About 3,800 shipwreck sites are scattered throughout Asia Pacific waters, said Bill Jeffrey, a University of Guam anthropology assistant professor.

These remnants of World War II are studied via maritime archaeology efforts, Jeffrey said on Sunday at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center. The Pacific region shipwreck sites are primarily concentrated around Guam and Chuuk.

Maritime archaeology is the study of maritime-related material remains, he said, and the remains can often serve as underwater museums and be reflective of a region's cultural heritage.

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In Yap, this can be seen in the abundance of fish weirs, or fish traps. There are 432 recorded fish weirs in Yap, Jeffrey said.

"It reflects a cultural identity of Yap," he said. "Underwater cultural heritage is all around us."

Exploration of maritime cultural heritage on Guam is supported by the Guam Maritime Archaeology Field School, with the University of Guam.

"We're going to Chuuk next month, to do what we've started here in Guam," Jeffrey said. "Chuuk is regarded as one of the best shipwreck sites."

Underwater cultural heritage can also help in sustainable development around the world, particularly in the island regions, Jeffrey said. Yap's fish weirs are an example of a sustainable fishing practice that can be reinvigorated in the modern day in similar regions.

"We're not just studying shipwrecks, we're studying the region, we're studying all the different parts that make up the landscape, that give rise to the maritime cultural identity in Micronesia," Jeffrey said.

Science Sunday is hosted for free at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center every third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m.

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