Kelaguen is a popular Chamorro food prepared by mixing meat with lemon, onions, hot peppers, and grated coconut. Unfortunately, kelaguen is one of the leading causes of foodborne illness on Guam because of improper handling practices, especially the practice of serving kelaguen without temperature control over a long period of time. This study determined the pH and acidity as well as the minimum amount of lemon juice and powder needed for kelaguen to be served safely without time and temperature control. A food not requiring temperature control for safety (non-TCS food) requires a pH below 4.2, as defined by the FDA/USDA. Seventeen kelaguen sampled from vendors and individuals on Guam exhibited an average pH of 4.5 for beef, 4.7 for chicken, 4.8 for fish, and 4.9 for shrimp. The estimated pH(s) of kelaguen from 26 recipes were 5.1 for beef, 5.4 for chicken, 4.8 for fish, and 5.8 for shrimp. The pH analysis of kelaguen confirmed that traditional kelaguen was a food requiring temperature control for safety. To prepare non-TCS kelaguen with a pH below 4.2, the minimum amount of lemon juice needed was 19% for beef, 22% for chicken, 21% for fish, and 25% for shrimp. The minimum amount of lemon powder needed for non-TCS kelaguen was 3.2% for beef, 3.0% for chicken, 3.4% for fish, and 3.6% for shrimp. We classified traditional kelaguen as low acid kelaguen when 0-15% lemon was added, and high acid kelaguen when 16-25% lemon was added. The high rate of foodborne illness on Guam may be attributed to low acid kelaguen because low acid kelaguen has a pH above 4.6. To enable consumers to prepare non-TCS kelaguen, which can be safely stored and/or served at parties or fiestas without temperature control, we provide practical recommendations on the minimum required amount of lemon, based on cups of lemon juice, teaspoons of lemon powder, and pounds or cups of kelaguen.

 

The Micronesian fauna of the genus Homoneura (Diptera: Lauxaniidae), comprising 18 species, is presented. Seven new species, H. bibaculigera, carolinensis, denticulimentula, longisetosa, notabilis, palauensis and prisca, are described, and six Oriental, one Polynesian and one Australian species are recorded for the first time. A key to the species is given.

A one-year survey of the species richness of birds at a study site in an Important Bird Area (IBA) in Ngaremlengui, Palau, found 38 species of birds including 30 resident species and 8 migratory species. Eight of the 30 resident species are not previously reported from the IBA. The survey results represent a comparatively rich and noteworthy diversity for a locality on Babeldaob Island in Palau. Field observations describe nesting and feeding behaviors as well as local range extensions including the first record of the endemic Giant White-eye (Megazosterops palauensis) on Babeldaob Island.

The invasive plant ivy gourd Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt (Cucurbitaceae) first appeared on Guam in the 1980s and subsequently spread to about 200 ha in the absence of natural enemies. Following its successful introduction as a biological control agent in Hawaii, the weevil Acythopeus cocciniae O’Brien and Pakaluk (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) was brought to Guam under quarantine for host specificity testing against the endemic cucurbit, Zehneria guamensis (Merrill) Fosberg (Cucurbitaceae) and for further biological characterization. A. cocciniae preferred C. grandis over Z. guamensis in single- and two-host choice tests. No larval feeding was ever observed on Z. guamensis plants in two-host tests, and the single instance of A. cocciniae feeding on Z. guamensis in single-host tests was likely to avoid starvation. In 2004, A. cocciniae at the initial field release site in northern Guam dispersed primarily downwind in accordance to the prevailing northeasterly trade winds. However, only a single vine with a few adult weevils, larvae, and pupae were found at this site four years later in January 2008. This decrease was attributed to suppression by A. cocciniae. Since its initial release in 2004 A. cocciniae has established and dispersed throughout Guam.

