Discover Aquaponics in Guam: Cultivating Sustainable Agriculture and Exploring Cannabis Potential

The Homegrown Collective hosted a groundbreaking event called Cultivate: The Island Elevation on July 12 at Hotel Nikko in Guam. This was the island’s first cannabis-themed trade show and concert. It kicked off with a free symposium and vendor marketplace, followed by an evening of live music and performances from popular artists.

At the symposium, David Crisostomo, an aquaculture expert from the University of Guam’s Sea Grant program, discussed innovative solutions for local challenges, including cannabis cultivation through aquaponics. He emphasized that Guam currently imports 80% to 90% of its food, leaving it vulnerable to crises like storms or pandemics. This reliance is a stark contrast to the island’s history during World War II when it was more self-sufficient.

Crisostomo highlighted the importance of aquaponics in promoting food security. “We started this program to help the island become more self-reliant,” he said. His aquaponics approach integrates fish and plants, creating a sustainable system. Since 2021, they’ve progressed from fish-only systems to more complex setups that include vertical designs and compact units for small spaces.

The core Community Backyard Aquaponic System, or C-BAS, allows participants to build and maintain their aquaponics setups. Crisostomo explained, “It takes time and patience for these systems to grow and become sustainable.”

Still, challenges exist. Power outages can devastate fish stocks, so the team is exploring solar-powered backup pumps and better filtration systems. Nutrient levels also vary; for instance, growing lettuce requires fewer nitrates than basil. This variability highlights the need for tailored approaches in aquaponics.

When it comes to cannabis, Crisostomo noted a gap in research. “There’s a lot known about hydroponic cannabis, but not enough on aquaponics,” he stated. He remains hopeful that the University of Guam will pursue this research now that federal funding is available, as it could lead to exciting new developments.

The message from Crisostomo is clear: the community should continue to innovate. The goal is to foster a resilient and self-sufficient food system, which could even include new crops like cannabis.

Recent studies show that sustainable practices, like aquaponics, could not only help local food security but also reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transport. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, aquaponics can yield up to 11 times more food per square foot than traditional farming methods. This growth aligns with global trends that emphasize sustainability and self-sufficiency.

As the community embraces initiatives like these, Guam may be on the brink of a new era of food resilience and innovation.

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