The Guam Marine Laboratory is a research unit of the University of Guam, the major institution of higher education within the geographic region of Micronesia. Functions of the Marine Laboratory include basic and applied research relevant to the development, conservation and regulation of the region's marine resources. In addition, the Marine Laboratory helps to develop the analytical capabilities of future leaders of the region. The University of Guam Marine Laboratory is uniquely situated near a variety of thriving coral reef habitat that are easily accessible by land and by small boats. It is located at Pago Bay, on the eastern coast of Guam and is presently housed in two main buildings. The laboratory currently has four small research boats and an 11.4-m research vessel for studies around Guam and nearby areas. A flowing seawater system allows the successful rearing and maintenance of marine organisms. The equipment provided in this award will enhance the laboratory's research capabilities for the study and documentation of microscopic and cellular phenomena. The microscope and dissecting scope will be employed in a wide variety of studies of biological events requiring substantial clear magnification. Such studies range from direct observation, particularly in studies of larval fish and invertebrates, to the demonstration, through the use of fluorescent anti-body techniques of specific metabolic capabilities of marine organisms. The low-temperature freezer will allow scientists to properly store cells and tissues to be used in examining molecular and cellular aspects of genetics such as the sequencing of mitochondrial DNA. The pure-water system will be of use in the many studies requiring reagents to be mixed at the laboratory.