 

Several sampling methods were used to survey for potential pollinators of the critically endangered Cycas micronesica in different forest communities on the islands of Guam and Rota. The most common insects found depended on the method. From direct observations, Anatrachyntis sp. (Lepidoptera: Cosmopterygidae) larvae and adults were observed only on male cones. Adult Carpophilus sp. beetles (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) were common on male cones and were occasionally observed on female cones. In bag traps over cones, adult Anatrachyntis were consistently trapped and were very abundant on both sexes, and other insects were rarely observed. Sticky collars around cones captured the highest diversity of taxa, mostly Diptera, Hymenoptera and Coleoptera comprising several families within each order, as well as Anatrachyntis adults. Two species within the family Phoridae were the most common Diptera and ants were the most common Hymenoptera. The most common Coleoptera were Staphylinidae and Nitidulidae. Similar taxa were trapped on both sexes and from four different habitats on Guam. On female cone sticky traps, ~30% of the pollen grains were associated with Anatrachyntis moths or moth scales and less than 5% with other insects; however, over 60% of the pollen was not associated with any insect, suggesting some pollen is wind dispersed. On Rota, 60 km northwest of Guam, Anatrachyntis moths and Carpophilus beetles were found on cones. In sum, the results suggest both wind and insects as pollen vectors, with Anatrachyntis moths the most likely insect vector and, secondarily, nitidulid beetles. To date, no other Lepidoptera has been implicated as a pollinator of any cycad species.

Very small, cryptic specimens of a new species of sea anemone attach to shells of living gastropods that burrow in subtidal sand on the shores of Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands. We have found members of the new species, which we describe as Neoaiptasia morbilla, on the shells of eight species of snails that belong to five families. We modify slightly the definition of the genus Neoaiptasia (family Aiptasiidae) to accommodate this species. Neoaiptasia morbilla n. sp. is most easily distinguished when alive by its pale column with minute red spots and symbiosis with a living gastropod. In preservation, it is distinguished by its lack of cinclides, relatively weak musculature, bumps on its column, which is not divided into regions, and details of its cnidae. Specimens of N. morbilla n. sp. resemble those of Paraiptasia radiata in being symbiotic with snails and living in east Asia, but specimens of P. radiata are larger, have prominent longitudinal stripes, and have a column divided into scapus and scapulus. The animal now known as P. radiata was originally described as Actinia radiata, a name that has been applied to two species of sea anemones from eastern Asia.

Fifty-two specimens of the small sea anemone Neoaiptasia morbilla Fautin and Goodwill, 2009, were collected attached to shells of gastropods living in shallow subtidal sand on Saipan and Tinian, Mariana Islands, in 1988 and from 2003 through 2007. The anemones were associated with gastropods of eight species belonging to five families. Relative abundance of gastropods in an area where the anemones occurred was the same as the relative abundance of gastropods to which anemones were attached, from which we conclude that the anemones had no preference among the species of gastropods. A gastropod typically carried one to two anemones, but a few with three and four were collected. The anemone was generally located antero-dorsally on cerithiids and terebrids, postero-dorsally on cones, and in an intermediate position on strombids. The position on the shell minimizes the distance between anemone and substrate surface.

An official checklist of the endemic plant species of Palau has been long awaited, and is presented here for the first time. For each species a substrate limitation, growth form, and relative abundance is listed. In addition an IUCN red list assessment was conducted using all available data. For over half of the endemic species there is insufficient data to provide a red listing status however an expected minimum number of threatened plants out of the total is inferred. Approximately 15% of Palau’s endemic plants are believed to be only known from the type collection and many more only known from a few collections. These taxa however may now be prioritized and targeted for future inventory and research. The taxonomic robustness of several of these taxa is questionable and it is expected that more endemic species will be lost to synonymy in the future. Previous estimations have significantly over-estimated the rate of plant endemism in Palau (e.g., 194). Here, 130 plants are recognized for Palau, making its level of plant endemism comparable to some of its neighboring Micronesian islands to the east, notably Guam and Pohnpei. Several species are known to be restricted to isolated disjunct populations however the causes for their rarity are poorly known and have never been intensively studied. Palau although notable for its high percentage of remaining primary forest compared to other oceanic islands faces increasing threat from development making these small populations highly vulnerable. Nothing is known about how these rare species will respond to the imminent threat of climate change. There is no current legislation protecting specific plant species as their rarity has never been systematically quantified. This paper represents a step towards plant conservation in Micronesia and it aims to stimulate further studies to address the data deficiencies documented here.

