Yap Marine Resources Managers Receive Advanced Coral Reef Science Training at UC San Diego

Friday, November 06, 2026 /// DYCA PIO

Yap FM - Yap State marine resource managers are strengthening their technical expertise in coral reef monitoring and conservation through a partnership with OneReef Worldwide Stewardship and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego.

Last week, colleagues from the Yap State Government’s Marine Resources Management Division (MRMD) participated in hands-on training at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, focusing on model construction and ecological data extraction using coral reef photomosaic imagery.

The training introduced participants to advanced imaging technology that combines thousands of underwater photographs to produce highly detailed, three-dimensional representations of coral reef ecosystems. These tools allow scientists and resource managers to assess reef health, monitor ecological changes over time, and better understand how coral reefs respond to climate change and other environmental pressures.

The partnership reflects OneReef Worldwide Stewardship’s continued commitment to strengthening local expertise and supporting locally led ocean conservation efforts. By equipping Yap’s marine resource managers with advanced technical knowledge and practical skills, the initiative aims to improve the use of scientific data in informing conservation decisions and protecting the state’s marine resources.

Nicole Yamase, Director of Impact at OneReef Worldwide Stewardship, highlighted the continued collaboration with MRMD, building on an initial training held in September 2024.

“Chris Sullivan (Senior Program Manager, Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and I are proud to continue this partnership with MRMD, building on our first training in September 2024. We're excited to see the team create compelling visual representations of Yap's coral reefs for their communities, and support the broader conservation goals of the #micronesiachallenge,” Yamase said.

The collaboration also contributes to the broader goals of the Micronesia Challenge by strengthening the capacity of Pacific Island communities and government institutions to lead conservation initiatives through science, technology, and informed resource management.

Through continued partnerships and technical training, Yap is advancing its ability to monitor, understand, and protect its coral reef ecosystems for future generations.

The OneReef Worldwide Stewardship partnership acknowledged the expertise shared by Scripps Institution of Oceanography and recognized the leadership and commitment of Yap MRMD staff in advancing coral reef science and marine stewardship throughout Micronesia.

(For more information, please contact the Marine Resource Management Division at 350-2350)