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Youth on fishing: Why is it important to learn how to fish?
With increased efforts to get the CNMI’s youth hooked on fishing, Saipan Tribune asked future fishermen—members of the Youth Fishing Club of the Saipan Fishermen’s Association—why learning how to fish is important.
“I love fishing and I want to learn more. I want to use the skills that I learn to improve and to keep our marine environment clean.”
—Terrance Changar, 16, Saipan Southern High School
Changar
“If I learn, then I can start going fishing and support my family when they need food and stuff in the future.”
—Austin McKinnon, 17, Saipan Southern High School
McKinnon
“I want to know about what’s out there in the water and how to save the animals and prevent pollution. It is good to spread awareness of nature so we could also teach other people how to fish also and stop pollution.”
—Dhan Robles, 16, Marianas High School
Robles
“It is especially good to teach young students that the ocean was our ancestors’ main source of food. Fishing is currently a dying [activity] in the Marianas, and I think it is really important that the younger generations get a better chance to experience this.”
—Joseph Cabrera, 18, Saipan Southern High School
Cabrera
“I feel, like, when people think about fishing, they think of guys fishing, not girls. So, I feel like girls should get that girl power thing that not a lot of people think that they should be passionate about.”
—Bernicia Sablan, 17, Saipan Southern High School
Sablan
“I think fishing is important because it’s a natural resource, and because the youth can rely on it. It is an important part of our culture here on the islands.”
—Alvaughnna Pua, 17, Da’ok Academy
Pua
“Fishing is a useful technique for us, and also a part of our culture. We have been fishing for a long time. It can help a lot of people with many things, not only for providing for their family, but if they want to find different ways of getting off things that they’re not supposed to be on.”
—Jovanavin Dela Cruz, 18, Da’ok Academy
Dela Cruz