Comments on Dalebout et al. (2008) “DNA Identification and the impact of illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing on rare whales in Micronesian waters.” Micronesica 40: 139-147.
 

In a recent paper, Dalebout et al. (2008) reported the molecular detection of a rare ginkgo-toothed beaked whale (Mesoplodon ginkgodens) after it was discovered onboard a Taiwanese-registered longlining vessel (docked in Guam) by the US Coast Guard during a routine inspection. They labeled this vessel ‘illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU)’. Their work clearly showed how molecular techniques can used in identification of difficult-to-identify species; however, their claim that the vessel was IUU needs to be revisited. To be clear, I fully support any and much increased monitoring and enforcement globally of fishing vessel operations. However, mislabeling of vessels as IUU can have a negative outcome as it can detract attention from areas where improvements in management are required. In this case, the claim that this vessel was IUU probably misdirected focus to the Taiwanese vessel and Taiwan (as the flagging nation) as lawless exploiters of another nation’s resources (in this case that of the Federal States of Micronesia - FSM). However, more attention should have been given to the regulations and laws of FSM and the conditions on the fishing permit that was issued to this (and possibly other) foreign vessels.
 

Based on the information that was provided in Dalebout et al. (2008), the Taiwanese-registered vessel was fishing with a valid permit within the FSM and did not violate FSM law when it caught and retained the juvenile ginkgo-toothed beaked whale. Furthermore, no information was provided as to whether or not the practice of shark-finning (although unethical to many) was illegal in the waters of the FSM. If so, this information should have been presented, along with the discovery of shark fins onboard, as evidence of illegal activities. As present- ed, the only certain illegal activity was the ‘importation’ of the whale carcass into US territory when the vessel carrying the whale entered Guam. Whether this was an intentional gamble by the captain (hoping to escaping discovery by local inspection agents) or an accidental oversight will never be known. If the captain actually succeeded in accomplishing his stated intentions (i.e., bringing the carcass back to sell in Taipei), he would have done so illegally under Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Act. However, with inadequate inspections, minimal consequences and loop-holes (e.g., the penalty for those found in possession of cetacean parts have been confiscation of the parts, unless there is evidence that they had killed the animals or were selling the parts; this often results in increased trade to compensate for the loss), this legislation clearly has not stopped the trade of cetacean meat in Taiwan (and still at the same ports and markets as they did before the law was enacted) but rather has pushed the trade ‘underground’ where it is less visible to enforcement.

If the Taiwanese-registered vessel did not violate their FSM permit or break any local fishing laws, then at least part of the responsibility has to lie with the FSM government to pass legislation to better protect their resources. Attention to this matter is required and would empower the people of FSM to take responsibility and control of their own resources. Attention should also be placed on amendments to Taiwan’s Wildlife Conservation Act to eliminate loop-holes that presently exist and increase the consequences for Taiwanese citizens who violate this law anywhere in the world (the Wildlife Conservation Act does not appear to apply to Taiwanese citizens outside Taiwanese jurisdiction).

Finally, the ginkgo-toothed beaked whale reported in Dalebout et al. (2008) should not be taken as the first record of the species in Micronesian waters. Taiwanese vessels fish waters throughout the world. Because there are great consequences for killing marine mammals within certain territorial waters (e.g., US) and less to none in others (e.g., Federal States of Micronesia), there is an obvious incentive for captains to provide statements that would result in the least negative outcome and the least amount of information about other activities (e.g., possible trade) that are occurring at sea. Therefore, the actual origin of this whale has to be considered unknown and should not be considered a record for the waters of the FSM.

