What is it?  The Guam Marine Awareness Foundation, a private non-profit corporation founded in 1998, the GMAF is dedicated to the preservation of Guam’s marine environment. The GMAF primary objectives are educating Guam’s youth about the importance of ocean appreciation, public awareness of our surrounding oceans, and reef conservation programs.

How did it get started?  During a discussion over the effects of typhoons and debris on our reefs between the individuals who are now the directors, it was a decided to form the foundation.  The reason was simple: Guam has been very good to us and it's time we give something back to he reefs.

Where does it get its funding? The foundation's funding comes directly from private donations, scuba swap meets, Guam civic groups and PADI Project Aware. Currently, the majority of its funding comes from its corporate sponsor (MDA) "Divers Night" events.

Teachers: Go here for information on Project Aware.

What activities does the foundation organize or sponsor? The GMAF is an extremely pro-active organization and sponsors many activities, programs and events, including:  

--GMAF Kids Camp and Seal Team "get started programs. These programs combine both reef awareness and snorkeling and scuba programs.  More info can be found here.

--GMAF Awareness Program for Divers. This program is designed to make divers aware of their impact on the reef, and to increase their interest in the fragility of the waters around Guam.  The foundation, working with numerous local dive instructors, offers very low cost  PADI Peak Buoyancy and Underwater Naturalist courses.  To improve your diving skills at a very reduced cost go here!

"Be aware of your body and equipment placement when diving. Keep your gauges and alternate air source secured so they don’t drag over the reef or bottom. Control your buoyancy, taking care not to touch fragile organisms with your body or equipment."   PADI Project Aware Website

-- "Reef Relief" cleanup program.   These cleanups focus on the rivers, bays, and run off areas that have high concentrations of man-made debris and litter.  There have been over 50 reef cleanup events, and these efforts have resulted in over 5 tons of debris being removed from the Guam’s reefs and associated shorelines. The foundation provides all bags, gloves, airfills,  and boats.   For more information and pictures go here.

 

--Mooring Buoy Replacement Program. The foundation is providing resources for the re-installation dive site moorings as part of the Guam Department of Agriculture Mooring Buoy program.  In association with many local Guam divers and other dive businesses, to date (09/2006) we have replaced over 40 buoys.

--Beginning with snorkeling and going all the way through scuba diving education, the Guam Marine Awareness Foundation strives to give students the skills necessary to participate in underwater education activities.

 

We want you to be part of the foundation. Become a member of the GMAF and we'll give you a foundation t-shirt, extremely low cost use of scuba gear and/or snorkeling gear on any foundation cleanup events, and special recognition at divers events.

What does it cost to join?  Any donation of $12 or more.  All donations are tax deductible.