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Problems Without Passports: Scientific Research Diving at USC Dornsife--Some History Should Not Repeat Itself

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American


When I applied for this course – Integrated Ecosystem Management in Micronesia – I had no idea about the history that I would literally be diving into. Before my classmates and I left for Guam, Dr. Haw and Dr. Ginsburg instructed us on the history and culture of Guam. Little did I know the effect this would have on my experience there.

In Apra Harbor, specifically Western Shoals, my classmates and I laid several transect lines each measuring 100 meters to measure substrate and count invertebrates. The coral coverage was amazing. In 30 feet of water the transect had 100 percent coverage consisting of multiple species of coral. The mountains of coral formed tunnels, impressive sculptures and huge overheads. It was breathtaking with the consortium of fish species.


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Right: USC Dornsife students Wendy Whitcombe (left) and Michele Felberge prepare to swim a transect on Guam. Photo by Jim Haw.

Later, we motored across the harbor to SeaBee Junkyard, a site near the break wall where discarded World War II equipment lies along 200 meters of harbor bottom. The difference in the two sites was drastic. Some coral had grown on the World War II–era trucks, bulldozers and landing craft, but nothing compared to the abundance at Western Shoals. It took 50 years for the meager coral coverage to form at SeaBee Junkyard.

Left: Coral grows on a World War II-era truck dumped in 30 feet of water at SeaBee Junkyard in Apra Harbor, Guam. Photo by Jim Haw.

Currently, the U.S. military is debating whether or not to dredge the area immediately next to the reef we saw on our first dive in Western Shoals. The military wants to be able to permit an aircraft carrier to turn in place in the harbor near an anchorage. In order to construct this proposed site for the carrier, it is necessary to eradicate 72 acres of the reef near Western Shoals.  The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted by the military received the lowest grade given by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The environmental damage that will be done by dredging these reefs will greatly impact fish species and more specifically surrounding reefs.

Right: One of the bulldozers dumped in 30 ft of water at SeaBee junkyard gathers rust and modest growth.  Photo by Jim Haw.

My classmates and I had the opportunity to talk with Dr. Jason Biggs, a professor at the University of Guam. He helped write the response to the Environmental Impact Statement. Dr. Biggs discussed the results of the military’s plan of action. Dredging on 72 acres impacts 200 acres of surrounding reef. Although the military claims silt nets will be used to restrict the sedimentation from dredging, research has shown these nets to be futile. Sediment particles can be suspended in the water for long periods of time. Therefore, while churning the bottom and emitting sediment into the water, there will be huge increases in turbidity.

One effect is that this will decrease the amount of sunlight for corals to perform photosynthesis and grow. The estimated four years of dredging will completely alter the environment critical for coral to reproduce and grow.  Once changed, this vital habitat will be lost along with acres of mesmerizing natural construction. It has taken thousands of years for the Western Shoals reef to multiply and grow into the majestic, towering city for marine life it is today.

These dives have helped me realize that some history cannot repeat itself. Once destroyed, history for these reefs virtually stops. What took thousands of years to create will be undone in 4. It may be the last opportunity in my lifetime that I or anyone else can dive in this ancient reef.

 

About the Author: Wendy Whitcombe is a sophomore working toward a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies at USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.

Editor’s note: Scientific Research Diving at USC Dornsife is offered as part of an experiential summer program offered to undergraduate students of the USC Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. This four-week course takes place on location at the USC Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island and throughout Micronesia. Students investigate important environmental issues such as ecologically sustainable development, fisheries management, protected-area planning and assessment, and human health issues. During the course of the program, the 24-student team will dive and collect data to support conservation and management strategies to protect the fragile coral reefs of Guam, Palau and other Micronesian islands.

Instructors for the course include Jim Haw, Director of the Environmental Studies Program in USC Dornsife, Environmental Studies Lecturer Dave Ginsburg, SCUBA instructor and volunteer in the USC Scientific Diving Program Tom Carr and USC Dive Safety Officer Gerry Smith of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies.

The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Scientific American.