongata x
Gelidiella acerosa x xxx
Gelidiella sp. xx
Gelidium divaricatum x x
G. pusillum x x

164

Table 44. (continued)

Terrace Reef Margin
SPECIES Slope Flat (algal ridge)

Halymenia durvillael x
Ey2nea pannosa x x
Jania capillacea x
Jania tenella x
Mastophora sp. 1 x x x
Mastophora sp. 2 x x
Pterocladia p@@rva x

165
Table 45. Checklist of corals observed at Tarague-Scout Beach study
site.

Terrace & Reef
SPECIES Slope Flat

ANTHOZOA
POCILLOPORIDAE

Pocillopora damicornis x x
P. setchelli x
P. sp. 1 x
sp. 2 x

ACROPORIDAE

Acropora humilis x
A. nana x
nasuta x
A. 2@j @erde x
A. sp. I x
sp. 2 x
sp. 3 x
Montipora sp. 1 x x
Montipora sp. 2 x

FAVIIDAE

Favia sp. x
Plesiastrea versipora x
Cyphastrea sp. x

ZOANTHIDAE

Palythoa sp. x

ALCYONIIDAE

Sinularia sp. x

HYDROZOA
MILLEPORIDAE

Millepora platyp ylla x x

166

Table 46. Checklist of common macroinvertebrates observed at Tarague-
Scout Beach area.

Terrace & Reef
Species -Slope Flat

MOLLUSCA
GASTROPODA

Cerithium morus x
C. nodulosum x x
"Eonus chaldaeus x x
C. ebraeus x
C. sponsalis x x
Cypraea carneola x
Drupa clathrata x
D. morum x
D. rici nus x
'5rupella cornus x
Lambis sp. x
Patella sp. x
Thais tuberosa x
Trochus niloticus x x
Vasum turbinellus x

BIVALVIA

Tridacna maxima x

ECHINODERMATA
ASTEROIDEA

Culcita novaeguineae x x
Linckia lae-vigata X@
L. multifora x x
L. pacifica x x

ECHINOIDEA

Echinometra mathaei x x
Echinostrephus aciculatus x x

HOLOTHUROIDEA

Actinopyga echinites- x
A. mauritiana x
Bohadschia argus x
Holothuria atra xx
H. cinerascens x
H. leucospilota x
Stichopus chloronotus x x

ARTHROPODA
CRUSTACEA

Grapsus gra2sus x

167

Table 47. Checklist of fishes observed along the terrace and slope
zones at Tarague-Scout Beach area.

SPECIES

ACANTHURIDAE LABRIDAE

Acanthurus glaucopareius Anampses caeruleopunctatus
A. guttatus Halichoeres marginatus
A. lineatus Labroides dimidiatus
A. nigrofuscus Thalassoma amblycephalus
Ete-nochaetus striatus T. fuscum
Naso brachycentron T. quinquevittata
N. lituratus
N. unicornis LUTJANIDAE

BALISTIDAE Lutjanus fulvus
Monotaxis grandoculis
Rhinecanthus rectangulus
MULLIDAE
BLENNIIDAE Parupeneus bifasciatus
Cirripectes variolosus
POMACENTRIDAE
CHAETODONTIDAE
Abudefduf saxatilis
Chaetodon quadrimaculatus Glyphidodontops leucopomus
C. reticulatus Plectroglyphidodon. dickii
Pomacanthus imperator P. leucozona
phoenixensis
CIRRHITIDAE
Cirrhitus pinbulatus SCARIDAE
Paracirrhites forsteri Scarus sordidus
P. hemisticus S. sp.

KYPHOSIDAE

Kyphosus sp.

I
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SUMMARY TABLE
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Mir M M M M M MM

Table 48. Summary of key information for selected pristine marine communities. Symbols: XXX
XX = moderately diverse and X = fairly diverse.

Principle physio- Possible alter- Cor- In-
AREA graphic features native sites Fish lAlgae als I verts. GEP)
fringing reef with further south
I Uruno- well developed cuestal along coastline xx xx xx xx AA
Ritidian algal ridge.
patch reef and adjacent
II Double Reef fringing reef Anae patch reef xxx xx xx xx AA

Double reef, plus
III Haputo Beach fringing, reef any of the south xxx xxx xx x AA
bays

IV Luminao barrier reef Cocos xx xx xxx xx A

Sasa Bay and
V Atantano mangrove wetland area Cocos x x A
River man-

groves
Orote Sub-
VI marine Cliffs submarine cliffs NONE x x x x A

Anae Island
VII Patch Reef patch reef Double Reef xx xxx xxx xx

estuary and fringing Sella, Achugao,
VIII Cetti Bay reef Fouha xx xx xx xx AA

estuary, fringing reef,
IX FCocos Area barrier and patch reefs xx xxx xxx xxx A
barrier reef channels, NONE
mangroves, seagrass
beds

Table 48. (continued)

Principle Physio- Possible alter- Cor- In-
AREA graphic features native sites Fish Algae als verts GEP
fringing reef channel
X Ajayan Bay and seagrass beds Ylig xx xxx xx xx A

windward cut benches anywhere north to
XI Fadian Point with rimmed terrace Pati Pt. or be-- xx xx xx xx A
Area pools tween Talofofo
and Inarajan
Tarague-Scout windward fringing reef anywhere between
XII -Beach with well developed CE Beach and x xx x x AA
convex algal ridge. Ritidian Point

171

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author wishes to express special thanks to two individuals
whose help in the field made this report possible; Michael J. Gawel,
corals and fishes and Richard E. Dickinson,- macroinvertebrates.

