Sella Bay

Sella Bay & Facpi Point – Summary Notes

Background

• Historically, the Umatac-Hagåtña road (Spanish era) connected key island centers; Sella (Sidya) was once a Spanish leper settlement.

• Site includes historical features (e.g., Taleyfac Spanish Bridge).

• Facpi Point is a registered U.S. National Natural Landmark (1935).

Habitat

• Savanna: Hilltop grassland.

• Ravine Forest: Pandanus, cycads (declining), coconut palms, orchids, ferns, mosses.

• Rivers: Support eels and shrimp (ocean-breeding).

• Introduced species: Philippine deer and pigs damage native plants but are hunted for food.

Geology

• Asmafines River dissolves limestone, flows over volcanic rock (partly underground).

• Facpi Formation: Guam’s oldest volcanic rock (basalt, exposed at Facpi Point).

• Stromatolites (cyanobacteria-built rock) can be found near Sella Bay overlook.

Environmental Issues

• Main problem: Erosion → mud runoff damages coral reefs and leaves land barren.

• Causes: Fires, poor construction, off-roading.

• Management: Ask how erosion is addressed in south Guam; consider improvements.