Traditional healers and modern manufacturers both recommend noni (Morinda citrifolia) fruits and leaves for good health. We determined antioxidant capacity, total phenols, and ascorbic-acid content of noni fruits and leaves in various stages of maturity. Submature white hard noni fruits had ORAC values of 1880 mmol Trolox, VCEAC of 188-199 mg, total phenols of 285 mg gallic acid, and ascorbic acid of 224 mg per 100 g. Their antioxidant capacity was 1.2–2.2 times, their total phenols 1.5 times, and their ascorbic acid content 7.0 times those of immature green noni fruits, and were 1.1–1.5, 1.3, and 1.3 times greater than those of ripe fruits. Young, medium, and old noni leaves exhibited ORAC values of 671–731 µmol Trolox, VCEAC of 7.2-35.2 mg, and total phenols of 14.6–16.0 mg gallic acid per gram dry weight. Mature noni fruit and noni leaves are therefore good sources of dietary antioxidants.

Traditional food and its supporting agricultural and agroforestry systems still play a large part in people’s daily lives in Federated Sates of Micronesia (FSM). To date, however, there are few publications on details of these systems in the country. On Kosrae Island, the easternmost island of FSM, one type of agroforestry has been practiced for centuries in coastal freshwater wetlands, with Terminalia carolinensis as a dominant overstory species and swamp taro (Cyrtosperma chamissonis) as a main agricultural crop. We conducted a survey to obtain baseline information on this wetland-based agroforestry system. Fifty-six households were randomly selected from the four municipalities and interviewed about their agricultural parcels, crop species and varieties, and management practices pertinent to T. carolinensis.

Agroforestry parcels with T. carolinensis averaged 0.8 ha, with most located outside the wettest areas. A total of 21 agricultural species and 40 varieties were reported by interviewees who owned such parcels, underscoring the importance of traditional agroforestry in conserving various landraces of primary and secondary crops. Over 70% of the species recorded were found in all municipalities and all vegetation types, implying uniform spatial distribution of agricultural plants, ensuring food security. T. carolinensis trees in parcels are mostly of natural origin and are allowed to regenerate, but no interviewees seemed to be cognizant of its regeneration pattern or average life span. Although no consensus was obtained on the trend of T. carolinensis population on the island, 70% favored establishment of conservation measures for this tree. Further work on this unique system is highly recommended.

A new species of hippolytid shrimp, Lysmata guamensis n. sp., is described based on a single specimen collected in the shallow waters of Guam, the largest island of the Mariana Archipelago in the tropical western Pacific Ocean. The new species differs from all the other species of Lysmata by the presence of only two teeth on the mid-dorsal line of the carapace, one of which is posterior to the orbital margin. It also has unusually slender, elongate walking legs. An annotated table of all presently known species of Lysmata is provided.

Fifty one adults of nine species of Odonata were collected by the author on Ulithi Atoll, Fais Island, and Woleai Atoll, Micronesia, between December 2007 and December 2009. Together with a previously Yap and Ulithi, they include 13 first island records and three easternmost records for the Caroline Islands. Breeding on one or more of the islands is confirmed for seven species. Five of the nine species (Anax guttatus (Burmeister), Diplacodes bipunctata (Brauer), Pantala flavescens (Fabri- cius), Tholymis tillarga (Fabricius), and Tramea transmarina Brauer) are widespread throughout Micronesia and are the species most likely to be encountered on the smallest and most remote islands, often with very limited available water.