Thanks also go to R. H. Randall, L. G. Eldredge, R. T. Tsuda,
and S. S. Amesbury who made their personal libraries and notes avail-
able to me, as well as providing comments on manuscript preparation.

Other helped in numerous ways. Thanks to Bureau of Planning,
the Guam Environmental Protection Agency, Aquatic and Wildlife
Resources, marine technician J. Eads and secretary Terry Balajadia.

172

REFERENCES

Coastal Zone Management. 1977. TanoTasi (Newsletter) 2(l).

Dickinson, R4 E., and R. T. Tsuda. 1975. A candidate marine
environmental impact survey for the potential development of
the Uruno Point reef area on Guam) Mariana Islands. Univ.
Guam Mar. Lab., Tech. Rept. 19. 50 p.

Emery, K, 0, 1912. Marine geology of Guam. U, S. Geol. Sur.
Prof. pap. 403B. 76 p.

Guam Environmental Protection Agency. 1975. Guam water quality
standards. GEPA policy. 17 p.

Jones, R. S. and,J. A. Chase. 1975. Community structure and
distribution of fishes in an enclosed high island lagoon in
Guam. Micronesica 11(l):127-148.

Moore, P., L. Raulerson, M. Chernin, and P. McMakin. 1977.
Inventory and mapping of wetland vegetation in Guam, Tinian
and Saipan, Mariana Islands. Univ. Guam Biosci. 253 p. .

Nature Conservancy. 1975. The preservation of natural diversity:
a survey and recommendations. U. S. Dept. Interior. 212 p.

O'Connor, H. J. 1974. Important aspects of the Endangered
Species Act of 1973. U. S. Dept. Interior. 10 p.

Odum,, E. P. 1971. Fundamentals of ecology. W. B. Saunders Co.,
Philadelphia. 574 p.

Randall, R. H., and J. Holloman. 1974. Coastal survey of Guam.
Univ. Guam Mar. Lab., Tech. Rept. 14. 404 p.

Randall'. R. H.7 R. T. Tsudal, R. S. Jones, M. J. Gawel, and R.
Rechebei. 1975. Marine biological survey of the Cocos
barrier reefs and enclosed lagoon. Univ. Guam Mar. Lab., Tech.
Rept. 17. 159 p.

Randall, R. H., and L. G. Eldredge. 1976. Atlas of reefs and
beaches of Guam. Coastal Zone Mgmt. Sect., Bur. Planning,
Guam. 191 p.

Shidel, L. 1977. Point source discharges in the coastal waters of
Guam. Guam EPA Spring.Rept. 23 p.

173

University of Guam Marine Laboratory. 1977. Marine environmental
baseline report commercial port, Apra Harbor, Guam. Univ.
Guam Mar. Lab., Tech. Rept. 34. 96 p.

U. S. Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. 1973. Threatened
wildlife of the U. S. Dept. Int. Res. Pub. 114. 551 p.

U. S. Federal Law 93-205. 1973. Endangered Species Act. U. S.
Statutes 884 (93rd Congress). 21 p.

Wilder, M. J. 1976. Estuarine and mangrove shorelines. P. 157-
191. In R. H. Randall and L. G. Eldredge, Atlas of reefs and
beaches of Guam. Coastal Zone Mgmt. Sect., Bur. Planning,
Guam.

PLATE I

Fig. a. AREA I - Uruno/Ritidian Area showing an exposed cuestal algal
ridge in the foreground.

Fig. b. AREA III - View of Haputo Beach and fringing reef from north
rim.

Fig. c. AREA IV - Luminao Barrier Reef viewed from the western end of
Glass Breakwater.

Fig. d. AREA V - East Sasa Bay mangroves.

175

ov,

PIATE II

Fig. a. AREA VI - Orote Cliffs

Fig. b. AREA VII - Millepora species.

Fig. c. AREA VII - Massive ridges of Porites, typical of the
Anae area.

Fig. d. AREA VII - Porites pinnacle.

ir'

9:
vn@
ire fj'It
31

A*J"

I "V

All

f.2
,it

PLATE III

Fig. a. AREA VIII - Cetti Bay viewed from Route 4.

Fig. b. AREA VIII - Soft coral patch. Some of these areas were
several meters square.

Fig. c. AREA X - Exposed seagrass beds west of Agrigan Island,
Ajayan Bay.

Fig. d. AREA XI - Fadian Point Area cut benches.

.4 74.
tr

U L

PLATE IV

Fig. a. AREA XI Fadian Point Area cut benches and rimmed terrace
pools showing moat.

Fig. b. AREA XI - Typical sand channel.

Fig. C. AREA XI - Close up of sand channel wall covered with the
green alga Caulerpa racemosa.

Fig. d. AREA XII - Exp osed convex algal ridge. The area shown is
completely covered with the red alga Gelidiella
acerosa.

"WT

-vr
2i

40
Al
V
on- AA

41b. "w

= mm m m =me m = = mq" mm

PLATE V

Fig. a. AREA IX - Aerial view of Cocos Barrier Reef. (Courtesy of
R. H. Randall)

183

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