According to a press release from the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei State on March 19, 2024,

North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation, represented by General Manager Westcott Panuelo, delivered a compelling business presentation at the Office of Fisheries and Aquaculture (OFA) conference room to Governor Joseph and key stakeholders.

The presentation outlined the corporation’s proactive approach to address concerns regarding foreign exploitation of local natural resources, particularly sea cucumbers, with minimal benefits to local communities and environmental sustainability.

Mr. Panuelo highlighted the increasing demand for sea cucumbers in China and emphasized the historical significance of these marine creatures as a traded commodity in our region, known as beche-de-mer.

The proposed business strategy entails a two-phase approach. The first phase focuses on infrastructure setup, collaboration with COM Land Grant for hatchery support, and community training. The second phase involves expansion and enhancement, with projections of creating over 200 job opportunities.

Acknowledging the importance of government support, Mr. Panuelo stressed the need for regulatory amendments to ensure adherence to best practices and practicality. The corporation plans to establish 50 sea cucumber farms, with 30 located within local communities, offering them a chance to participate in and profit from aquaculture activities.

Furthermore, Mr. Panuelo outlined plans to eventually allow community members to purchase shares in the corporation, fostering local ownership and involvement in the enterprise.

Governor Joseph praised the vision presented by North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation, aligning with his administration’s goals of addressing food security, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and promoting sustainable practices within local communities.

Expressing his excitement for the partnership, Governor Joseph assured Mr. Panuelo and his team, including Mr. Aspen Apis and Enlet Enlet Jr., of the full support and cooperation of the Pohnpei State Government in realizing this ambitious and beneficial initiative.

Also present during the presentation were: Mr. Stanely Lorrenij Executive Director of COM Land Grant, Mr. Clayton Hedson, Acting Administrator of OFA, Mr. Eugene Eperiam, Acting Director of the Department of Resources and Development, Mr. Jorg Anson – Nominee for the position of OFA Administrator and Mr. Mark Kostka – Nominee for the position of Director of the Department of Resources and Development.

News feature source: Press release Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State

Pictured from left to Right from far-left corner: Mr. Westcott Panuelo Mr. Stanley Lorennij , Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor, Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Mark Kostaka, Mr. Aspen Apis and Enlet Enlet Jr at Pohnpei State Office of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Conference Hall in Pohnpei, March 19, 2024(Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

A view during the presentation on Sustainable Sea cucumber Aquaculture done by Mr. Westcott Panuelo, North Pacific Aqua Trading Corporation to the group at the Pohnpie State Office of the Fisheries and Aquaculture in Pohnpei on March 19, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

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According to a press release from the Office of the Governor of Pohnpei State on March 13, 2024,

Local entrepreneurs Mr. Westcott Panuelo, Mr. Aspen Apis, and Mr. Enlet Enlet Jr. paid a courtesy visit to Governor Joseph to introduce their innovative business venture, North Pacific Aqua Trading. The trio shared their vision of establishing a sustainable enterprise centered around the sale of sea cucumbers, harnessing the rich natural resources of our ocean.

North Pacific Aqua Trading aims to leverage the support of COM Land Grants Nursery and technical expertise on sea cucumbers to create a thriving business that aligns with environmental sustainability. The entrepreneurs expressed their commitment to responsible resource utilization and their desire to contribute positively to the local economy.

During the meeting, the entrepreneurs requested a follow-up session to elaborate further on their business concept and discuss potential collaborations with the Pohnpei State Government. Governor Joseph congratulated the trio for their entrepreneurial spirit, commended their dedication to sustainability, and assured them of his full support.

Governor Joseph shared insights from a prior meeting with COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorrenij, who hinted at exciting project collaborations on the horizon. The Governor supported the idea of key personnel from the Pohnpei State Government joining the entrepreneurs’ presentation to foster collaboration and enhance the success of North Pacific Aqua Trading.

This promising initiative exemplifies Pohnpei State’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible business practices. As the entrepreneurs prepare for the follow-up meeting, anticipation grows for North Pacific Aqua Trading’s potential positive impact on the local economy and environment.

News feature source: Press release Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State

Pictured from left to Right: Mr. Aspen Apis, Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor, Pohnpei State Government, Mr. Westcott Panuelo and Mr. Enlet Enlet Jr at Governor’s office in Pohnpei, March 13, 2024, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

A view of the meeting between Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph and the North Pacific Aqua Trading Group team at the Governor’s office in Pohnpei on March 13, 2024 ( Picture credit Office of the Governor, Pohnpei State)

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Dr. Anne McDonald, Director of Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan, met with COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorennij and made a courtesy call to him. Dr. McDonald and Researcher Dr. Iain Hall are in Pohnpei as consultants for the GCF Grant for the FSM Government and Pohnpei State.

During the discussions, Dr. Anne McDonald briefed Executive Director Stanley Lorennij on her roles and responsibilities at the Island Sustainability Institute. She also provided updates on the different programs and projects conducted at the Institute and the potential for collaborative efforts between COM partner colleges and Sophia University regarding Students enrolling in a fully funded Master’s program in Environmental Sciences there. Dr. McDonald was particularly interested in the COM Aquaculture Program, especially the Sea cucumber project, and explained her efforts in the conservation of sea cucumbers while working in Japan. She will explore possibilities of student and research staff exchanges between Sophia University and the COM system. Dr. Iain Hall, a visiting researcher at the Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, and Dr. Manoj Nair, in charge of aquaculture at the COM Central Office, also participated in the meeting.

Pictured from left to Right: Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant, Dr. Iain Hall, Visiting Researcher, Island Sustainability Institute, Dr. Anne McDonald, Director, Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan at COM Central Office in Pohnpei March 13, 2024, 2024

Pictured from left to Right: Doman Daoas, CFO, COM Land Grant; Ricardo Vera Cruz, Business Manager, COM Land Grant Program; Dr. Anne McDonald, Director, Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan; Dr. Iain Hall, Visiting Researcher, Island Sustainability Institute, Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan and Engly Ioanis, WSARE Coordinator, at COM Central Office in Pohnpei March 13, 2024

Pictured from left to Right: Grace Lorrin, Administrative Assistant COM Land Grant Central Office; Haraline Ramirez, Secretary for COM Land Grant Board of Regents; Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, Governor of Pohnpei State. Stanley Lorennij, Executive Director, COM Land Grant, Doman Daoas, CFO, COM Land Grant, and Ricardo Vera Cruz, Business Manager, COM Land Grant Program at the Governor’s office in Pohnpei February 27, 2024 ( Photo and news credit: Pohnpei State Public Information, Office of the Governor)

COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorennij did a courtesy call on Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph, the newly elected Governor of Pohnpei State. COM Land Grant Executive Director Stanley Lorennij extended congratulations to Governor Joseph and provided updates on the program and discussed potential collaborative efforts.

Hon. Stevenson A. Joseph expressed his thanks and gratitude for the of a close partnership with the College of Micronesia Land Grant and Pohnpei State Government to benefit the lives of the local population.

During the discussions, The Hon. Governor emphasized The Pohnpei Food Security Policy and the importance of engaging non-governmental organizations (NGOs), particularly at the grassroots and community levels. Governor Joseph cited successful examples of NGOs cultivating sea cucumber and rabbitfish, contributing to sustainable practices and economic development.

During the meeting, COM Land Grant Executive Director updated Hon Governor Joseph about the upcoming construction of a new office building for the College of Micronesia Land Grant, Hon. Governor Joseph expressed his full support for the proposed new office in Kolonia, Pohnpei