Parties (feast days) have become increasingly frequent and abundant, in terms of food, on the island of Guam.  Considering the potential impact of this frequency and abundance on food intake, this study compared food intake during feast days and non-feast days of women in Guam (25 Chamorros; 24 Filipinas).  The women (≥ 40 yr) recalled foods they usually consumed during feast days.  Subsequently, a 24-hour dietary recall for a non-feast day was completed by a subsample (n=25).  Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured to assess obesity status.  Statistical analyses (paired t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square test) were performed with SPSS.  Compared to a non-feast day, the women reported higher intakes of dietary energy (2645.0 ± 1125.8 versus 1654.0 ± 718.8 kcal/day), carbohydrates (43.8 ± 11.5% versus 51.8 ± 10.2% of kcal), total fat (34.1 ± 7.8% versus 27.5 ± 9.6% of kcal), saturated fat (11.4 ± 4.7% versus 7.9 ± 3.4% of kcal), and sugar (89.5 ± 62.8 versus 47.3 ± 42.2 g/day) on feast days.  Chamorros, compared to Filipinas, reported higher dietary energy density (1.7 ± 0.4 versus 1.4 ± 0.3 kcal/g), total fat (35.3 ± 8.9% versus 30.7 ± 6.8% of kcal), and saturated fat (12.4 ± 4.9% versus 9.4 ± 3.3% of kcal); and lower servings of fruit (0.5 ± 1.0 versus 2.7 ± 1.8) on feast days. Fourteen Chamorros (56.0%) and one Filipina (4.1%) were classified as obese.  Current feasting behaviors of women in Guam may contribute to obesity if continued for a long period.  The women would benefit by choosing more fruit and vegetable dishes in place of high-energy dishes.  Chamorro women would particularly benefit by reducing saturated fat intake.  Traditional foods, such as taro, breadfruit, seafood, fruits, and vegetables, would help accomplish this and thus should be promoted at parties on Guam.

Collected for food for over 3,000 years by the indigenous Samoan people, marine gastropods in American Samoa have never been collected and cataloged for science. This study documents 385 marine gastropods from 50 families occurring in the U.S. territory of American Samoa. Ten of these are listed by genus only and one by family. The number of gastropods currently reported is likely significantly underestimated and a conservative estimate of the richness yet to be discovered.

Approximately 21 terrestrial snail species are endemic to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The only extensive surveys for terrestrial snails on the island were carried out by Y. Kondo in 1936. Subsequently, forests have been destroyed and non-native predators have taken their toll on the gastropod fauna, and its current status is unknown. The present study focused on Partula guamensis and P. emersoni, two of approximately 120 species in the family Partulidae dispersed across the tropical Pacific Islands. Over 40 different localities on Pohnpei were extensively searched between August 2005 and May 2006 and between May and July 2008 to assess the status of the two Partula species. The habitats searched were mixed agro-forest, disturbed forest, rain forest and cloud forest, ranging from sea level to the highest peaks and ridges on the island. No living partulid snails were found, and the only shells collected, those of Partula guamensis, were old and eroded. The absence of living partulid snails, once apparently very abundant, is a warning of the possible extinction of the entire terrestrial snail fauna of Pohnpei.

Invasive plants are introduced, nonnative species that thrive and spread spontaneously in areas beyond their natural range. They are characteristically adaptable and aggressive and have high reproductive capacity. Their vigor, combined with escape from their natural enemies, often leads to extensive outbreak populations. The many invasive species on Guam constitute a growing problem. A survey of invasive plants in five habitat types across the 20 municipalities of Guam identified the 20 most widespread: Bidens alba, Panicum maximum, Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, Antigonon leptopus, Paspalum paniculatum, Miscanthus floridulus, Euphorbia heterophylla, Chromolaena odorata, Mikania micrantha, Chamaesyce hirta, Synedrella nodiflora, Mimosa pudica, Leucaena leucocephala, Pennisetum polystachion, Euphorbia cyathophora, Sida rhombifolia, Chrysopogon aciculatus, Momordica charantia, Chamaesyce hypericifolia and Chloris barbata. At present, the best option for managing them could require more work on the possibility of biological control and may be to adopt preventive and mechanical control methods.