Predicting and managing the future of onegeim l tketau (jellyfish lake), palau in a changing climateproject dates: 12 1 2023 through 11 30 2025AWARD purpose: to research the ecosystem dynamics of…

The University of Hawaii (UH) was awarded a $249,941.44 Cooperative Agreement from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) under the National and Regional Climate Adaptation Science Centers (CFDA 15.820) program. The purpose of this 2-year project is to research the ecosystem dynamics of Jellyfish Lake in Palau, a landlocked marine lake home to golden jellyfish, in the face of a changing climate. Key activities include monthly monitoring of the lake and two control lakes, development of a conditions assessment and forecast tool for managers, and creation of an invasive species educational outreach strategy. The University of Guam will serve as a sub-grantee, contributing to the research objectives.

Activities

Conduct monthly monitoring of OTM and two control jellyfish lakes that have a 23 yeardata record to date.deliverables and expected outcomes:1.develop a conditions assessment and forecast tool to inform managers and markets about jellyfish lakes condition and forecast.2.develop a comprehensive strategy for an invasive alien species educational outreach strategy to improve the resilience of the lake and its jellyfish population from threats.intended beneficiary(IES):this project will strengthen the existing partnerships among the researchers, users (e.g., tourists), local government leaders, traditional chiefs, and community members of OTM by creating an efficient mechanism that allows scientific data to support adaptive management policies.

Subrecipient activities

The university of hawaii will subaward to the university of guam (UOG) to execute the research objectives of this project. UOG has the following additional subaward partner(s) who will contribute to the accomplishment of project goals and objectives: coral reef research foundation.