FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 9, 2025
Guam Coastal Management Program Launches First Southern “Backyard Buoy” to Enhance Ocean Safety and Coastal Monitoring
Hagatña, Guam – In a major step toward improving ocean safety and climate resilience, the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam Coastal Management Program (GCMP) has deployed the first of two community-informed Backyard Buoys off the island’s southwestern coastline. The first wave-monitoring device, deployed off the coast of Hågat, will deliver real-time ocean data to benefit fishers, boaters, scientists, and coastal planners. The second southern Backyard Buoy is scheduled to be deployed at the end of July near the entrance of the Cocos Lagoon.
The buoys, about the size of a basketball and colored bright yellow for visibility, were provided through a partnership with the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS). Designed for nearshore use, they transmit wave height, direction, period, and water temperature data to online and mobile platforms accessible to the public.
“This project brings technology closer to the people,” said Camille Quichocho, Biologist with GCMP. “From boaters and fishers to engineers, everyone gains from having access to timely, reliable ocean data—especially in areas where it’s never been available before.”
The buoy locations were selected following public meetings and surveys with local ocean users, who emphasized the importance of safety and usability. As a result, the original deployment site near Facpi Island was adjusted to avoid boating routes, ensuring the technology supports rather than disrupts local activity.
“Real‑time wave and temperature data turn guesswork into informed decisions,” said Edwin Reyes, Administrator of GCMP. “This isn’t just about buoys in the water—it’s about safety, productivity, and resilient coastal management.”
Beyond immediate benefits to Guam’s maritime communities, the Backyard Buoys are a game-changer for scientific monitoring. The southwestern coast of the island has experienced significant erosion, but the lack of high-resolution wave data has hindered the development of effective coastal protection strategies. Engineers can now use this data to model erosion and design adaptive, nature-based solutions.
The buoys also contribute to coral reef conservation by tracking changes in sea temperature that influence coral bleaching events.
This deployment was achieved without direct funding to GCMP, made possible instead by leveraging a National Science Foundation grant secured by PacIOOS and advisory support from the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) and the Guam Police Department (GPD) generously assisted with planning, vessel support, and logistics for the deployment.
Community volunteers are encouraged to participate in buoy maintenance, including removing biofouling from the buoy’s solar panels, which helps keep the equipment operational.
Data is free to access and now live via:
- Backyard Buoys Web App
- Backyard Buoys Mobile App
- Backyard Buoys Dashboard (requires a free account)
To explore the data or learn more, contact GCMP Biologist Camille Quichocho at camille.quichocho@bsp.guam.gov or call 671-475-9664.
Camille Quichocho, Biologist with the Guam Coastal Management Program,
prepares to launch the first Southern Backyard Buoy off the coast of Hågat.
(Photo by the Guam Coastal Management Program).
Guam Department of Agriculture’s Division of Aquatic
and Wildlife Resources (DAWR) assisted with vessel support
and logistics for the deployment.
(Photo by the Guam Coastal Management Program).
The first Southern “Backyard Buoy” is deployed in Hågat
with Facpi Island visible in the background.
(Photo by the Guam Coastal Management Program).
Media Contact:
Edwin Reyes, Administrator
Guam Coastal Management Program
Email: edwin.reyes@bsp.guam.gov
Phone: (671) 475-9661
