2-week summer course on marine resources

Saipan high school students are invited to attend a two-week summer course that aims to provide them an opportunity to learn first-hand of the fishing environment and industry currently established in the Commonwealth.

The 4th Annual Saipan High School Summer Course on Marine Fisheries and Resources will be held on July 11-22, 2011, Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 3: 30pm, at the Division of Fish and Wildlife conference room in Lower Base.

The summer course will feature guest lectures, class activities, hands-on presentations, and field trips. Students will learn about the biology and diversification of fish species common throughout CNMI’s water and the various fishing techniques commonly practice by local fishermen. Students will also learn about marine environment and the regulatory measures established to protect, develop and manage the resources.

Topics will include fish biology and fish habitat, coral reef, marine preserves/sanctuaries, fishery data and creel sampling, cultural and traditional fishing, fish cleaning and preparation, fisheries conservation and management, fisheries economics and marketing, fishing gear and techniques, fisheries research, fishery rules and regulations and statutes, marine debris, fishery enforcement program, seafood safety, stock assessment, and CPR and first aid certifications.

Students interested in participating in this course should submit their applications no later than July 8, 2011.

Students from neighboring islands must arrange own air transportation and accommodation. Students are responsible for their own lunch. Students must participate in all lessons/activities and be able to participate in future workshops as schedule permits. Students must be entering or finishing grades 10-12. Parental consent and waiver forms must be complete; registration is limited to 12-15 students.

This summer course is sponsored by the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council, a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce-NOAA.

For more information and to get an application form, contact Richard B. Seman at 664-6000 or Jack Ogumoro at the Department of Lands & Natural Resources in Lower Base, 3229830/34 or fax 322-2633, or email marfishmag@gmail.com. [B](PR)[/B]