Update from another territory

I was invited to do some work at War in the Pacific National Historic Park (WAPA). So here I am sitting in Guam. Guam at first glance is more like Oahu, HI than some of the other territories. The bustling Japanese tourist market ensures that much of the ills that plague smaller Pacific islands is absent, or at least hidden from view. Large high-rise hotels, high-end retail stores (Gucci, Rolex, etc.), and an overwhelming numbers of restaurant choices are all easy to find. Don't forget the strip clubs, adult stores and massage parlors (that seem to be everywhere).

I have mostly been diving though and have really gotten a good look at the marine waters of the national park. It is well known that Guam is neck and neck with Oahu in having the worst fishing anywhere in the Pacific. It is readily apparent as soon as you hit the water here. Not only are there very few fish, entirely absent trophic groups (apex predators), but what fish are here are tiny for their kind. With all that said, there are some good spots and I have seen some great things. Below for your viewing pleasure take in some of the marine life of Guam.

Ambon damsel

Barred thicklip Mixed school of Yellow tangs and Lined bristletooths Bullethead parrotfish- female Tiger cardinalfish Christmas tree worm in coral Slingjaw wrasse Crown-of-thorns seastar. These are the starfish that can sometimes reach plague numbers and devastate reefs as they eat live stony corals. Oh, and they are venomous. Big school of scribbled rabbitfish on the reef flat Well it's not called War in the Pacific National Park for nothing. This 8" shell cartridge from a howitzer was found on a dive called UXO reef. UXO stands for unexploded ordinance. While this shell is just the spent empty casing, there are many live rounds of various shapes and sizes found on top of this reef. Yet another reason never to touch anything underwater. Fire dartfish Latticed sandperch Lined bristletooth- Fun fact for the day... these fish eat other fishes poop. Saber squirrelfish Longnose butterflyfish And finally here's your clownfish, this one is an orangefin clownfish.